Mediterranean Sea, Sailing
#16 – Boat Work and A Road Trip
Moored in Sicily - A Winter on Water and Road Trip to Switzerland
After a wonderful season in Turkey and Greece, we made it back to Marina di Ragusa in our last blog. Marina di Ragusa is the same harbor where we spent the winter two years ago and had an incredibly great time. We met many amazing people with whom we still stay in touch today. Most of them are now scattered around the world, but some have returned to the marina, and we were excited to meet both old and new friends to share unforgettable evenings together.
Once again, we got a spot at the same dock, where we had been two years ago.
This blog will mainly focus on boat work. If that’s not your thing, feel free to check out some of our other blogs that might be more interesting to you. But if it is, then enjoy reading!
Galley Overhaul – Turning a Tiny Space into a Chef’s Haven
For this winter, we had a long list of boat projects, but this time, we didn’t need to haul out the boat. Instead, we planned to do all the work while staying in the marina. One of the biggest tasks was the kitchen.
To visitors, the kitchen looked fine. Most people wouldn’t have changed a thing, but there were quite a few things that bothered us. So, we decided to renovate the entire kitchen.
We replaced the countertop, reinforced the wooden structure underneath, installed a new sink and faucet, removed the old electric oven, and Burim built a new one with an integrated electric cooktop on top and an air fryer below. Of course, everything had to be gimbaled, meaning that the entire oven and stove would swing with the boat’s movement to prevent spills while cooking
It was a massive job, but the result was absolutely fantastic (without wanting to pat ourselves on the back too much). That was also the opinion of most visitors.
The kitchen looked brand new, and all the weak points where water could seep in were eliminated. The two small sinks were replaced with a larger one, making it easier to wash dishes and even big pots. The wood under the countertop was now reinforced and protected against moisture. No more mold in the silicone joints. In fact, Burim designed the countertop in a way that didn’t require any silicone at all. We were beyond happy with our new kitchen, we should have done this years ago!
We removed the old countertop and allowed the wood to fully dry before installing the new one.
The renovated galley is finally complete! It now has a new electric cooktop with a gimbaled air fryer for easier cooking at sea, and a redesigned countertop that’s much easier to clean. Simple, practical, and ready for many great meals!
More Solar Power needed!
Two years ago, in Marina di Ragusa, we installed two flexible solar panels on the Bimini. One of them stopped working after one year, and we gave the other to Paul and Evelin (if you don’t know them, check out Blog 15). Looking back, mounting flexible panels directly onto the Bimini wasn’t the best idea. While the panels are designed to flex, on the Bimini they were constantly moving, especially in strong winds. This nonstop movement caused wear over time, damaged one panel and the fabric of the Bimini, and made the Bimini no longer watertight.
So, we decided to install side-mounted solar panels. Burim took on the project with help from our neighbors on the next boat, our new Swedish friends Tony and Mia. We were really grateful to have such kind and helpful people nearby, we shared some great evenings together.
Tony helped us find the right pipes, and another friend, Richard, lent us his welding equipment. With their support, Burim was able to install the new panels. That gave us an extra 240Wp of solar power, bringing our total to 1.1kWp. Not quite enough to power the whole marina, just kidding! But it’s plenty for cooking, running the watermaker, our computers, and of course, Burim’s beloved PS5.
A Road Trip through History - from Sicily to Switzerland
At some point, we needed a break and decided to take a road trip through Italy. We rented a car and drove all the way to Switzerland, traveling across the entire country. We love Italian food and its historic cities. Naples absolutely blew us away, we loved it. For many, Naples might seem loud, dirty, and full of crime, but for us, it was a refreshing contrast to the beautiful bays, beaches, and palm trees.
We explored Rome, Venice, and their impressive palaces and churches. We strolled through the narrow alleys of the ancient city of Siena, a place full of medieval charm with its stunning brick buildings and the famous Piazza del Campo.
In the city of love, Florence, we met up with our sailing friends Ale and Tutgen, whom we had met two years ago in Marina di Ragusa. They welcomed us with open arms, and their hospitality was incredible. They showed us the most beautiful corners of Florence, from hidden local spots to breathtaking viewpoints. Florence itself captivated us with its Renaissance architecture, art, and vibrant atmosphere.
We visited Pisa and many other breathtaking places in Italy before finally making it to Switzerland. The road trip lasted three weeks and was an absolute delight, despite the occasionally passionate Italian traffic.
Once in Switzerland, we were, of course, excited to see our friends and family again. We cherished our time together, enjoying great food, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences, treasuring every moment.
Breathtaking views from the top of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican.
Surrounded by good company and the beauty of Swiss landscapes.
