Second day solo

Under way at 05:45, doing 6knots SOG and hoping to reach Valletta by 19:30 just before dark. At the cape marking the end of Sicily the wind rose to over 22kts apparent so I reefed to reef 2 (reef 1 block blew out on the way to Sicily), this worked very well and am getting consistent 7-8kts SOG. Steady run through the day, passed very close to a tanker stopped in 250 metres washing out its tanks, also got very close to a colourful Norweigan cruise liner.

Arrived in Malta at 17:20 after very good run. Initially I was very confused as I couldn't find the customs dock but it seems they have now changed the entry procedure so you just go to a marina and they handle your clearance. I found this out after phoning Grand harbour marina who also happened to have a space and be able to help me moor up. There are two bays in here and Grand harbour is the other one so by the time I eventually got in and moored I was exhausted. The skippers either side of me were delivery guys and assumed I was also as I was alone so took me to a local pub for dinner (I was quite pleased as I obviously didn't look like an amateur when manouvering and tying up). Dinner was very cheap, chicken and chips with 3 beers for 7.5EU. So tired I didn't wash the boat but in the night heavy rain (the first I'd seen since England) cleaned of the salt for me.

All alone

I got help from a couple of Brits to move to the fuel dock but as there was no wind didn't really need it. Took on 415 litres in Tank and cans - nb. will need more cans for the ARC.
Slow sailing today and eventually took down sails with headwind. Saw two dolphins. At 18:30 decided to find anchorage and stop for the night because making less than 4 knots into swell under power. Anchored at Ogina, very quiet spot except for small fishing boats passing on their way in and out. Prepacked Lasagna with a salad and a beer for dinner, early bed.