Captain Albert Schoonderbeek
On this cruise we will be sailing through the Straits of Messina twice as the cruise is a loop cruise to and from Civitavecchia. As the stretch to Katakolon is not a very high speed run, I set the speed in such a way that we would be passing through the Straits around coffee time. That meant Stromboli at 8 am. so those who went for breakfast around that time could see the volcano cone on the port side. It was a bit hazy when we passed by with the smoke being absorbed by the clouds so we did not see any plume at all.
Pilotage for Messina is compulsory for big ships but it only takes about 20 minutes and it all goes very fast. Sometimes I wish that I could send the pilot boat drivers from other ports in the world for a course to Messina as it is amazing what they are able to do here with their boats. Most places you have to slow down to 6 – 8 knots, make a lee, change course again etc etc. Here the pilot boat comes alongside with 16 to 18 knots of ships speed and only request is that we keep the swell away from the pilot ladder area. Basically you can just continue your journey while doing a pilot transfer.
