We broke no speed records sailing from Tunisia to Malta but we did have a cracking sail. 272 miles in 40 hours and we only put the engine on the last 10 min to anchor safely at Gozo. Having paid 68 pence a liter for fuel in Tunisia we arrived with full fuel tanks and a huge beam on our faces from some lovely sunrises, gentle breezes and fabulous sailing.
After a very pleasant check in process on Gozo we went to anchor at Dwejra – a very protected anchorage bounded by high cliffs and crystal clear water. We woke up the following morning to find we had the place to ourselves – magical, and time for an early morning dip.
Diving with enthusiasm from the boat, with no point in wearing anything - it felt fantastic, that was until I came face to face with a heap of jelly fish, – fortunately they were a few meters down but enough to deter a second leap off the side! .
John was keen to show me Valetta( The main city on Malta), and knowing that there was an excellent chandlery and a sheltered mooring waiting for us, when rather spicy weather was due, we decided that heading to the capital of Malta was a sound plan.
Entering Grand Habour is spectacular with years of history emanating from the surroundings – its like a film set with fortification, gun emplacements and forts galore, – what a privilege to be able to motor in here.
Since visiting Tunisia I had down loaded “An Army at Dawn, The war in North Africa”, which walks you through the ups an downs of the 1942-1943 North African Campaign. With some horrific blunders, needless loss of life, stories of heroism, characters, luck and skill, I found it an interesting read having just sailed passed, or actually dropping into the places mentioned. It was now even more fascinating because after Tunisia was sorted a major campaign was launched from Malta to take Siciily and move up northern Italy.
We anchored off Manoel isand and were like kids in a sweaty shop due to a fabuloulsy well stocked chandlery only 100 meters down the road. After a new accumulator tanks was installed and an appropriate stash of spare parts acquired we took the day off to do the tourist things.
We were lucky enough to get a guided tour of the war rooms – the underground command centre where Eisehower coordinated the Italian campaign. Mike the guide brought day to day operations to life – and we both found it fascinating.
I always find Sharing experiences with like minded folk always enhances the enjoyment you get form doing things. In Malta were lucky enough to catch up with Dee and Tony – Kiwi sailors that we met in Tunisia, along with another couple – Scott and Lyndia. We ventured to the centre of Valletta togethre and shared a few sundowners – a precursor to diving the next day to retreive Tonys very exeniseve sunglasses.
Unfortunately it was the morning after a few sundowners that we were catapulted out of bed. Less than 100 yards from where we were moored, a massive explosion was detonated which vibrated through the hull and caused us both to dart up right – “what the ………”. Then another and another – deafening.
It was coming from a derelict building on Manoel Island and over the next few days it became a regular occurrence – folk setting off explosions. The Malteesee like their foreworks and our last night will be momorable as yet again the harbour was lit up with a feast of colour and explosions.
Having tolerated "Yama" , a very old and tempremental 4 hp yamaha engine that had a habit of giving you a knuckle rap when trying to start him, we decided it was time to buy a brand new 20hp Tohatsu - electric start outboard. To be fair to "Yama" he had suffered from a lack of love but he had burnt his bridges and one to many knuckle raps combined with all to oftern tempremental cut outs had lead us be really looking foward to his repalcement. The dealer delivered it to the harbour and we brought it aboard and within 15 min he was mounted on the dinghy and in action. Now we just press a buttom and it starts - love it. Of course in due time it will get a name - John wants to call it "Bimbo",- shes a goer - always goes when you push her button neadless to say that has been vittoed.!
Next a wee 350 mile hop to Kefalonia Greece. - Sunset night 1.....
Comments