The day we left Lipari we thought we were going to have great sailing conditions for the trip to the mainland. We left at 1430 for the long trip ahead. The best wind we got the wholeway was 7 knts from the west and that was after a couple of hours of motoring. So true to Med conditions, when there is no wind ...there IS no wind. We covered the 80nm to Isola di Cirella where we anchored in the lee overnight. Next day off to Cape Palinuro, the day spent with the on again off again motors every two hours Cloudy haze and flat sea, top wind speed of 12knts from the north for a full half an hour. Arrived to a very busy anchorage full with local boats enjoying the water. Almost like an alarm clock going off when they all (3 stayed) up and left. Day activities we assume. The night was uncomfortable as the swell got up after midnight. We chose to take advantage of some wind the next day after an original decision to stay another night.
With the wind from the west 15 -20 knots and a choppy sea we set off mid morning hoping to get to San Marco di Castellabate where the pilot book said there was an anchorage just inside the marina mole. Said to be a fishing marina so not expecting any berths. We arrived at 1730 and within ten minutes some one in authority (blue uniform with bling ) arrived along side in a civilian runabout. The conversation goes like this.
Him:Where are you from?
Us : Australia
Him: You speak Italian?
Us: No
Him: In Italy you speak Italian. Now you don't anchor. Get anchor and go NOW ( with pointing of finger).
Us: where can we anchor?
Him: Agrolpoli but you take anchor and go NOW..still pointing
So up anchor and headed off to Agroploi a further 6 nms.
Well he did a lot for tourism Italy. Was not interested in speaking with us or trying to fit us in with the fishing boats which the pilot book say they will sometimes do. The upshot of it all was not to upset the apple cart and we spent the night anchored in a bay just south of the marina.
The weather said the wind would assist us to go to Amalfi the next day but of course once we committed to the trip the wind dropped to 2 knts. Even tried the spinnaker but there wasn't enough wind to set it so again the faithful motors came to the fore. Arrived at 1230 and anchored with ferries toing and froing around us making considerable wash. Ashore for a quick look around but will do the place justice tomorrow.