The call over the tannoy this morning interrupting that blissful sleep and rousing everyone from their beds, reminded us all that this was the last day of 2009 and hence the last call for breakfast this year! Mind you, what a way to spend it! We had enjoyed a night at sea and overnight had made progress towards Malta once again. It seems an age since we were last here, having sailed northwards out to Sicily and the port of Siracusa (where we spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day); then after the assisted climbs on Boxing Day morning, we made our way back out towards the Malta Straits before deciding to alter course rather than endure an increasingly uncomfortable F9. So we left the storm behind us and came to an anchorage off Licata (thanks Captain!) before coming into Porto Empredocle. Apparently Empredocle threw himself into Mount Etna to prove he was a god – and Mt Etna spat his sandals out to prove he wasn’t! Uhmm, it’s all greek to me! There’s been plenty of activity this voyage with sail handling and bracing the yards in order to reduce windage and make the most of the breeze. With all that rope handling there’s more muscles that the voyage crew didn’t know they had and one or two beautiful bruises coming out too – eh Janet? The Tenacious really has looked splendid with all her sails up. We’ve had some glorious red sunsets too but maybe I shouldn’t mention that as we understand Frosty the snowman is still hanging around at home – now where did I put my sunglasses??
Today we plan to come alongside Grand Marina harbour, Vittoriosa once again, with the engineers promising us ‘Sundowners’ before dinner and the watches are planning a Snail Race to follow – sounds like an evening of mirth, mayhem and merriment! We also plan to keep our tradition, with our oldest and youngest ringing out the Old year and ringing in the New Year – I’ve already spotted the Champagne chilling nicely in the fridge……. We’ll keep you posted!
Now, I must get on with the all important task of naming our snail ready for tonight’s race - Brian? Snacious? Snellie? Better see what the rest of the permanent crew think….
Rachel
MP