Cruising to Greece and back.
After sailing back from Greece to Portishead, in October 2019 Tobin Bronze was transported back to Wadswick for a major re-fit. In July 2022, TB was re-launched into Portishead Marina.
| Vessel Name: | Tobin Bronze |
| Vessel Make/Model: | 35ft cold moulded plywood sloop |
| Hailing Port: | Bristol |
| Crew: | Peter and Judy Ward |
| About: |
31 December 2023
24 October 2019 | Portishead Entrance Lock
09 July 2019
02 July 2019
08 June 2019
12 May 2019
27 November 2018
30 June 2018
18 November 2017
21 June 2017
03 July 2016 | Agmar Marine Boatyard. Partheni, Island of Leros
30 October 2015
01 October 2014 | Kilada to Orei
25 November 2013
19 July 2013
26 June 2013 | Koilada
01 December 2012
01 November 2012 | Koilada
25 October 2011
29 September 2011
Recent Blog Posts
24 October 2019 | Portishead Entrance Lock
Last leg - La Rochelle to Portishead
Click here for link to relevant PhotpAlbum La Rochelle to Portishead. Portishead Entrance Lock.
09 July 2019
Corsica west coast & French coast to Herault River
Click here for link to relevant PhotpAlbum Corsica. View from town overlooking harbour at Cargese.
02 July 2019
2019 Sardinia - West coast
Click here for link to relevant PhotpAlbum Sardinia . A screen-shot of the track across Tyrrhenian Sea
08 June 2019
Sicily south coast
Click here for link to relevant PhotpAlbum Sicily - South coast. This image was taken from the fort overlooking Cala del Sol, Licata.
12 May 2019
2019 Return from Malta to Portishead
Click here for link to relevant PhotpAlbum Spring 2019 Malta. This image is taken from the top of Kalkara Creek.
Sicily south coast
08 June 2019
Peter Ward
Click here for link to relevant PhotpAlbum Sicily - South coast. This image was taken from the fort overlooking Cala del Sol, Licata.
Saturday dawned overcast and was cool, 16°C in 17 - 25kt east wind. We caught the bus up to Ragusa Ibla, the picturesque village perched around a deep ravine 23km north of the coastal town, Ragusa Di Marina. This is Montalbano country and anyone who has watched the TV series can easily recognize the famous landmarks. From the Marina, you can actually visit Montalbano's beautiful beach side house only a few km away.
Cathedral in Ragusa Alba
Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
That evening we had dinner in the fish restaurant in the top right hand corner of the small town square in Marina Di Ragusa. The square had a lovely atmosphere with families and groups of people fraternizing while kids kicked a football around or practised on their skateboards.
By Sunday morning the clouds had cleared away and it was bright and sunny in the SW wind. But by 10:00hrs, the wind had veered to the west and increased to 25kts. As this was on the beam, we had to tighten up our existing moorings and put a couple of extra lines out. While checking the engine, I found that there was sea water in one of the cylinders and in the sump. As this had happened a couple of times before, it was obvious that there was an underlying problem. I re-routed the hoses for the cooling water to be higher inside the engine box so that the syphon break was further above the water line. This appears to have worked as I have not had a problem since. The engine oil was changed as well.
That evening we joined the well-dressed locals as they promenaded along the water front and enjoyed a drink in the café by the old beacon tower.
Seafront at Marina di Ragusa
Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
On Monday morning, we collected a hire car at the marina office and over the next three days we visited Noto, Siracusa (stayed two nights) and Mt Etna.
We returned the car on Thursday morning and I did a bit of maintenance on the boat.
Friday 24 May. After topping up the water tanks and paying our bill, we motored out of Marina Di Ragusa. It was sunny, calm sea and no wind. The voyage to Licata was a story of motor sailing in light winds that increased and seemed colder by late afternoon. Berthing in Marina del Sole, Licata was not easy in a 16kt crosswind. Fortunately, Allesandro from the marina, was able to assist in his RIB. We stayed three nights there wandering around the town. Apart from a very good fruit and vegetable shop and the Roman fort, Castello Saint Angelo, overlooking the town, there was not much to get excited about. I did manage to get an Italian data SIM card from the helpful girls in the supermarket.
