What we have learnt during lock-down is patience.

15th of July

The commissioning of Easy Rider is almost complete. All the sails are rigged, most of the equipment is working, we had to reassemble a head (one of our favourite pastimes), the space below deck has been cleared and we have finally moved in. This morning we scrubbed the deck and got rid of a lot if not all the grey dirt from the cockpit and coachroof. All this and more because we have to wait aboard in case the mechanic or the electrician comes… It feels a bit like waiting for Godot (again) ! If, at least, they would answer our messages we could rent a car and go somewhere to see more of Sardinia.

Magical evening light

The seawater cooling system pump for the engine continues to leak and has to be replaced. It is 25 years old after all. Jabsco, the company which makes these pumps is in the UK. After a long telephone conversation with Sally, a very helpful customer support manager, a spare pump was located despite the label ‘out of stock’ and is going to be sent straight away. We are told that it might arrive next Monday (20th) in Sardinia if all is well… but it might not.

The other thing which is not playing game is the fridge. After two years the refrigerant liquid might have evaporated. This poses a major inconvenience in this kind of heat. So far we can eat out, and although we might do without a fridge until we reach Port Napoléon, it might not be a good prospect without it.

Some years ago we might have reacted with a lot of impatience and annoyance faced with a delay like this. Today after having been in lock-down for three months back home, it seems that we learnt to be more accepting. We have (almost) learnt to be patient.

Normal live continues

Bonifacio (Corsica) in the mist

Yesterday evening we went up into the town of Santa Teresa. We wanted to see how animated the main square was and how it might have changed during the pandemic. We found a lovely and lively atmosphere in the centre of town. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves in the restaurants, around the shops and street vendors. There was a great sense of normality. The only thing which reminded you of Covid-19 is the strict wearing of masks in shops, by the waiters and  people entering the restaurants. We have only eaten outdoors which does not pose much of a problem as we make sure that we sit at least 2m apart from the next table. 

Social distancing and mask

One thing was quite obvious: not many foreign tourists were around. Most of the visitors were Italian.

Today (16th of July) looking at the weather chart on Predictwind, the next few days will be dominated by a strong Mistral from the Golfe du Lion. It is gusting around 18kn in the harbour. It would not be possible to sail NW to Marseille anyway.  In the meantime we will continue to enjoy our holiday.