Sant Agostino, Civitavecchia, Ostia, Anzio...

A multitude of grazies and photos to catch up on. Italy just fantastic!

Sant Agostino

Thanks to Chris and family for making a mid-holiday trek to meet up at Lido de Tarquinia

A short distance later that day saw me to Sant Agostino, and entirely unexpected and unsolicited warmth / food / beach house balcony for the night. To my shame I'm already struggling to name the faces hanging over the balcony in pic 2.

Lega Navale Italiana Sezione di Civitavecchia

Next morning an early start on a light and short-lived land breeze, to the Lega Navale Italiana di Civitavecchia, where I stayed an extra day, and left a chunk of my heart. The hand of friendship had been extended even before I'd properly landed, when centre director Marco pulled me up the slippery algae-covered ramp. The lone traveller appreciates being part of family and here it was such a pleasure to be with the kids and their supervisors young and old. It was hot anyway, but such acceptance, warmth and inclusiveness just made my heart melt.

Marco explained that, a couple of decades back, Arnaud and Jenna de Rosnay had been here for a fortnight. Arnaud had hoped to windsurf Civitavecchia to Sardinia, but the required wind didn't arrive to allow this attempt, and his subsequent loss in the Strait of Taiwan prevented another. So - additional to the practicality of sitting out a very light wind day - it was with a sense of honouring history that I delayed my own departure.

Had pizza making lessons with windsurf trainer Emmanuelle. My guess is that he will make the crossing sometime soon.

Enjoyed cornets for breakfast with Letizia. The owners of bar Da Pina even made me a bed!

Lega Navale Italiana Sezione Lido di Ostia

Sad to leave but happy, the next hop was a productive 30nm to the Lega Navale di Ostia, arriving just as the sun dipped under the horizon. Again, no warning of my arrival. Again, hospitality beyond all expectation. The interesting thing about the Italians is the instant warmth. No guardedness, no hint of suspicion, or wondering if they can help: just "Come on in! Shower! Eat!" I did all three - the seafood pasta out of this world... And lunch the following day... So many names in such a short space of time: my excuses for not remembering them all, though I do remember you all, and of course especially Paula, Maura and Caroliaine for humbling generosity and everything else.

Inspected the cool blue cat (pictured) that Tullio Picciolini and Alesandro Guardigli will next year attempt to cross from Dakar to Guadalupe in record time.

Remembered it here, having sailed at the 1992(?) Youth and Master World Championships. See pic!

A.S.D Circolo della Vela Anzio Tirrena

Late start with only a short hop planned, to Anzio. A bit too late as a rain shower killed the wind, meaning the last bit had to be paddled in the dark.

Pleasantly surprised to find people at A.S.D Circolo della Vela Anzio Tirrena. Again the Italian "Come on in! Shower! Eat!" I kept my eyes open for just long enough to make it to the next day and join the toast for Sabrina's birthday.