14 June 2023 - Bari

When there is very little or no wind, that is the time to drop the sails if you have to while you in port. Our jib needed a couple of the battens to be replaced, so this morning, was the perfect time. We had the sail down, job done, and sail back up again before 8am. Then the guys from the boatyard came to investigate a leak from our generator. It didn’t take them long to find it. They will do the repair when the boat is out of the water.

We had a nice chat with Tommaso, who runs the yard with his Dad, Antonio. He was interested in our thoughts about Puglia and our day out yesterday. Of course, we were able to assure him that we loved it all.

Tommaso’s grandfather started the business sometime after WWII. The family had a lucky escape when Bari harbour was bombed by the Germans, because they had all gone to a wedding and so were not at work in the harbour at the time. We also learned that his excellent English is because he did his masters degree in Melbourne.

The weather continues to be wet, but, at least, it is cool, making it more comfortable to move along the job list.

The excitement today was when a large motor cruiser came in during the afternoon wind. Just as they were approaching the pontoon to dock, the engines failed and so the wind blew them sideways. Fortunately there was a wide enough gap for them to end up in. Lots of the other boat owners and a couple of marinaros jumped on board to manoeuvre the boat through 90 degrees to get it into the position it should sit in. All through this Steve kept their anchor from ripping through our guard rails. The skipper looked just as traumatised as we would have been in such a situation. I think he was embarrassed. It is something that could happen to anyone of us. The only damage was to his pride, a very fortunate outcome.

Miles today             0

Miles in 2023      747

Tricia (& Steve)

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