The next leg from Licata to San Leone was not pleasant. There was a lumpy left over swell from the south and the wind was light, forward of the beam and intermittent. It was also very rolly in the entrance to the marina. Fortunately, it was a relatively short leg and lasted only four hours. There were no other visiting boats although there was plenty of room.
At sea
Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
That evening we went to the Il Pescatore Restaurant - very good seafood but not cheap.
From San Leone we caught the bus to the Valley of the Temples. Amazing! The name says it all.
Wednesday 29 May. At 11:15hrs, we cast off and motored in no wind to Siacca. The wind picked up late afternoon and was rather cold. It blew from the west all day Thursday and was stronger than forecast - up to 21kts. It is a bit of a hike up the hill to the old town but it is worth it. We visited the beautiful Basilica Maria Santissima del Soccorso and enjoyed a very good lunch in Trattoria le Matrice in the square opposite the Basilica.
Sciacca harbour is open to the west and swell gets into the harbour. That plus the fishing boats trundling past can make it a bit uncomfortable.
Next port of call was Mazlara del Vallo. This was another slog; motor sailing to windward. We set off from Sciacca at 05:00hrs and by 14:45hrs we were moored stern-to inside the pontoon at Anide Marina. We were helped into our berth by a friendly Marino. The wind died out during the evening as we had dinner on board.
Beating to windward
Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
Saturday 01 June was sunny with clear skies but still cool in a 5 to 10kt NW wind. During the morning we were spectators to a civil emergency services drill on the next pontoon. Red distress flares, orange smoke, Coast Guard boat (with siren and water canon), air rescue helicopter (lots of noise), fire brigade (more sirens), ambulance (sirens, of course), fire fighting demo, ambulance rescue. The Full Monty. Beats television.
In the evening, we strolled along the beach front. There were two weddings in progress - lots of dark suits and OTT dresses. I bought a 5Euro watch (which has kept perfect time) from a stall in a nice street of shops. After walking through the Arab Quarter, we had a very good meal in the Trattoria closest to the port. An eventful day!
We set off from Mazara del Vallo at 08:35hrs, heading to Mothia. It was the usual story - motoring in no wind. It was another relatively short leg. We phoned ahead to make sure they had room for us and by11:30 we were moored stern-to inside the west pontoon in Mothia Marina, Marsala. As with everywhere along this coast there was a helpful marino in attendance to assist in berthing.
Sunset in Marsala
Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
After a quiet day in port and doing a bit of sight seeing, we departed from Marsala at 11:30hrs and motored to Marettimo, in the Egadi Islands off the west tip of Sicily, arriving by 15:30hrs.
This is a beautiful little village, population less than 700 with a family run marina. It is one of those places when the arrival and departure of the fast-cat ferry from the mainland is an event.
Marettimo harbour
Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
However, next morning, Wednesday 05 June, the forecast was predicting strong winds from the south east, from which direction the harbour is exposed. The Marinoes were going around and advising yachts to vacate the harbour. We were a bit disappointed as we would have liked to stay a couple of days.
Anyway we had an enjoyable sail in warmer conditions for the 21 miles to Trapani. I phoned ahead to reserve a berth in one of the marinas in Trapani. We arrived at lunch time; so there was no Marino at Arturo Artile Marina to direct us when we arrived. We slotted into a vacant berth. This was the marina that we stayed in in 2011 on our way down to Greece. We settled down in the warm sunshine and enjoyed our lunch.
At 16:00hrs, we received an emergency call from Vento di Maestrale. We had gone to the wrong marina. Judy quickly apologised to Arturo Artile Marine and we moved to Vento di Maestrale Marina. This marina is smarter, more up-market and is much closer to the centre of Trapani. When we arrived there was a difficult cross wind but there was the inevitable Marino in a RIB to assist.
