After breakfast the wind started up and we were able to sail but unfortunately the tide was running against us. However, eventually in the afternoon we limped into the Marina of Reggio Di Calabria and tied up at the entrance. There is a swell running into the marina at all times and a constant wind blowing in too. The marina facilities consist of a portacabin for the office and one for the toilets / showers. We later discovered that the town sewer empties into the marina not far from ‘Leesa Christina’ so the smell was not much better than the scent of rotten eggs on Vulcano Island! It cost 50 Euros per night – cheap for Italy !
We had the very good fortune to find a first class marine engineer called Valentino. He came on board and examined the engine. The prognosis was poor! It could have been repaired but may have cost more than a new engine in the long run. Robin decided to go ahead and have a new one installed. Unfortunately this was a Friday but Valentino ordered the engine from Milan and was hopeful that it would be with him in his yard by Wednesday of the following week.
This was all a big blow and we were a bit downhearted realizing that there was no possibility of being at Corfu to meet Morven and the children on time.