30 March -4 April 2026 - Bari

It has been a week of delays of one sort or another. It started on the Friday before we even left, when we heard that the parts needed for the mast to be replaced had not arrived yet, and it could be a delay of up to 10 days.  This was not great news, but we encouraged the boatyard to use whatever influence that they had to speed things along.

On Monday 30th,  we headed to the airport and were congratulating ourselves that now we were checked in, it had been a smooth and stress free journey across  London.  Then we received a message saying that the flight was delayed, and then another saying it was cancelled. The airline then sent us possible alternative routes, which all involved getting to another airport, then having a night in a hotel en route and then arriving in Bari at about midday on Tuesday.  Fortunately we are now aware of various routes, and we were able to suggest an alternative, albeit with a different airline. This was leaving within an hour of so, and we could connect on to Bari.  The first airline agreed to this, and in the end we arrived less than an hour later than we had originally expected. It was about 10:00 at night before we had reached our  accommodation, and we were fearful that we would not be able to find a restaurant open, but we did and had a very enjoyable meal.

Tuesday the boat was launched into the water before the rain came, but with high wind expected for the next 24 hours, the boat was positioned in the middle of the lifting dock and secured in all directions.  This meant that we were not able to get on board, so could make no progress on our preparations. 

Wednesday was exceptionally wet and windy, but by mid day it had calmed enough for the boat to be manoeuvred to one side of the dock, and we were able to get aboard and prepare to sleep on the boat.

Thursday the wind had dropped, but still the rain fell, and Steve was starting to get frustrated with constantly wet feet as we moved around on the outside of the boat and boatyard. We hired a car for the day to visit the hypermarket and stocked up with the essentials of the next days and weeks. Chris flew out to join us, but messaged to say that his flight was also delayed. In the end he arrived 2.5 hours late, landing at 3:00 in the morning. Steve was able to pick him up from the airport, but it meant a rather interrupted nights sleep for all.

The mast is carefully stored under 2 catamarans

The next days were filled with what boat preparation could be done, while lacking a mast.  It certainly makes it easier to move around the foredeck area. 

This year's Columba

Saturday was Operation Columba di Pasqua. We have had this special Easter cake before and it has become an essential. The supermarkets have them, but the best ones come from the independent bakeries, and we knew of one such.  On our arrival the jolly lady in the shop said that they had just one left, so we gladly bought it (pistachio flavoured). Mission accomplished. We also received the good news that the missing boat parts had arrived in Bari, so hopefully, weather permitting, the mast will be re-installed on Tuesday (Monday is a public holiday).

The folks on the local café have given us a warm welcome and the focaccia is as good as ever.

Ahh, Italian food for ever!

Steve and Tricia, and Chris