This marina is next door to the fishing harbour and its attendant fish market. In addition to the big commercial market, you can buy fish directly from the stern of smaller fishing boats. On the quay, there is a cheap vegetable market selling loads of lovely fresh fruit and produce. We bought a couple of fresh sea bass that we had on board Thursday night after exploring Trapani during the day.
Trapani fishing boats
Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
On Friday, we caught a bus across the city and rode the cable car up to the ancient hill top of Erice. It is a fascinating place with incredible views.
Next morning, Saturday 8 June, I saw Judy off on the shuttle mini-van to Palermo airport on her way back home. I pottered around on TB, doing some maibtenance and provisioning up for the naxt stage of our voyage - the crossing to Cagliari in Sardinia. David W. rolled in after lunch and next morning he hired a car and collected John C. from Palermo airport.
Saturday dawned overcast and was cool, 16°C in 17 - 25kt east wind. We caught the bus up to Ragusa Ibla, the picturesque village perched around a deep ravine 23km north of the coastal town, Ragusa Di Marina. This is Montalbano country and anyone who has watched the TV series can easily recognize the famous landmarks. From the Marina, you can actually visit Montalbano's beautiful beach side house only a few km away.
Cathedral in Ragusa Alba Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
That evening we had dinner in the fish restaurant in the top right hand corner of the small town square in Marina Di Ragusa. The square had a lovely atmosphere with families and groups of people fraternizing while kids kicked a football around or practised on their skateboards.
By Sunday morning the clouds had cleared away and it was bright and sunny in the SW wind. But by 10:00hrs, the wind had veered to the west and increased to 25kts. As this was on the beam, we had to tighten up our existing moorings and put a couple of extra lines out. While checking the engine, I found that there was sea water in one of the cylinders and in the sump. As this had happened a couple of times before, it was obvious that there was an underlying problem. I re-routed the hoses for the cooling water to be higher inside the engine box so that the syphon break was further above the water line. This appears to have worked as I have not had a problem since. The engine oil was changed as well.
That evening we joined the well-dressed locals as they promenaded along the water front and enjoyed a drink in the café by the old beacon tower.
Seafront at Marina di Ragusa Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
On Monday morning, we collected a hire car at the marina office and over the next three days we visited Noto, Siracusa (stayed two nights) and Mt Etna.
We returned the car on Thursday morning and I did a bit of maintenance on the boat.
Friday 24 May. After topping up the water tanks and paying our bill, we motored out of Marina Di Ragusa. It was sunny, calm sea and no wind. The voyage to Licata was a story of motor sailing in light winds that increased and seemed colder by late afternoon. Berthing in Marina del Sole, Licata was not easy in a 16kt crosswind. Fortunately, Allesandro from the marina, was able to assist in his RIB. We stayed three nights there wandering around the town. Apart from a very good fruit and vegetable shop and the Roman fort, Castello Saint Angelo, overlooking the town, there was not much to get excited about. I did manage to get an Italian data SIM card from the helpful girls in the supermarket.
The next leg from Licata to San Leone was not pleasant. There was a lumpy left over swell from the south and the wind was light, forward of the beam and intermittent. It was also very rolly in the entrance to the marina. Fortunately, it was a relatively short leg and lasted only four hours. There were no other visiting boats although there was plenty of room.
At sea Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
That evening we went to the Il Pescatore Restaurant - very good seafood but not cheap.
From San Leone we caught the bus to the Valley of the Temples. Amazing! The name says it all.
Wednesday 29 May. At 11:15hrs, we cast off and motored in no wind to Siacca. The wind picked up late afternoon and was rather cold. It blew from the west all day Thursday and was stronger than forecast - up to 21kts. It is a bit of a hike up the hill to the old town but it is worth it. We visited the beautiful Basilica Maria Santissima del Soccorso and enjoyed a very good lunch in Trattoria le Matrice in the square opposite the Basilica.
