Are we having fun yet?

Marina di Regusa, Sicily

About three and a half weeks ago, we left North Carolina to return to Berkeley East in Marina di Ragusa, Sicily. Since then, we have received numerous emails asking for news, updates, pictures, information about food eaten, restaurants discovered, new adventures, etc. Everyone wants to hear about “the great time” we are having. Since arriving at BE, we’ve been working hard to get her ready to sail, amid cold, stormy and very windy conditions. Last night, after a grueling day of boat work, we decided to examine the question “Are we having fun yet?” Traveling nearly 6,000 miles, over 30 hours in two cars and on three different airplanes with seven heavy bags wasn’t necessarily fun, but it was exciting when we made each connection and all of our bags arrived safely. Finding Berkeley East floating in the slip where we left her last October wasn’t fun as much as it was a very big relief. Moving fourteen 130-pound batteries in and out of extremely tight spaces was definitely not fun, but we were happy when we pulled it all off without incident.

Putting the sails back on was very rewarding when we realized that we still know how to do it! Waxing all 54 feet of BE’s hull, again, not fun, but it does bring a smile to our faces when we see how shiny she looks now. Having good Italian wine on hand to help our aching backs is wonderful. Getting our ATM card to work in Italy was fantastic. Finding the tool we needed at the local hardware store was like winning the lottery.

There are about 100 other people in the marina getting their boats ready to go. Marina di Ragusa is a very sleepy little seaside town that really only comes to life in summer, so much of our amusement comes from activities within the cruising community.

Morning radio nets, progressive dinners, cruiser meetings and dock parties have all been great ways to catch up with old friends, meet new people and exchange information.

Finding good Mexican food in Sicily was a real surprise

Fun is a subjective term. One person’s fun is another person’s nightmare. While some of us love boat work more than others, the challenges and rewards can be very satisfying, and yes, even fun. With all our chores complete, we are looking forward to beginning our travels and having more interesting things to share. Weather permitting, we leave for Malta tomorrow.

A view of Berkeley East from the top of the mast while checking the rigging

Porto Turistico Marina di Regusa Sicily – Berkeley East’s home for the winter