Licata, Sciacca and Isola Favignana
27 June 2015 | Sicily
Ros Brice
Next morning we needed to return the Punto, grab a few extra groceries and clear the marina for our passage to Sciacca, a port to the west of Agrigento. We also cleaned Trilogy inside and out, washing away the grime that quickly accumulates in the Med.
The winds were light and variable which meant we motor sailed all the way. The day passed easily with no big challenges, apart from staying awake after our hectic couple of days. By nightfall we were nicely tucked into the marina and enjoying showers and drinks before heading to Ristorante Italia on the wharf for a fish meal, which was delicious and fresh. Sciacca is one of the oldest spa towns in Italy, enjoyed by all the ancient peoples. As we were to set sail fairly early again next morning, we did not venture up the steep staircase to the old town on the cliff above, but promised ourselves we would if we woke early enough next morning....never was going to happen!
All slept very soundly and after the usual muesli breakfast, Trilogy set sail for the Egadi Islands, on the west coast of Sicily. After an initial burst of wind that meant two reefs in the main, the wind eased and was right on the nose. Trilogy chugged away all day in a steady 20 knots of wind but making only 4 knots, which was far too slow to get us there by nightfall, or so we thought! After much discussion, the skipper decided we should have an overnight in Marsala marina, a port 10 NM closer. That sounded good to the crew, because Marsala is famous for its sweet dessert wines. We struck problems however with berthing Trilogy, as there was still 20 knots of wind across the deck and it was impossible to hold the bow into the wind and keep the stern from bashing into the seawall. The harbour was shallow and before we knew it, Trilogy had collected one of the mooring lines from a nearby yacht, which fortunately we were able to release. The skipper applied all his knowledge and skills to the situation and felt that the 'dock and go' system was at its limits. Rather than risk damage, we abandoned the plan, and headed out of the harbour for the closest of the Egadi Islands, Isola Favignana.
Meanwhile, Sue was busy in the galley, preparing a delicious lamb satay meal for dinner. We even prepared a second main dish in the pressure cooker as a spare meal. The galley chefs were pleased with their efforts, as that would mean the GNT session would not be interrupted!
By 19:00 Trilogy anchored in a quiet bay on the SE tip of the Isola Favignana, with only a few other yachts for company. A large mount soared above us with a fort perched on the very top and otherwise the landscape was flat and low, with a few Arabic style dwellings on one side and a road that disappeared through a tunnel in the mount, carrying an occasional car. Finally out of the wind, it was great to relax and watch the sun set.
Isola Favignana is the largest of the island group, and tunny fishing was once the mainstay of the economy. However, dwindling fish stocks and the lure of the tourist dollar, saw the traditional static nets replaced with long lines, however, the permanent nets are again being reintroduced.
After a lovely meal and a few Baileys, everyone was ready for bed!