Sailing is not always a planned affair. Case in Point is our crossing to malta. The initial weather forecast did not show significant wind. Great was our surprise when we woke up at Marina di Ragusa, and found a leisurely five Beaufort tugging at the SaltyPaws. We made a quick calculation, and estimated that we could make it to Malta by daylight. Not ones to waste any diesel, and cause unnecessary contribution to the greenhouse effect, we immediately lifted our anchor and set sail for Malta. With the wind on our beam we made progress with a steady 7 knots. We were very careful to keep our sails trimmed, as we knew that the preferred anchorage needed daylight to enter. As we progressed in our crossing, so did the reefs add up into our mainsail. First reef quickly became second reef. On our way over, we had a close encounter with a jack-up rig, and two big freighters.
The landfall into Gozo was spectacular. Gozo offers vertigo inducing cliffs all around, for added dramatic views.
We proceeded into the Perfect Anhorage. Envisage the perfect anchorage: surrounded by high cliffs, allowing only swell and wind from perhaps 10 degrees in the wind rose, clear sand at 10 meters depth, offering the perfect hold for any anchor, and rugged cliffs and caves to add to visual splendor. And lets not forget the location of the rocks, in relation to the sunset for added dramatic effect. As every Yin Needs its Yang, even the Perfect Anchorage has its points of weakness. While the storm of 7 Beaufort was raging out a the sea, the cliffs managed to dampen this a great deal in our anchorage. However, not without letting us experiencing wind gusts that went from 0 bf (0 knots) up to 7 bf (27 knots) in a matter of seconds. The other yang: the place is barely big enough to anchor 2 yachts. I was glad with our over-sized Rocna anchor, as with the 10 meters water depth, we could let out no more than 35 meters of chain. However, the 1:3 scope did withstand the massive gusts, and anyone seriously considering cruising, I can offer you a piece of advice. Forget the anchor size you are currently thinking about and go at least 15 kg over! We were so content in the Perfect Anchorage that we spent 3 nights at the place.
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| The Star Spangled Banner flying stout and proud over Salty's Stern |
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| Tuxy knows which cupboard holds his chow |
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| Luny Relaxing on the lookout spot |
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| Elizabeth likes 7 knots! |
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| Skipper temporarily relieved from duties |
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| Evasive maneuvers! |
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| Add caption |
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| Elizabeth on the Helm |
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| Landfall in Gozo |
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| yup, second reef |
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| Do you spot the entrance to our anchorage? We didn't either at this distance! |
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| Ok, now you can see it. Elizabeth is on the dolphin spotting chair, piloting us in, and looking for rocks. |
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| The entrance to the anchorage was barely 60 m across! Imagine entering this with a current running, and swells in the back. |
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| Sunset over the anchorage, Note the small entrance. Entry at night highly disadvised |
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| The anchorage was barely enough for 2 yachts. |
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| Delicious breaded aubergine (=eggplant for the Americans) |
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| Elizabeth proudly serving the eggplant dinner. |
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| SaltyPaws on anchor in the Perfect Anchorage |
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| Close-up of one of the caves |
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| Enjoying Alicia's crema di Limoncella |
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