Sailing from Syracuse to Malta: An Unexpected Delight
Our recent journey took us from Syracuse to Malta, a considerable trip covering 80 nautical miles. The sea was calm, providing a comfortable crossing. Kay was particularly keen on visiting Malta due to the significantly cheaper diesel prices. With two 500-liter fuel tanks, this detour offered substantial savings. Ultimately, I’m glad we made the trip—Malta was a delightful surprise!
As a project manager at a wonderful municipality, I worked on city marketing. From this perspective, it’s great to see how this city is so dedicated to these efforts. With subtlety, they ensure effective branding by not only handling the marketing aspect well but also keeping the infrastructure under control.
Though our time in Malta was short, limited to Valletta and Gozo, both locations left a lasting impression. Valletta, an ancient fortress city, is laid out in a grid pattern. Throughout history, it has been controlled by the Order of Malta, the French under Napoleon, and the British, who established their Mediterranean Fleet headquarters here due to its strategic position.
The cannons of Valletta have a storied past. Today, they fire ceremonial salutes twice daily at 12 PM and 4 PM to honor the city’s maritime heritage. Historically, they served a different purpose: the time ball service. When the British took over, they used the midday cannon fire to calibrate ship clocks, helping determine longitude at sea.
Valletta also played a crucial role in ending the Cold War. In 1989, it hosted the Malta Summit, where U.S. President George H.W. Bush met Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, marking a significant step toward the Cold War’s end. The summit took place on ships off Malta’s coast, symbolizing neutral ground between the two superpowers.
Valletta was a wonderful surprise in our travel itinerary. The city’s cleanliness evoked a Disneyland-like feel, showcasing careful planning and meticulous maintenance. One evening, as Kay and I watched the sunset over the fort, accompanied by a talented street musician, our children, Lewis and Beau, danced around us. Suddenly, I realized Beau was missing. This moment is every parent’s nightmare.
In your own town is terrifying, but in a foreign town, where you don’t know the neighborhood, it’s a true nightmare.
We stayed calm—Kay checked one side of the bridge while Lewis and I searched the other, calling out Beau’s name. After a few terrifying minutes, Kay called to say Beau was on the other side of the bridge, happily tossing his jacket in the air.
This incident was a hard lesson and a reminder to stay vigilant. Since then, our children wear AirTag bracelets almost every time we go out, allowing us to track them on our phones.
Esplora Science Center
I took the kids to visit the Esplora Science Center, and it was another delightful surprise! There was so much to do that we hadn’t seen everything by the time we had to leave. It was a highly educational and stimulating day for the children—they gained so many new insights. This is definitely a must-visit for the whole family!
Efficient Fuel Use and Energy Savings
Refueling on the Luna is always a painful affair due to the large tank sizes. To cut costs, we sail as much as possible since the wind is free!
We operate with two engines and two fuel tanks, always running both engines simultaneously. While many cruisers choose to use one engine at a time to conserve fuel, this approach results in reduced speed. Fortunately, we now use less fuel since we no longer need to run the generator. Our solar panels generate sufficient energy for our needs.
It’s crucial to avoid spills during refueling because just one liter of oil can contaminate up to a million liters of water. Mariners take extra care during refueling to protect the oceans. A helpful tip is to always have paper towels with detergent ready for quick cleanups in case of spills.
In the past, we had to run the generator to power the air conditioning and charge the batteries. Our 11 kW generator consumed an average of 6 liters per hour, requiring 3-4 hours of operation per day to meet our needs. With the solar panels we installed, we now save 24 liters of fuel daily, which translates to a daily savings of 30 EUR!
Costs of Operating Our Yacht
Our ship weighs 21 tons. To move it, we use either the engine or sails. Here’s a cost breakdown:
– Engine speed: 2000 RPM
– Fuel consumption: 3L/h per engine
– Total consumption for two engines: 6L/h
– Speed: 7 knots (13 km/h)
– 6L/13km = 1L/2km
– 50L = 100km
– 100km costs 60.50 EUR based on Malta’s fuel price (1.21 EUR per liter)
Exploring Gozo and Preparing for Storms
Gozo was a joy to explore, especially the hidden beach behind a cave. We sheltered in a secluded bay, anticipating a storm from Tunisia. Despite the looming threat, the storm lasted only an hour and passed us by without incident. Once the skies cleared, we set sail for Sicily, ready for the long journey ahead.
Our voyage continues to be an adventure filled with unexpected discoveries and valuable lessons. From fuel efficiency to unforgettable moments in stunning locations, each day brings new experiences.
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