Sabbaticus Travel Log: Sardinia to Palermo, Sicily

Entry to Palermo Marina

This passage of 215NM from Sardinia to Sicily started out perfectly with good wind and relatively flat seas - we should have realised this was too good to be true for the entire trip. The wind then started to build and increased to gusts of 35kts (not forecasted) on the nose! Not comfortable at all and required us to put up the storm sail with the main reefed for the next 24hrs. Needlessly to say this was the hardest passage since we left Gib and our friend, the chucka bucket, was put to good use again. On arrival Leanne had to 'negotiate' via sign language for a berth as there was none to be had (all the advertised 24hrs marina staff appeared to be at siesta or would not answer radio or phone - not unusual ). Ultimately we put the boat in an impossibly tight berth stern to - just what you need at the end of an exhausting two day passage.

Siesta for all locals...

We enjoyed three days in Palermo on the west coast of Sicily (the largest island in the Med). Sicily has a population of five million; Palermo is approx 650,000 and is considered to be the most conquered city in the world. With history dating back to the 8th century and numerous museum's, palaces, castles and church's the sheer quantity, size and detail of the architecture was impressive. During WWII Palermo suffered heavy bombing which is still evident today in the buildings. The scenery is breathtaking with rugged hills, centuries of history, culture and a foodies delight with fresh pasta, olives, salami's and copious choice of quality red wine - making Sicily an enchanting place to visit. Although we didn't see any Mafia they remain a predominant influence in the city and the whole of Sicily.

In the Messina Straits - still no fish!

An easy landmark to spot

Our next passage was across the top of Sicily and down through the Straits of Messina which separates Sicily from mainland Italy and is only 1.5miles wide at the northern end with an impressive radio tower that dwarfed the lighthouse. During this short passage of 130Nm we went to anchor for several hours during the night to wait for the wind which increased as forecasted to gusts of 40kts - thankfully the wind was behind us so a lot more comfortable angle of sail.

We then spent a couple of days anchored in Cape Taormina with stunning scenery all around us with Mt Etna making a breathtaking view each morning. Mt Etna, at 3,329mtrs, rises majestically above the Cape and is the most active volcano in Europe. Thankfully we did not see any activity during our stopover!