Who said there was no wind in the Med??

Well, once again we have encountered gale force winds. To think that we have been holding off on getting a wind generator because we didn't think it would be worth it! It would have had soooo much more use than our solar panels so far......
Oh.... and my travel tip this week: NEVER trust the weather forecasts!!!!
We left Otok Murter this morning early due to the weather forecast. I had had a bit of a sleepless night (it kind of happens when you have too many nanny naps during the day!!) and had watched the sun come up over the beautiful bay that we had spent a few nights in. As I heard a wind gust, I casually mentioned to Craig who was still three quarters asleep that when I had checked the weather forecast (on two different, official, websites may I add!) it had indicated that we might get 30 to 40 knot gusts in the FORENOON and afternoon from the North East (Bora country!)! Nothing quite like a lively weather forecast to waken a man from his slumber!
Two minutes later we had upped anchor and were heading south towards Sibenik. We were in a relatively safe anchorage from 'Bora' type winds, but didn't want to take the risk and wanted to head to the mainland and more assured safety due to our previous brushes with the 'Bora'. Wehad also been warned (old wives tales of course) that there are always 3 Boras after Christmas. We thought we had been through 3 but were informed that some of those didn't really count!
We set off under motor and quickly put up our genoa and were flying along at around 6 knots. Within minutes we were in gale force winds (the story of our lives it seems!!).
As has become our habit of late, our wonderful passage planning skills came in useful and we decided to opt for one of our 'bale out' options which was to head for a nearby marina at Tribunj. We stomped across the bottom of Otok Murter and towards the mainland under full genoa and quickly decided to reef in the sail as we were getting a bit wet and uncomfortable. Shirley Valentine, as usual, was dealing with things a lot better than us and stuff which we had left in the cabin in our haste was still upright. Gee, I love our girl!!!
Reefing the sail was hard work and it took all my new found strength in my dodgey shoulder, but I gritted my teeth and showed what a girl I really am. Within a few more minutes we were getting regular 40 knot winds and we decided, being the Jessies that we are, to pull in the sail and make for land. As we did this, there was a resounding 'Thwang' (great word, isn't it!!). We quickly worked out that the jib furler had snapped and Craig paled a little (well, a lot really) as it registered that we may have to continue with full genoa. He (my hero!) quickly wrapped the genoa up in the sheets and I braved a few moments on deck to take him some extra line. With our sail wrapped up like a mummy we limped into the harbour (OK, bit of poetic licence here.... we actually sailed quite calmly and serenely into the marina after phoning them to make sure it was OK to come in!).....
I then executed a pretty damn good reverse park in a 40 knot blow off (even though I say so myself!!) and we were safely ashore!
The really frustrating part was that within an hour or so, the winds had dropped off and the sailing conditions were perfect! Bloody weather forecasts. Anyway, we had a lovely walk around town this afternoon and met an Aussie!!!!!!! They actually noticed Craig's Australian board shorts.... I know, not like Craig to stand out for his fashion sense, but in this case it was a winner! A lovely Croatian couple (Mick and Maria) and their son (Tom) who lived in Sydney for 32 years. It was great to hear the sons accent and to have people who can actually understand our humour. They are now living in Croatia and they showed us round the house that they are building with fantastic views over the coast at Tribunj.
Just goes to show that every cloud has a silver lining.
Well, stuck in this marvellous marina in this lovely town until we get the jib furler fixed!! God damn! :-)) Such a luxury to have shore power and a wonderful hot shower ashore. Toilet block even has bidets!!
Hoping to continue our push south in the next few days as we have to leave Croatia at the end of May and are planning a continuous passage from Dubrovnik to Corfu, effectively bypassing Montenegro and Albania (weather permitting of course!).
Will talk to you all soon..... Take care.
xx
Craig and Lesley (Shirley Valentine)