What a nice sailing week! I spent one week on T-Fish sailing South to the wonderful islands of Palmerola and Ponza, some 85 - 90 nm from my home port.
Both ways I had perfect sailing conditions. On the way to Ponza I took advantage of a Mistral which strengthens through the Strait of Bonifacio and bends to the South - South West in the Thyrennian Sea. I started with light downward winds of about 10kn which increased to some 27kn further South, sailing wing-to-wing using the spinnaker pole. Some 10nm before the islands, the wind fell asleep and therefore I had to use the engine for the last two hours. On the way back I started with a light Southerly to Westerly of about 10kn, perfect for the Gennaker. During the night the wind fell asleep for an hour or so and then came back enforced with some 18-20kn from the South. I used the main and the Gennaker the whole return trip keeping T-Fish almost constantly at hull-speed.
I have been several times on the islands and still consider them as one of the most beautiful islands in the Med. In particular the rock formations of volcanic origin with steep cliffs, reflecting the sun in different color grades depending on the sun height, the clear water and the beautiful anchorages but also the lively and picturesque town of Ponza makes these islands a perfect sailing destination.
In Ponza, I met Ilona and Andreas, a retired German couple who are spending the summer months on their Cat Yoko exploring the Med. We had a nice evening out enjoying an excellent fish restaurant in Ponza and after some years in the Thyrennian Sea, I even could give them some hints of 'Must See'.