When I’m travelling “as a couple”, my attention is no longer primarily directed outwards, but also inwards, towards my companion. Michelle is wonderful, athletic and direct; we take stock of what is important to us and quickly find common ground. Only the storm off Marsala prevents us from setting off immediately. That’s fine too…
When the ferries resume service, I remain sceptical; the ArgoFram is still jacked up (and serves as a stable place to sleep), because it is still very windy outside. We decide to take one of these fast ferries to a nearby excursion island, Favignana – a completely new and interesting experience for me to be a passenger among other passengers (at the same time, I can assess what the waves look like further out and what we need to prepare for). Once we arrive, we rent bicycles and cycle around the entire island, enjoying swimming in quiet bays and taking photos, for which Michelle is particularly well suited.
Then it’s time to get serious; the ArgoFram is launched, refuelled, and the journey begins. First to Marettimo, a small, rocky island only about an hour’s drive from Marsala – ideal for breaking in the boat and testing everything. And yes, the pontoon holds, the display works, it feels good. I’m back in my element. And we prepare for the big crossing to Sardinia, because according to the weather forecast, the wind will decrease and the sea will become calm; we buy extra water (you never know … I can’t seem to shake this feeling) and fresh fruit.
The price for an overnight stay here is unreasonably high (no toilet, no shower); Tommaso sits on his plastic chair at the entrance to the quay, acting as a temporary cashier/harbour master. His main job is enjoying life here, working remotely as a computer scientist, and he is the only person far and wide who speaks English. In return, he gives us an important tip: head north tomorrow morning, anchor below the ruined castle, wait for the sunrise… and have breakfast there rather than in the harbour.