This is the last passage report from Stratagem for this year. The gale did arrive as forecast at the end of our last report, the port was full as boats arrived to seek shelter. The ormeggatori squeezed everyone in using their rib (inflatable boat) to help manoeuvre boats which were struggling to berth as the wind increased. We were very impressed with their dedication as they stayed very late to make sure everyone was safely in. We met up with some friends we had made in Mallorca and also met an interesting couple who have been sailing around the world for 16 years but are now heading back to the UK, Madge is 80 and Ken is79 both very fit for their age but they feel they now don’t have the reserves of strength for coping with difficulties that may arise.
The weather continued hot but very windy for almost a week so we didn’t get to leave Elba until Sunday 19th September. We headed to Cala Galera some 60 miles South of Elba. There was little wind so we motor sailed arriving at around 5.15p.m.and anchored in a very pleasant bay bounded by a nature reserve. We sat in the cockpit with a drink watching the wildlife. Just perfect!
Our last anchorage of the year turned out to be lovely and peaceful and we set out for our final sail of thee year to Ostia feeling rested and at peace with the world. Our final sail was superb with warm sunny weather and light winds, we carried both sails all the way and completed our 63 miles in 10 hours. I was pleased we had 2 good sailing days before laying up for the winter. We probably could have sailed for another month but the weather was likely to be more unsettled and I felt ready for a break from sailing.
We were helped into our berth in Ostia by an American and an Italian and were safely tied up by the time the marineros arrived. We have a good berth and there are now over 70 live aboard boats in the marina from many countries but predominantly Americans and British boats. We are starting to get organised so the social life is improving.
The marina has lots of shops (expensive) and a few bars and restaurants (also expensive). There are a number of supermarkets nearby and a good open vegetable market. It is a 10/15 minute walk into the town of Ostia which is quite a pleasant town, nothing spectacular but one can buy most things there. The downside is that the area around the marina is a slum although it appears to be being renovated, however the upside is that we can get into Rome in 45 minutes and it only costs 1Euro. The bus stops at the marina and takes us to the Railway/Metro station. The Italians have a ticket system whereby a 1Euro ticket lasts for 75 minutes and you can travel on as many buses and trains plus 1 metro journey in that 75 minute period. We have so far been into Rome 3 times and are taking our time with the sightseeing. We have also been to Florence for 4 days.
We travelled by Euro star which is very cheap and efficient and arrived in Florence in under 2 hours and had a great time. We actually climbed the 400+ steps to the top of the Duomo to enjoy the fabulous view of the city.
The weather has continued to be very warm and was 77o today which is apparently unusual for this time of year. However we have also had some terrific thunderstorms and some high winds but we aren’t complaining. We even had a cruisers picnic on the beach last week. We are slowly getting through the chores ready for when we leave the boat to return to the UK. We have a flight booked to Stanstead on the 23rd November and hopefully will see as many friends as possible whilst we are home.
Three countries (Spain, France and Italy) visited over a distance of 1600 miles travelled concludes another super sailing year. Already we are starting to plan our cruising itinerary for next year – but that will be another story……………….
See you soon
Regards
Sandra and Ray
The weather continued hot but very windy for almost a week so we didn’t get to leave Elba until Sunday 19th September. We headed to Cala Galera some 60 miles South of Elba. There was little wind so we motor sailed arriving at around 5.15p.m.and anchored in a very pleasant bay bounded by a nature reserve. We sat in the cockpit with a drink watching the wildlife. Just perfect!
Our last anchorage of the year turned out to be lovely and peaceful and we set out for our final sail of thee year to Ostia feeling rested and at peace with the world. Our final sail was superb with warm sunny weather and light winds, we carried both sails all the way and completed our 63 miles in 10 hours. I was pleased we had 2 good sailing days before laying up for the winter. We probably could have sailed for another month but the weather was likely to be more unsettled and I felt ready for a break from sailing.
We were helped into our berth in Ostia by an American and an Italian and were safely tied up by the time the marineros arrived. We have a good berth and there are now over 70 live aboard boats in the marina from many countries but predominantly Americans and British boats. We are starting to get organised so the social life is improving.
The marina has lots of shops (expensive) and a few bars and restaurants (also expensive). There are a number of supermarkets nearby and a good open vegetable market. It is a 10/15 minute walk into the town of Ostia which is quite a pleasant town, nothing spectacular but one can buy most things there. The downside is that the area around the marina is a slum although it appears to be being renovated, however the upside is that we can get into Rome in 45 minutes and it only costs 1Euro. The bus stops at the marina and takes us to the Railway/Metro station. The Italians have a ticket system whereby a 1Euro ticket lasts for 75 minutes and you can travel on as many buses and trains plus 1 metro journey in that 75 minute period. We have so far been into Rome 3 times and are taking our time with the sightseeing. We have also been to Florence for 4 days.
We travelled by Euro star which is very cheap and efficient and arrived in Florence in under 2 hours and had a great time. We actually climbed the 400+ steps to the top of the Duomo to enjoy the fabulous view of the city.
The weather has continued to be very warm and was 77o today which is apparently unusual for this time of year. However we have also had some terrific thunderstorms and some high winds but we aren’t complaining. We even had a cruisers picnic on the beach last week. We are slowly getting through the chores ready for when we leave the boat to return to the UK. We have a flight booked to Stanstead on the 23rd November and hopefully will see as many friends as possible whilst we are home.
Three countries (Spain, France and Italy) visited over a distance of 1600 miles travelled concludes another super sailing year. Already we are starting to plan our cruising itinerary for next year – but that will be another story……………….
See you soon
Regards
Sandra and Ray
