ALMA BACK IN THE WATER!!

ALMA was re-launched on 20th April! Weather was sunny and calm which was essential as in any strong wind there is quite a swell that works its way into Kalkara Creek where the boatyard is and lifting the boat into the water alongside the quay would be dangerous in a swell. It was the first time I’d been on board to experience a lift by a crane but it was a very smooth operation – crane operator handled the crane and ALMA very carefully and precisely. My hardest job was undoing the backstay to allow the crane to lift amidships behind the mast – slightly concerning to see the mast unsupported by the backstay!

Helen and David came onboard after the launch and we motored around into Grand Harbour Marina – it was lovely to be on the boat again and to see Malta’s wonderful Grand Harbour from the water – great views of Valetta and of Fort St Angelo. So ALMA is now berthed in GHM where she’ll be for about another few weeks before we set off for the Ionian this summer. Quite a lot of jobs to get done as well as re-packing all our kit and provisions etc. As the weather improves (almost now as warm as its been in London!!) we’re looking forward to getting back onboard and we’ll hopefully have quite a few days sailing around Malta and Gozo before we leave for Greece.

Hope you’re enjoying springtime too. Will post more news on ALMA’s travels around Malta and Gozo over next few weeks.
Best wishes
Iain and Helen

SKIING DOWN

SKI TOUR

GETTING READY FOR THE NEW SEASON!!

We're getting ready to pack away the ski gear and head back home to Malta. We've had a great ski season despite the shortage of snow this year - lots of friends have visited us which has been great fun catching up and skiing together and we also managed a wonderful week's ski touring around Les Diablerets/Gstaad region in Switzerland - a beautiful area. But the snow is now almost gone and it's time to head for the Med.

ALMA will go back in the water shortly after a winter ashore in Kalkara boat yard. I went back in March to check the boat and everything was fine - it's a very sheltered and well run yard. We've had a few jobs done - the most significant has been stripping off all the old anti fouling built up over 9 years. Final coat of new anti foul will go on this week. I've also ordered a new mainsail but will only take delivery next winter so sadly will be sailing with the old main this summer - it's OK but after 9 seasons it's lost a bit of shape so not performing as well as I'd like.

This summer we're planning to set off in late May for Greece. We will base ourselves in Corfu but want to explore the Ionian and perhaps some of the west coast of the Pelopponese and also the gulf of Patras. We hope to visit a few historical sites, especially Delphi, possibly Sparta, and certainly Ithica. But most importantly we hope to spend a lot of time relaxing this year. We expect to head back to Malta in mid September - via Sicily (would like to visit Syracusa and possibly Catania and Messina on the east coast) and may stop at a few places on the Italian south coast on the way. No definite plans other than to cruise gently (hoping always for sunny blue skies and a good breeze (force 3 to 4)) and to enjoy it! Looking forward to visiting new places and having friends onboard along the way.

We'll post regularly to let you know our progress and our plans. Let us know if you'd like to join us.

Best wishes for a great summer.
Iain and Helen