Let the Season Begin! - Sailing the Med Spring 2026
After spending the 2025/26 winter season in Cap Monastir Marina in Monastir, Tunisia, the time for venturing forth was upon us as we approached the end of March. As Canadians, we are permitted to visit Tunisia for 183 days in a one year period. I had returned to Canada for a one month visit in November/December, so I did not have to be concerned about overstaying, but for Neil it was a different story. Another factor in determining our departure date is that we have to return to Monastir at the end of May so that we can fly back home to Ontario for the month of June to attend the significant event of Ben's graduation from Wilfred Laurier University. It was necessary for us to reserve some of Neil's 183 days in order to return and leave the boat in the marina for the month. On March 29th at 159 days, we checked out of the marina and the country to sail north towards Sicily, with our target being the island of Favignana located just off the south west coast of Sicily.
It was bittersweet leaving the marina. Although we were looking forward to the freedom that sailing and anchoring offer, we were saying goodbye to the many new friends we had made while spending the winter in one place. Since we "liveaboards" are all in the same boat (so to speak) we rely on each other during the months of October to March/April for socializing, celebrating life events, assistance with boat projects, sourcing supplies, workout companions, and surviving Ramadan (where so much just shuts down). When faced with heading back out to sea, I always seem to find it difficult to leave the comfort and security of living on the boat in the marina because at sea we must constantly check the weather, the sea conditions and the anchorage conditions. However, it does not take long for me to appreciate the adventure of living on the water again.
Friends gathered at our berth to wave us off at 9:30 a.m. as we embarked on our 24 hour sail. It was an overcast day with favourable winds, so we were looking forward to a relatively straightforward passage, expecting to arrive in Favignana by the next morning. Although it was a chilly sail, we had a terrific passage with some sailing and some motoring.
Favignana island is the largest of the three Aegaidan Islands (Isole Egadi) and is shaped like a butterfly. It is 20 square kilometres in size, with 33 kilometres of coastline. It once had the largest tuna fishery in the Mediterranean which was owned by the very wealthy Florio family (see Disney Plus "The Lions of Sicily"). The plant closed in 1982. The Egadi Isles are said to have inspired the mythical islands in the Odyssey. It was apparently where Odysseus's crew stopped before he and a few of his companions went off to meet Cyclops. It was on the island that they are said to have rested, hunted goats and barbecued them on the beach while drinking wine.
The island welcomed us with sunny skies and calm winds so that we were able to easily anchor on the south coast and then venture forth and explore the island. How fantastic it was to be back in the EU where we enjoyed an incredibly delicious panini sandwich with Italian prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, and tomatoes and Peroni beer at a little place near the town square of Favignana on the north side of the island. The town was quite quiet at this time of year, with mainly locals and a few tourists about. Many of the stores were not open yet, but the place had a very welcoming and peaceful vibe. Spring had definitely arrived with the island covered in beautiful, colourful wildflowers.
So glad to have an update and to learn a bit about the history and places you are visiting. Safe travels to you both! (And Finnigan!) I'm sure you are Counting the days to Ben's graduation!
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