Strange Phenomena - the Morrabio in Sicily

By yesterday morning it had been blowing 7-8 from the SE for almost 24 hours. It was wearing, and as I stepped onto the pontoon I noticed that the water was dirty and very turbulent - in fact there was a strong current swirling through the pontoons. As I looked S towards the control tower - see pic - I could see the water level dropping as I watched. In minutes it dropped a foot, and then started coming up again. This continued for most of the morning. I estimate that the amplitude was about 6" (12" trought to peak) with a period of 8-10 minutes. I believe the phenonmenon is called the Morrabio (spelling?), and occurs in certain pressure conditions between Pozzallo and Sciacca.

Afloat Again

It's been a long winter - grim in England and not brilliant in Sicily, but at least I'm back aboard now and the sun is warm. Plans haven't gelled yet for this summer, but I'm getting there.

Problems at sea are solved in many ways, but here's one that used a digger:

Where Costa Concordia Passed Us

Here's a picture of use anchored between Stromboli and the small island you see - Stromboliccio. That night, a cruise ship, which we believe was the Costa Concordia, passed between us and the island. It is steep-to around the island, with over 40 metres of water right up almost to the rocks.

The picture is taken from the beach at San Bartolomeo.

Big Waves

Caught this on the BBC this morning. Blue Hound was there a few years ago. I think it's Nazare...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15670415

Stromboli

After anchoring overnight off San Pietro in Panarea (anchor hooked on rock, no tripline, but got it out in the end), we anchored overnight off San Bartolomeo on NE corner of Stromboli, in 14 metres, bottom visible, sand, good holding. Lucky with wind - none, and little rolling except from cruise liners passing inside Stomboliccio.

Left at 08:00 just ahead of an electrical storm. Motor sailed down to Taormina Roads anchorage, and then on to Syracusa the next day.

Maltese Falcon

Followers will know that this is a yacht I love.

This was taken during the Perini-Navi Cup racing this year. Full story at
http://www.charterworld.com/news/2011-perini-navi-cup-sailing-yacht-maltese-falcon-wins-final-race-cancelled

Pic courtesy of charterworld.com

Etna from Taormina

Anchored in Taormina Roads, caught this pic of Etna in the evening sun:

Anchored at Taormina Roads - Mt Etna