Sciacca harbour is open to the west and swell gets into the harbour. That plus the fishing boats trundling past can make it a bit uncomfortable.
Next port of call was Mazlara del Vallo. This was another slog; motor sailing to windward. We set off from Sciacca at 05:00hrs and by 14:45hrs we were moored stern-to inside the pontoon at Anide Marina. We were helped into our berth by a friendly Marino. The wind died out during the evening as we had dinner on board.
Beating to windward Click here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
Saturday 01 June was sunny with clear skies but still cool in a 5 to 10kt NW wind. During the morning we were spectators to a civil emergency services drill on the next pontoon. Red distress flares, orange smoke, Coast Guard boat (with siren and water canon), air rescue helicopter (lots of noise), fire brigade (more sirens), ambulance (sirens, of course), fire fighting demo, ambulance rescue. The Full Monty. Beats television.
In the evening, we strolled along the beach front. There were two weddings in progress - lots of dark suits and OTT dresses. I bought a 5Euro watch (which has kept perfect time) from a stall in a nice street of shops. After walking through the Arab Quarter, we had a very good meal in the Trattoria closest to the port. An eventful day!
We set off from Mazara del Vallo at 08:35hrs, heading to Mothia. It was the usual story - motoring in no wind. It was another relatively short leg. We phoned ahead to make sure they had room for us and by11:30 we were moored stern-to inside the west pontoon in Mothia Marina, Marsala. As with everywhere along this coast there was a helpful marino in attendance to assist in berthing.
Sunset in MarsalaClick here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
After a quiet day in port and doing a bit of sight seeing, we departed from Marsala at 11:30hrs and motored to Marettimo, in the Egadi Islands off the west tip of Sicily, arriving by 15:30hrs.
This is a beautiful little village, population less than 700 with a family run marina. It is one of those places when the arrival and departure of the fast-cat ferry from the mainland is an event.
Marettimo harbourClick here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
However, next morning, Wednesday 05 June, the forecast was predicting strong winds from the south east, from which direction the harbour is exposed. The Marinoes were going around and advising yachts to vacate the harbour. We were a bit disappointed as we would have liked to stay a couple of days.
Anyway we had an enjoyable sail in warmer conditions for the 21 miles to Trapani. I phoned ahead to reserve a berth in one of the marinas in Trapani. We arrived at lunch time; so there was no Marino at Arturo Artile Marina to direct us when we arrived. We slotted into a vacant berth. This was the marina that we stayed in in 2011 on our way down to Greece. We settled down in the warm sunshine and enjoyed our lunch.
At 16:00hrs, we received an emergency call from Vento di Maestrale. We had gone to the wrong marina. Judy quickly apologised to Arturo Artile Marine and we moved to Vento di Maestrale Marina. This marina is smarter, more up-market and is much closer to the centre of Trapani. When we arrived there was a difficult cross wind but there was the inevitable Marino in a RIB to assist.
This marina is next door to the fishing harbour and its attendant fish market. In addition to the big commercial market, you can buy fish directly from the stern of smaller fishing boats. On the quay, there is a cheap vegetable market selling loads of lovely fresh fruit and produce. We bought a couple of fresh sea bass that we had on board Thursday night after exploring Trapani during the day.
Trapani fishing boatsClick here for link to an enlarged image in the Photo Album 'Sicily - South coast.'
On Friday, we caught a bus across the city and rode the cable car up to the ancient hill top of Erice. It is a fascinating place with incredible views.
Next morning, Saturday 8 June, I saw Judy off on the shuttle mini-van to Palermo airport on her way back home. I pottered around on TB, doing some maibtenance and provisioning up for the naxt stage of our voyage - the crossing to Cagliari in Sardinia. David W. rolled in after lunch and next morning he hired a car and collected John C. from Palermo airport.
Comments
Tobin Bronze's Photos - Main
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A 34 year old Tobin Bronze was badly in need of an extended boat yard visit to undergo some serious maintenance.
