The day at sea yesterday proved to be trying with a strong wind (As we now know courtesy of the Jet Stream moving much further south than usual) and rough seas. We were due to dock in Valetta at 2.00am this morning but no surprise when in his noon report yesterday the Captain announced that he was increasing to full speed – about 20 knots – to try and gain entry to Valetta by 1.00am this morning. He also announced that because of the weather forecast the tendering operation for Gozo (So Gozo will have to be added to my ‘bucket lit’) on Friday would be cancelled and Black Watch would be staying in Valetta for two nights rather than one. We actually docked in Valetta at 12.30 am and learnt at the final cocktail party that we had been lucky to get into Valetta harbour – a tricky narrow entrance – since by 1.00am the port had been closed because of the high winds.
The longer stay however meant that Black Watch was not berthed on the very attractive Waterfront (See photo) but a good half-mile further along in the commercial port, which made access to the city somewhat difficult.
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