#1: [14-May-04]

02-May-2009 -- After the discharging of 28,000 tons of Venezuelan petroleum coke at Savona, we began our voyage to Napoli this morning, where the ship will be drydocked for her mandatory 2.5 yearly thorough inspection and minor maintenance jobs, which cannot be carried out on a ship afloat.

Steaming on a southeasterly course I decided to visit the confluence 43N 10E where we arrived at 4:30 p.m. The Confluence lies about 13 km east of Isola Capraia, "Island of the Goats".

Isola Capraia is of volcanic origin. The west coast is steep and barren, whereas the east side slopes gradually and is cultivated. A chain of rocky mountains runs in a N-S direction. Monte Castello and Monte Arpagna are the highest peaks, attaining an elevation of about 445 metres.

Capraia, the major settlement of the island, stands on the NE part of the island. The name of the Island derives from a species of goats, which due to their isolation developed in a particular way.

To the SE, the famous Island of Elba can be seen in a distance of about 22 km.

About two hours later, we passed Isola di Montecristo. An old friend of mine, Christoph, is accompanying me as a passenger on this voyage. He joined at Savona and will disembark later at Napoli.

In the sea, but with a view of land