Clan
Sinclair
[Clan Sinclair]
Events
Laura
   Zolo
[up]
[prev] [next]
7 Roses
Niven,
   Zeno,
   & Zolo
Halifax
   Commentary
Venice
   to
   Brindisi
Scylla
Porto-
   ferraio
First
   Nova
   Scotian?
Departing
   Elba
Elba to
   Marseilles
Languedoc
   onwards
Barcelona
   to
   Gibraltar
Tim about
   Zolo in
   Orkney
Frislanda
Guysborough
Laurel's
   Zolo
   pages
Sponsor:
Q

Departing Elba

Another departure for Project Zeno: farewells, demonstrations of friendship, solidarity and support, off on the year 2000 adventure following the tracks of history. Our Elban friends gathered with their boats to escort 7 Roses as far as Scoglietto, the small guardian island of Portoferraio. On the dock we receive endless wishes for good wind, kind thoughts, and personal gifts ranging from wonderful homemade jam to a good book to read on the trip. 7 Roses is docked right under the windows of my childhood home. A tiny figure appears in the window to watch once again as this granddaughter sets course for the horizon. In my life as a sailor, the most difficult moments continue to be those when I must leave the people who are dear to me, the "goodbyes" and the "see you soons" that are not always possible. As with every choice, this one too has its price to pay: the many sacrifices, the farewells, the separation.

Repainted and adorned with colorful sponsor stickers, 7 Roses and her escorts sail around the perimeter of the port twice before setting sail for the lands to the west.

The departure was planned for Sunday the 20th but was postponed by a week due to the late arrival of technical materials. This somewhat welcome delay allowed us to stay a few extra days at home and gave us an extra chance to resolve the inevitable little problems that never end on a boat. The radar, a gift from the city of Venice, was installed. The rigging was almost completely replaced and the wind pilot finally found just the right spot on the transom. Between one little job and another, two weeks flew by without a moment's rest. Preparations for a voyage are always tiring, the list of work to be done and materials to buy grows longer as the deadline nears. As in life, the most difficult step to take is deciding to cast off the moorings and set sail.

Elba, the last Italian stop for Project Zeno, was our longest stop since leaving Venice. Thanks to the help of the Esaom shipyard of Portoferraio, much work was done on the careening, the paint on the hull was re-done and lots of little technical details were taken care of. Help also came from a number of Elban organizations including the Naval League, the Nautical Circle of San Giovanni, the Cavo Circle and the Friends of the Sea. The city of Portoferraio and the Naval League organized a conference and CONFCOMMERCIO offered lovely refreshments for the event. NAVIOP and Elba Informatica helped with programming and finding a laptop computer. Gelsi sailing equipment made us some side covers out of canvas to add to the cover made in Livorno. And Discount DICO supplied us with good Italian products for our galley. Many private parties expressed interest in the Project and as always the irreplaceable collaboration and support of my family were not lacking. The list of everyone who so kindly offered help would be too long if I mentioned every name and therefore I extend thanks to my island and the islanders whose thoughts will accompany us on the many miles of this long voyage.


Last changed: 00/06/10 07:50:17 [Clan Sinclair]