Calm seas and light winds accompanied us as we made our way from Katakolon towards Messina.  Our route took us towards the ‘toe’ of Italy and then a turn to the north, into the Messina Straits, on which Messina lies.

The area is known for its local winds and the morning was no exception.  Gentle zephyrs and a sea like a millpond were replaced by 30 kts of wind and a choppy sea as we made the turn around Italy and approached the Straits.

As we did so, we passed the Russian Navy Sail Training ship “Krusenstern” with reefed sails as she headed south.

A turn into the Straits and towards our pilot boarding ground.  Unusually, the Messina Straits pilots do not require vessels to slow down for boarding.  The ‘usual’ speed is anywhere between 5 and 8 knots, here they will embark and disembark a ship at anywhere up to 24 knots!  A disembarking photo is posted a little later in this post.

Up the north-bound Traffic lane and then a turn to port, to make for the harbour.  The pilot assists us with communications and leaves us to do the navigation of the Amsterdam.  There are so many ferries plying between Sicily and Italy that it looks like Piccadilly Circus and he, (the pilot) is busy speaking to them and arranging passing courses and distances.

 The wind has dropped and I take the opportunity to swing in the harbour and berth port-side alongside while conditions are favourable; one never knows quite what’s going to happen here later in the day and sure enough, on departure it had come up again, I was pleased I had done so.

Then, of course, a wander shore for you and the photos.  A short stroll with the family and we find ourselves in the square of Duomo Campanile, a beautiful church and bell tower which, at midday, rings and the characters in the tower become animated, it is a Messina tourist attraction.

Half of the ‘mob’ remain, Grace and Karen decide they’ll take Olly on a buggy ride and find some poor innocent to use their bargaining skills on, 10 minutes later (and at a reduction from 30 Euros to 10)  😀  the 3 of them are off for a jaunt.

Emily is somewhat nervous, however she still tries to make friends with the help of her Mum.

The square is full of our guests and crew, many of whom ask for photos with the children, here is Annie, who works in the Lido restaurant and loves them dearly.

Finally, after a long walk, back to ship and getting ready for departure.  Across the Straits, into the northbound lane and heading for Naples,  We pass Stromboli, the volcanic island at around 9 p.m. however there is nothing to see, no glowing lava this time, I’m afraid.  Here are those photos of the pilot disembarking.