Capri to Crotone

Capri was as far north as we decided to go on this trip, so after leaving Capri marina (Scotsmans anchorage) we motored to the other side of the island to anchor amongst the rich, famous, and wannabees. We had a very relaxing day doing mothing after the hectic few prior days. Just sorted out the catamaran mentioned in the last post.

Continuing back down the coast we stopped at marina di scario (Scotsmans anchorage again). This was a quaint little place worth visiting as it was a bit off our track. Nice to see the village with its painted buildings and it was another quiet anchorage. We have been spoilt with all our anchorages so far being calm and quiet. The fire on the hill was threatening houses and looked spectacular. No evidence of a fire brigade in attendance, but the next morning apart from smoke rising it was hard to know there had been a fire at all. During the day a dragonfly hitched a ride for quite some time. Spent most of the day on the lifelines, flitting around the yacht and landing back on the lifelines, or at one time resting on Raewyn’s finger where they had an interesting conversation.

Our next stop was Cetraro which we had visited on the way north. An interesting anchorage again outside the marina with the typical nearby village built on the hill. During this passage we have managed to get some sailing in which has been nice.

Tropea marina was next. WE actually stayed one night in the marina and replenished supplies and did the laundry, got diesel and had a “normal” shower – not necessarily in that order. It was 200 steps up to the town. A challenge on a hot day, but good exercise. There were quite a few interesting touristy shops (an oxymoron) and we got some souvenirs along with the essential groceries.

Vulcano was not too far out of our way south, so we called in again to get some of the vocanic rock crystals. Again the smell of sulphur pervaded, but the wind was in the right direction and it was not too invasive unless passing the mud pools which are full of people (mostly large) morning till night.

The straits of Messina was our next stop. One of the few places where there is a current in the Med. Our anchorage was just off the shore – the water is very deep in most places. The wind &current kept us either offshore or parallel to the shore and I hoped it would stay that way. In the evening and night small fishing boats passed very close by. A bit of a concern if they were not keeping a good look out. No one hit us and we did not swing in too the shore. We left the anchorage before sunrise and headed in to the straits proper. There were whirlpools, currents, upwellings, and then ferries. The sunrise was spectacular and fortunately being early in the morning, the ferries were not too numerous. There were two large cruise ships and a couple of container ships to avoid. Again no drama – the current was reminiscent of Indonesia and I wondered why we had not encountered these conditions on the way north.

Capri Anchorage

Lunch Italian Style - Capri

Drinks Trolley Italian Style

Capri Marina. Moondance at top and beyond marina

Street scene Capri

Sir Dragonfly

Typical Italian Hill Village - Acciaroli

Tropea from marina

Marina from Tropea

Tropea

Tropea

Sunrise - Messina

Rocella Ionica was our next stop, again in the Scotsman’s anchorage just outside the marina and again a quiet night.

A big day motoring saw us at Crotone with 30knots forecast for the next two days. We are still here waiting for a weather window to make the 72 nautical mile trip across to the heel of Italy.