We do as instructed, leave the harbour early, head north, anchor in the wonderfully clear water below the castle – and already the first rays of sunshine are dancing behind the rocks. We cut open a watermelon, and Michelle can’t hold back any longer, wants to go into the water, swims a few long laps around the ArgoFram… while I lie down for a bit. A truly wonderful spot, sheltered from the wind, perfect.
Then we set off for Arbatax (a recommendation from Raphaele!) on the east coast of Sardinia – we have 300 km ahead of us, across the Tyrrhenian Sea.
In the middle, somewhere between Sicily and Sardinia in the deep blue sea, the sun is high, I stop the engines. And let the ArgoFram drift. I enjoy the silence (and my courage to just do this). Michelle seizes the opportunity, jumps into the water and swims. And swims and swims.
Then she takes over my role and I jump headfirst into the deep blue water. For once, I don’t worry about anything. Almost nothing… Wonderful. I feel free. Detached from pressure and expectations… Me, voluntarily in the water… Just doing what I didn’t expect of myself. Here, in the middle of nowhere. It shakes me. Happiness.
Then I wrap myself up again while Michelle still lolls in the warming sun. – About three hours to Arbatax … Shortly before reaching the coast, we spot a pod of dolphins and follow them, taking photos, filming, talking to them and enjoying their company. Once we arrive in Arbatax, we refuel, find a spot in the marina and park next to a magnificent sailing yacht from Scotland belonging to Mhairi and Rod, accompanied by James. We chat and, on their recommendation, stroll to a harbour tavern, a mixture of fish shop and restaurant: in one room we choose and order what we want to eat, in the next room these delicacies are freshly prepared, and we eat outside. Brilliant.