dawn watch on a pink sea

Finally we've set off from El Kantaoui in Tunisia, which has been our winter home for the last 8 months. We delayed our departure until Wednesday 3rd June because we have been back to the uk for the fantastic wedding of our son, Rob, and beautiful Nadine who is our new favourite daughter-in-law!

We are sitting on Fiona in Msida marina, overlooking Valletta City and it's quite a spectacular sight. We arrived ok after about 46 hours but the trip was really too long for the first sail of the season. The first day and night was choppy and rolly which wasn't good when you haven’t got your sea legs! However we saw several turtles making the crossing which cheered us up. The next day and night were better and we're gradually getting over it after a week in harbour.

As expected there were problems on the shake-down sail. A leaky cockpit floor, coupled with sea water being sucked up the cockpit drains due to the beam rolling, resulted in seawater pouring onto the electrical fuse box in the engine room. Not such a good idea!

Needless to say, Dave has now re-sealed the cockpit floor and had a good clean up in the engine room.

Malta has a facinating history and rich heritage. We have walked round and round the city of Valletta and Dave keeps tripping over as he is always looking up at the wonderful buildings and views.  

We've been like kids in a sweet shop with all the food available in restaurants and items available in chandlers! We've stocked up at a supermarket with all the things we haven’t been able to get in Tunisia.

Hopefully we’re off to Gozo tomorrow to anchor and do a bit of diving or snorkelling.

view from our Msida Marina berth