windy afternoons whilst anchored at the base of Monte Cofano!

We've survived the worst of the heat and are now anchored another 24 miles further along the coast just off a seaside town in the bay of Cornino, barely 15 miles from Tripani. We can't believe our luck as yet another easterly pushed us slowly along the coastline that was shrouded by low lying clouds and haze until it finally lifted mid afternoon.

According to the BBC, Sicily may have recorded the highest temperature in Europe since records began, a whopping 48.8C (119.8F). Admittedly the past few days have been unbearable and we've not ventured ashore at all. Instead our mission has been to find ways to stay cool. The fine mist of a spray gun (filled with fresh water taken from the fridge) over the skin worked surprisingly well with a 'cooling towel' wrapped around the head - highly recommended. Taking dips in the sea provided temporary relief even if it was pretty warm.

Over the past weeks we've noticed white patches appearing on the bottom of the hull, primer patches no less. Earlier in the season we checked the antifoul paint and it was looking pretty good considering so we were hoping for it to last this season and through the winter. No such luck. Clearly the antifoul has started to wear off despite not doing many sea miles so research for a boatyard and availability is now on the agenda to hopefully get a date in the diary so that we can adjust our cruising plans accordingly.

Total distance this season: 447.76 nautical miles