Naval Exercises of the Order of Malta
We are still staying in Malta.
A week ago, our Navtex (a fax, in simple terms) started buzzing and spitting out long receipts. Several times, a message came through saying: “Achtung! Achtung! On Saturday, 29 November, Malta’s valiant navy will begin exercises. Therefore, if you value the lives of your vessel and crew, we strongly urge you not to sail into the area at 59°46′ N, 27°15′ E, or one other location on a quiet Saturday morning. Otherwise, who knows what might happen.”
Today is still only Friday. Yet at seven in the evening, the Maltese artillery methodically began shelling an imaginary enemy. Getting a head start?
They were probably ranging their guns for an hour and a half.
...It is very strange to sit aboard the boat with the rumble of cannon fire all around. There is something menacing about it.
And tomorrow at 8 a.m., another weekend regatta around the island gets under way. To the sound of cannon fire, I found myself wondering what the chances were that some little boat would end up straying into the area at 59°46′ N, 27°15′ E, or that other location... and what might come of it.
I suddenly remembered the gallant Captain Vrungel and his yacht Trouble, surrounded by gigantic warships.
We’re following the news.