10 Photos
Created 31 October 2022
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Last leg along west coast of France, across the Channel, around Lands End and into the Bristol Channel
18 Photos
Created 23 June 2021
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From Cagliari up the west coast to Strait of Bonifacio
15 Photos
Created 22 June 2021
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Ragusa to Trapani including road trip to Mt Etna
46 Photos
Created 19 June 2021
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Cruising from Orei. Evia to Leros in the Dodcanese in May, June
18 Photos
Created 30 October 2016
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Launch from Orei, sail north to Thessaloniki, around the Khalkidhiki paninsula and Mt Athos to Nea Peramos.
17 Photos
Created 14 December 2015
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Re-launch in Kilada to Orei, Evia in early July
16 Photos
Created 22 July 2014
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A late summer cruise to the northern Cyclades
18 Photos
Created 20 January 2014
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From Kalamata to the Argolic Gulf in July 2012
57 Photos
Created 12 January 2013
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From Messolonghi to Kalamata May 2012
45 Photos
Created 10 January 2013
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Italy to Zakinthos and Messolonghi
15 Photos
Created 24 November 2011
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Lipari, Vulcano and Stromboli - three of the Aeolian Islands
30 Photos
Created 24 November 2011
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Sailing from Cartagena to Sardinia
24 Photos
Created 24 November 2011
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Sailing TB from Faro to Cartagena in June and July 2011
64 Photos
Created 9 August 2011
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Sailing on John's boat 'Derby Lass'
20 Photos
Created 6 August 2011
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Delivery trip with Woody from Vigo to Lisbon when John Q. met us. Then to Ohao where Judy replaced John for a trip up the Guardina River.
41 Photos
Created 1 October 2010
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June - July in the Rias Baixas, Galicia
26 Photos
Created 8 August 2010
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Six days on the "Dunmow Flitch" between Braunston and Market Harborough in April 2010.
26 Photos
Created 1 June 2010
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Newport R.I.,Cuttyhunk Island, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket
48 Photos
Created 17 September 2009
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Highlights of the trip from Viveiro to Ria de Vigo.
34 Photos
Created 2 August 2009
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Hugh pod of dolphins encountered 10:30hrs 04 June at approx 44º24'N; 006º32'W
18 Photos
Created 23 June 2009
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Between 02 June and 04 June 2009 from La Roche Bernard to Ribadeo in Galicia, Spain
11 Photos | 1 Sub-Album
Created 18 June 2009
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Port de Foleux is about 15 miles up the Villaine River, 6 miles upstream from La Roche Bernard
4 Photos
Created 18 June 2009
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About & Links
Favorites
- #01 Plans & objectives
- *35 Re-launch 08 July 2022
- *34 Last leg - La Rochelle to Portishead
- *33 2019 Corsica west coast & French south coast
- *32 Sardinia - West coast
- *31 Sicily - South coast
- *30 2019 Malta to Sicily
- *29 2018 Leros to Malta
- *28 2018 Spring in Leros
- *27 2017 Summer cruise
- #26 2017 Spring in the Dodecanese islands
- #25 2016 Orei to Leros
- #24 Summer 2015
- #23 Summer 2014
- #22 Late Summer 2013
- #21 An Island Too Far - June 2013
- #20 Early Summer 2013
- #19 Peleponnese - Kalamata to Tolo
- #18 Anti-clockwise around Peleponnese
- #17 Sicily to Ionian Greece. Oct 2011
- #16 Menorca to Sardinia and Siclly
- #15 The Balearic Islands September 2011
- #14 Cadiz to Cartagena
- #13 Faro to Cadiz
- #12 Refit in Faro - May 2011
- #11 Vancouver 2011
- #10 September 2010
- #09 Early Summer 2010
- #08 Cruising Plans Update
- #07 Winter 2009-10
- #06 Sailing in New England
- #05 To Ria de Vigo
- #04 Ribadeo to Viveiro
- #03 Biscay crossing
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