On April 5, 2003 the adventure starts: We
drive to Izola/Slovenia to launch our boat. It is still very cold; the
Alps are still covered with snow. For the first time we set our feet on
"our" boat. Unfortunately the first impression is a bit distressing
because the finish is rather slipshod. It takes some time to write down
everything of which we do not approve. The worst are the bow thrusters,
which are installed in true "Saudi Style" - right for left and
left for right -- not very funny in a narrow harbour with a lot of wind!
This results in our first scratch. But after everything is taken down
on paper and GERIATRI"X" has her name on her hull, the real
elation is eventually there, even at unpleasantly cold temperatures. At
one point it is even snowing!
The crew for the maiden voyage consists of
Rainer, Traudel, Nils, Melli and Karl. The journey takes us from Izola/Slovenia
to Piran for customs and then leads across the Gulf of Trieste Marittima
into the lagoon of Marano. The water level varies due to the tide and
it is exciting to see if we can make it on our own to Marina Punta Gabbiani.
But we manage and celebrate our first successful trip with Cremant and
Prosecco and wonderful Italian food. The marina offers every comfort you
would like -- even a large heated pool and a hot Jacuzzi. Here you can
even accept the cold weather! A visit to Venezia is on the schedule, but
it is constantly pouring. There are better things to do than "Pitsche
dabbe" in Venezia, preferably a 3-course menu prepared on board by
Nils and Melli!
This with some bottles of Prosecco and Italian
red and white wine - and the beginning of the rest of our lives is not
bad!
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