It's Tuesday and we are still in Crotone. The weather deteriorated somewhat on Monday with cloud, rain and thunder for what was to be our day off - and it has continued ever since. It is now Tuesday evening and the rain clouds of this afternoon have just about cleared and the 25knts of wind subsided. Despite the rain and cold, we are still in t-shirts and shorts! The weather is looking better for Wednesday and Thursday so we plan to set off to get to Corfu in one overnight sail to arrive late Thursday. Having said all that, there could be a lot worse places to stop.
Crotone is quite a nice place. The doom and gloom book says it is a bit run down but it does have it's upsides - it's cheap! On Monday we walked into town to get some milk and bread - found the internet cafe- and had a nice lunch for just over 20 Euros (with a couple rounds of drinks). That is back to Lagos pricing. When we got back to the boat we were treated to a spectacular display of how to park a boat - NOT!! An Italian in a 39 ft Bavaria tried to reverse into a gap just about big enough for a 50ft boat in about 15knt of crosswind but couldnt get a handle on his prop kick. He tried 3 times but pulled out just as he got near. The fourth time he went bow first but only to pick up the lazy line and then reverse out - hanging on the line about 4 boat lengths off the quay. With the help of around 12 onlookers he spent nearly an hour trying to turn the boat so he could get in stern first (by now the wind was 30 knots). He finally got it in almost demolishing the stanchions on the two boats he was between with his "fender holders" ( a la motorboat type) on the outside of his lifelines. What a plonker! While this was all going on I was chatting the French guy next to us who was waxing lyrical about how Italians will never take a boat in bows to. By the way, this has to be one of the easiest harbours to park a boat as there is about half a mile of water to line the boat up in to get in the berth.
The funniest bit of the boat parking episode was the marinier who organises all the boats. He has a whistle to call the boats into their berth and he shouts loudly (only in Italian). He was giving all the instructions to the incoming boat - few of which were either being heard or obeyed. The other 11 people helping were all offering their advice in English which the boat didnt understand. This caused the marinier to shout louder and louder. What great entertainment! Since then, I have had 3 or 4 conversations with the marinier, great character. Shame I couldn't understand a word he said. I am sure he has some English or French but he refuses and speaks only Italian. Well it is his country!
Most of the boats in transit decided to stay in port on Tuesday due to the continuing thunderstorms - as we did. We went into town again for a lunch time meal and found one bar with prices of 2.50 Euro for a 660cl beer and 2.0 Euro for 0.5l of wine. Now that is Lazy Jacks happy hour pricing. I told you it was cheap. We didn't go there though so it won't be entered into the "Cheapest pub in the world competition". Instead we went to the beach bar we ate at the day before. Great food! Back to the boat to replace a light bulb in the front deck level nav light and to fill up the tanks with water.
It is worth mentioning there is a good chandlers on the road running along the front with things at reasonable prices and a good selection of stuff. Not a bad place to stop then - a shame the rest of Italy wasn't a cheap as this - although don't expect any cathedrals, churches or tourist tat. It's probably twinned with Bo'ness but it has got nice beaches (unlike Bo'ness which doesn't). Anyone living south of the border will not have a clue what I am talking about!
That's it for now. More when we get to Greece.
Andy I've tryed emailing will try again but just incase give me a shout when you get to Greece I'm based in Nidri, Lefkada South of Corfu. Mum is out on the 6th July to cruise as well would be nice to catch up
Posted by: Tom | 27/06/2009 at 07:19 PM