The plan was to move on to Termoli today, so all the preparations were made, and the marina guys came to help us cast off. All the lines were released and forward drive was engaged, but we did not budge. It was clear that we were sitting on the bottom, and with the albeit tiny tide still falling, it soon became clear that we weren't going anywhere soon. Over the next hour or so, the boat leaned a little more to one side, obviously pivoting on the keel. A guy from one of the other boats came, and helping translate for us to the marinaros, whose English is at about the same level as our Italian. He was asking questions about the boat, and obviously impressed with the capability it offered. "Your could go anywhere with that boat" he said, to which I replied "yes anywhere.... except there (pointing to about half a boat length in front) and right now. "
The marina guys were mortified and explained that this was an almost unpresidented low for the water, clearly a combination of a spring tide, high atmospheric pressure and various other causes, all interacting.
We concluded that our plans would have to change, so the day would be spent on chores, rather than doing them later in the week. We would miss out one of the expected overnight stops and make straight for Pescara in one hop.
By late in the afternoon the boat was clearly properly afloat, and was moved to a different bit of the pontoon, where the water was deeper. It also gave an easier exit when we would leave, early in the morning
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| The harbour looking magnificent in the light of dusk |
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| There are just a few varieties of tomato available. A bewildering choice. |
It was 05:30 as we slipped out of Vieste, successfully over the shallows and avoiding the fishing boats coming and going to the harbour. As before, the conditions varied through a range of options through the day, sun, rain, wind and no wind. It was essential to crack on at a good speed, to be able to arrive before dark, so we had a mix of sailing, motoring and motor sailing, as dictated by the conditions.
Not far from Vieste, all of a sudden a powerful rib and pulled up parallel to us, it was the Guardia di Finanza. Questions were shouted across, "where we we from, what was our last port and where were we going?" Apparently satisfied, they powered away, presumably back to their home port, as there was no one else around for them to check. This had not cost us any time at which was a relief.
Later, as we approached Pescara, another, larger Guardia di Finanza vessel powered up to us, and this time we were instructed to stop, and tie up to them. They checked our papers for 20 minutes, and eventually returned them, said everything was in order and thanked us for our co-operation. We rather suspect that the earlier boat had messaged ahead, telling them to look out for us, and also to confirm that what we had said was true. We are very confident that our paperwork is order, it has been checked that many times, but it is good to see active monitoring of the boats in Italian waters. Hopefully this encounter means that we will have been checked out for the year and we won't have it happen again, but you never know.
Tired and hungry after a very long day, we headed into the marina at Pescara, where we were expected. Only the final bit of food preparation were needed, as neither of us had the energy to clean up and go out to eat.
Miles today 105
Miles this season 373
Steve (and Tricia)
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