Mediterranean Sea

Our fastest passage ever: 1062 miles in 8 days, from Bizerte Tunesia, Malta, Crete to Kekova Island in Turkey. The first day of the passage a strong east wind is against us but then the prevailing west winds take over and the snow covered mountains of South Crete appear already after a few days of sailing. good food keeps a sailor going a few visitors came for a good rest snow on the mountains in South Crete a first view of Turkey A beautifull anchorage in a hidden bay on Kekova island.

The journey from La Galite to Bizerte takes 10 hours so an early start: anchor up at 05.00 in order to arrive in the afternoon. The first morning light is visible at the horizon but the bay is still dark. A light westerly breeze pushes us so all sails fully out in goosewing while the sun rises, magnificent. Closer to Bizerte the wind speed increases. We sail quickly into the harbour on a beam reach, speed 8 knots.

It was the Italians who build houses and infrastructure on this beautifull, unspoiled island. They cultivated part of the land growing figs and vegetables. When Tunisia became independent they all left to France giving their houses back to nature. Some of these houses are now used by the National and the police and some fishermen. The rest is inhabitable. The path leads to the top of the mountain where once the Italians grew their vegetables.

Everything is prepared. All paperwork is done but the prediction does not seem favourable. Still I decide to leave Gibraltar now: my eldest son gets married and the flight to the wedding is booked from Tunisia.So far so good. Our first passage on the Mediterranean sea starts with a little breeze from the East so the course past Europa point is set in the direction of Malaga. Then a tack in the direction of Marocco to cross the busy shipping lane.