It has to be one of the most magnificent firework displays ever. Except this is Mother Nature at her best, a stunningly beautiful electrical storm with great bolts of lightning arcing across the night sky.
By the morning, the wind is still blowing at around 30 knots, making a Friday departure an impossibility. It's unusually bad weather for this time of year in Malta, and everyone we speak to can't remember the last time it was this bad for so long.
Having consulted his weather router, Alan Priddy decides that the earliest we can get away will be Saturday morning. We'll be finishing the Gibraltar leg first, from the infamous fish farm in St Paul's Bay to Valletta Harbour breakwater, and then we'll be timed out on the run to Port Said almost immediately.
Holding the stopwatch will be Grand Harbour Marina's Tony Demajo, in a RIB driven by former powerboat champion Eric Braithwaite.
In the meantime, Spirit of Cardiff skipper Alan Priddy presented Tony with a plaque and letter of greeting from Cardiff.
"We stayed here a lot longer than we expected", said Alan. "Getting the boat repaired in record time has involved bending a lot of rules. We're very grateful for all the help we've received".
Misadventure and recovery - a diary
Tuesday 9th April
2300 local - We make contact with our hosts at Grand Harbour marina for final approach information.
2305 - Spirit of Cardiff crashes through unlit, uncharted tuna fish farm boom on the approach to Valletta harbour. Crew shocked but unhurt.
2330 - We advise David Pougher of Yamaha Motor Co. of an urgent request for an intermediate drive unit.
Wednesday 10th April
0400 - Spirit of Cardiff towed into Grand Harbour Marina. Crew have already wished Alan Carter a happy birthday.
0830 - Boat lifted from water for inspection.
0845 - Confirmed intermediate drive available for immediate despatch.
0850 - Peters and May shipping agents rush to Essex to collect and deliver Yamaha drive unit to Air Malta at Heathrow.
1030 - Engine and damaged drive unit removed from boat.
1800 - Replacement drive unit arrives in Malta.
2200 - Crew off to bed after a few beers.
Thursday 11th April
0730 - Unit delivered to Grand Harbour Marina
1030 - Boat ready for launching.
Is that a world record?
Clive Tully
Copyright Clive Tully ©2002
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