Euro-bouncing and naming woes.
Sitting on our little deck overlooking the Taormina waterfront we can see the southern and hazy coast of Italy. From the a large scale map perspective, we’re looking at the toe of the boot, pointing at us.
Arriving a few days ago after an overnight flight from Birmingham England to Catania, Sicily we have just barely caught up with some sleep. Ahhh, to see the Eastern sunrise again!
And yet, we’re only half way through this chapter. Friends would say it’s just another segment of our virtually endless traveling, while waiting for the boat ⛵. And good friends these are, most recently having picked us up at the airport, and then provided food and shelter!
Prior to enjoying a short week with friends Mark and Rachel in Rugby England, we bopped back over to Izmir Turkey to check on construction. Looking so good! And remaining on schedule for mid October. Excited!
Later this morning we’ll hop a bus to Licata, on the south coast of Sicily, and join other friends aboard their catamaran Dolce for a sail to Malta.
Castelmola. Are you confused yet? Where are we again? Let’s see….
Update to the naming drama.
With much head-scratching, flip-flopping and struggling with what to call our latest boat, we decided again for plain ‘ol Fayaway. She has been our identity afloat for nearly ten years and so why change now? Even though we had decided on several (at least a thousand) satisfactory backups, she’s the name we keep circling back upon. Phew… Now that’s settled!
Not so fast! As with anything imported and being hit with horrid tariffs, we’d be facing an unexpected 15% hit to our budget. So we’re forced to use a foreign vessel registry. Yep, we won’t be flying the stars and stripes for now. United Kingdom seems a better choice due to their policies of allowing non-resident vessels. (I’ll write about that decision more later).
Of course nothing goes without obstacles! The rules state that only unique names can be used. And apparently some imposter 🧐 in the UK has already registered the name! While not clear, someone suggested that as long as we incorporate a different hailing port the authorities might allow the same name. What are the chances that the person already named Fayaway has requested the same hailing port?
Taking the risk, I sent the 150 £ (British Pound Sterling, GBP) with our application to reserve the name and crossed our fingers.
Anticipation…
A few days later…
Yes! The kind folks at the UK Ships Registry approved our name and hailing port! Phew! Now to proceed with the registration, which takes a few more hurdles.
Once registered on to Part 1 you will be eligible to fly the Red Ensign, and have a Certificate of Registry that is recognised throughout the world...
That’s enough excitement for now.
Take good care, and hug your loved ones!
Trinacria Symbol in Sicily Mythology
(borrowed and edited from https://www.excursionssicily.com/trinacria-symbol-of-sicily/)
In Ancient Mythology, the Gorgon is a mythological figure who was each of the three daughters of two Gods of the sea. The Three daughters were Medusa, Stheno (“strong”), and Euryale (“the large”). Medusa was mainly known for her ability to turn mortal men to stone with one gaze. But the goddess was also known for her help to fight the forces of evil. In the Trinacria, the head of Medusa stands in the centre.
In the Symbol of Sicily, the head of Medusa appears with entwined serpents hair and ears of corn. The ears of wheat represent the symbol of the fertility of the land.
Presently, the three legs in the Trinacria Symbol stand for the three promontories of Sicily. Those promontories are Cape Pelorus, Cape Passero, and Cape Lilibeo.
Get out and enjoy!
SV Fayaway 