To Otranto, 2nd of June 2023

 On the way to Otranto, we came across an interesting cloud formation involving mammatus clouds, as we had already witnessed in 2016. These clouds are always very impressive to see.

And when you see them, you start thinking about what is going to happen to you in the next hour?

So what happened? Nothing really. The impressive cloud formation (see below) passed quietly by and did not interfere with our sailing to Otranto. But we did keep a close eye on such a threatening formation!

What kind of cloud formation is this?

Along the way we came across many beautiful villages and small towns, some with a clear Byzantine architectural influence.

According to nautical guides, you should expect northerly winds in these waters. And guess where north is on the picture below, on the right, confirming the prediction by the orientation of the trees! 

After feeling lonely in the marinas and anchorages along the way, we were surprised to see so many boats anchored in Otranto. We would have loved to explore Otranto, a port where the Crusaders boarded ships on their way to Palestine. But there is no time for that as we have to be in Brindisi in time to welcome the new crew. We will not see much of Otranto, but Wikipedia reminds us of what it was. In 1480 the Turks attacked and destroyed the city. More than half the population was slaughtered and the city never recovered.

Otranto anchorage, pretty full of boats so early in the season. But we are already in June...

Tomorrow we head to Brindisi to change crew before heading to Croatia!

950 miles this year so far...