The initial forecast was for light ENE winds; but later on Wed evening I got an update (via text from Andy in the UK!) suggesting great winds about 10 to 15 knots ENE or NE due to a low pressure system forming in the Adriatic – perfect for the crossing due south to Malta. For the first hour we did have light winds and wondered if we’d have to motor. Then suddenly we had 20 knots of wind building to 25 knots and we had to put a reef in the main. So we had a very fast crossing and we entered Grand Harbour Valletta at 1430 in time for a late lunch! It was a great crossing although with quite a rough sea especially approaching the harbour. We were excited to see Gozo then Malta appear on the horizon and then pick out landmarks on the coast. Previously (when we were onshore in Malta) we’d thought the Hilton Tower was a bit of an eyesore; but we discovered for arrival by sea it’s the best landmark on the whole coast! Then we began to pick out the forts and churches of Valletta; then the harbour breakwater and finally the magnificent Fort St Angelo and beside that our apartment block. Great moment to sail into Grand Harbour past the wonderful historic sites and moor up almost outside our apartment.

END OF THE JOURNEY TO MALTA