David's Diary: Sunday, April 25, 2004

Arriving in Reggio, Italy

All through Saturday afternoon the waves increased, which we assumed would be followed by more wind. Around midnight the wind was blowing from the NE at F7-8 and we sailed through the night with a triple-reefed mainsail. The bow of Dragonsinger was swinging from side-to-side thirty degrees around our course line. At daybreak we passed the lighthouse that marks the "toe" of Italy. Just after noon we were tied up in the harbour of Reggio in the Straight of Messina.

Daybreak in Force 7 off the "toe" of Italy

The Italian mainland is finally visible

It continues raining as we sail on

A tired skipper after a long night

Approaching the harbour of Reggio

The breakwater for the marina

An Italian party is taking place when we arrive

We are offered Italian sweets

The Italians are celebrating the arrival of two new sailboats

Dragonsinger safely tied to the quay at Reggio