Sailing to Byzantium - 4

Computer generated chart with weather overlay for Tuesday 21^st April

A dull and wet start to the day on Tuesday did not set the tone for an improvement in certain administrative tasks which were to be dealt with prior to our departure. A strong brew of coffee brought about the right environment for a few venomous draft emails which may be toned down prior to our departure from these waters. In the galley the roast tomato mix was blended to a sweet perfection and the dried borlotti beans have been placed in water to hydrate in sealed containers.

It became clear by the afternoon that we would not be leaving on Tuesday and arrangements were quickly put in place to allow us to depart by Wednesday afternoon. Following a light breakfast this morning I made a batch of crème caramels. The crew congregated on the aft deck for the safety briefing and just after midday we the authorities allowed Fenix to depart after having finally sorted out the local administrative issues.

We are now motor sailing, in bright sunshine, at about 6 knots passing Cabo Blanco to port and leaving the Bay of Palma astern. Our route will take us quite close to Sardinia and given the current available weather forecasts we may not stop there but proceed on to the north coast of Sicily. This is primarily to place us as far east as possible in order to avoid headwinds which have been forcasted to develop and take hold to the north west of Sicily by Saturday.

I expect to have phone signal at some stage on Friday as we pass Sardinia and will post another update at that time.