Palermo has been a very successful stopover for Kincsem. We’re moored here in the Sitimar “marina” (a couple of docks, a functioning WIFI (unheard of!!) and not much else) and things are getting DONE.

View of Palermo waterfront from the Sitimar marina

Ben, the guy who runs the place, is simply fantastic, speaks good English and organizes whatever needs doing - something I’ve taken full advantage of. First, the new dinghy supports were installed on the davits and the “side arms” made in Marina di Ragusa were modified to fit the dinghy again now that the supports are installed. The dinghy now is absolutely solid on the davits and can’t move sideways or any other way. When it is being winched up, it moves into the supports and side arms totally straight without manual manipulation. Great work at a modest price. Second, the engine was put through the Volvo “Vodia” electronic tester as required every 200 hours - but none of the technicians who serviced it in the past had the tool. It passed with flying colors.

The Vodia tester at work

Third, the batteries that are sometimes getting too warm were tested for internal shorts - they passed for as good as new. And lastly, a circuit board in the B&G mast head unit was replaced on warranty - salt had made its way 23 meters up the mast to cause a short from time to time. A remnant from the Medicane last year?

The masthead unit and PCB - sahara sands and salt …

All those things were done on one day, the last day of our stay - unbelievable. Ben was there when needed to translate and to let the service people know he was making sure that things went well.

During our stay, the weather left something to be desired so I didn’t do much touristic stuff at all. The city is quite run down and dirty - depressing if the sun’s not shining.

But at least it rained so hard that the red “top” on Kincsem’s masts is no longer. All washed away!

Sitimar “marina” and boat yard. Note one man washing the bottom, four watching!

Today, Kalle, a friend from high school, and his mate Jutta are arriving and will be with me for a week until Trapani.