After calculating the time to catch the stream going from North to South in the Messina Strait we left Tropea at 06h00 and made our way South. We entered the Strait right on time and were making over 8 knots (engine 6, mizzen 1 and stream over 2). In the first part of the Strait there was very little merchant traffic but we were highly entertained by the fishermen on their strange boats (see photos) who were chasing swordfish and trying to harpoon them. Definitely not a job for Caryn!
As soon as we reached Reggi de Calabri the wind came at last and we quickly changed the genoa so that we could take full advantage of it and managed to sail for 3 hours. We rounded the toe of Italy (unfortunately with the engine running as the wind did not last long) and began the crossing over to Greece. We had calculated that it would take us 48 hours from Tropea
During the first night we managed to get in just over 4 hours sailing but most of the crossing we had to motorsail. The sea was very choppy and there was a good deal of swell which did not make for the most comfortable of journeys. However in the afternoon of the second day we were able to hoist the sails again and we managed to sail for nearly 6 hours.
Caryn got her monthly haircut which was successful despite the swell!
Another night at sea with the risk of a thunderstorm this time (fortunately it went much further North) and by the next morning we still had a few hours left before we would see the Greek coast.
It came into view eventually and we made our way to Argostoli harbour in order to register our entry to Greece. We moored on the town quay at 11h30 local time and took a well earned rest after a long and tiring crossing.
Wind is such a fickle thing. We have several weather forecast sites and they all agreed that the wind for these dates would be SW 3 to 5 that should have given us the perfect crossing under sail. We met everything but.
In the 942miles we have come in 173 hours we have motored/motorsailed for 145 hours and managed to sail for 28 hours!!!!!!. However our average speed has been just under 6knots.

We moored at the fuel quay for the night as there was no sign of life in the harbour and we did not want to venture in to find a berth.
A guard came and inspected the vessel from outside whilst talking on his mobile but we were left in peace for the night. The next morning whilst waiting for the fuel quay to open we explored the harbour.
It is well laid out and even has an open air theatre but it did not seem to be very active and was already showing signs of wear and tear.
People were obviously getting it up and running for the season so everything was not open. It seems a good harbour and we know of people who have used it and were very happy.
After filling up the diesel tank (to be sure that we had enough for the next stage) we went out and anchored off the beach. Here we swam and relaxed and Svein even made a cooling air system using PC fans. It is now installed in the saloon and is very efficient and becoming very necessary.
We got an early night in preparation of the next stage of the journey.

After two nights here and a full quota of diesel and water on board we set off for the last stop before we attack the Messina Strait and the crossing to Greece.
No matter how careful we are with the weather forecasts we always seem to get head winds or no wind at all. This was the case today and we engine all the way to Tropea arriving at 22h30

The washing is out on the rails drying and we have been up to the harbour office to pay our dues. There are so few visitors in this little harbour that we were given a special price and they have given us the water and electricity for free! The shops are also open on a Sunday so we have been able to buy the few missing items. Here we will also fill fuel before heading off to visit the shores and make our way down the coast.

A sleepy and pleasant town that has obviously tried to attract the sailing world from the evidence of a hugh travelling crane and a well installed harbour. However the attempt has not succeeded and the crane is not used and the hard standing has become a car park! It is a pity as it is a lovely corner of Italy away from the tourists and the people are very helpful.