JOSEPHINE IN ACTION!

 JOSEPHINE UNDER FULL SAIL OFF ITHICA SEPTEMBER 4th 2013

 15/20 knots of NW wind

Special thanks to Kevin T. Jones, Sailing Pics Fiscardo, Kefalonia Greece., (Tel: 0030-6945464550) for producing this special video.

LAID UP FOR WINTER

NOVEMBER 2013

All good things must come to an end, and so we have with some sadness laid the boat up ashore for the winter.

We have had a wonderful summer of cruising and visited some amazing places. On the way we have had many adventures and  met many nice people who have been cruising the same as ourselves.




 It now seems a long time ago since we left home in March and flew out to Minorca. Within thirty Min's of arrival we ere in T shirts and shorts and never wore longs again until we flew back at the end of October!

We spent some weeks in Minorca getting the boat ready and left in mid April and sailed to Sardinia. This was perfect timing. The weather was mainly good and Sardinia was uncrowded. We spent a few weeks exploring this wonderful cruising area.

Any body who has not visited Sardinia and its near neighbour Corsica should put them on there list of places to visit.

 From Sardinia we moved on to the volcanic islands to the North of Sicily and then down through the straights of Messina to Sicily its self  

We left the island of Vulcano and had an exhilarating down wind sail, surfing down waves towards and through the straights, and then down the East Coast of Sicily. Mount Etna was clearly visible and active.                                                                                                                                                                                          

           

With out a doubt one of the highlights of our year was our visit to Siracusa in Sicily. This beautiful ancient city is amazing. We were so taken with it we stayed for a week and would without hesitation visit again.

From Siracusa we then had our last long passage and after three days we arrived in Argastoli Kefalonia Greece.

We were so taken with the Greek Ionian and its islands that we decided to stay for the rest of the season. We cruised the entire area  from Corfu in the north to the Gulf of Corinth. We enjoyed many harbours and anchorages.

Talk of economic problems and civil unrest in Greece should not deter people from visiting this wonderful country.  Everywhere we went we were always made welcome by these naturally friendly and helpful people. The scenery  is mountainous and stunning.

The boat is now laid up ashore in Cleopatra marina, in Preveza.

Our final week before being lifted out was spent in the area. We ventured into the adjacent inland sea, and had some very interesting and exhilarating sailing.

The organisation and efficiency at Cleopatra is quite impressive. The boat was promptly lifted at exactly the pre arranged time and placed in a secure cradle where she will sit out the winter. She will not be alone as there also a few thousand other boats stored here.

We hope to return in March 2014 to continue our adventure. Our plan is to sail through the Gulf Of Corinth through the Corinthian canal and into the Aegean.

This is our last post of this year. Thank you all for keeping in touch and visiting the blog. It has been very important to us to keep in touch.  We will re commence our postings again next year.

RAY & MANDY

SEPTEMBER DRAWS ON

Sarah & Paul

Sarah & Paul Mandy,s sister and brother in law joined us in early September for ten days.

We had excellent sailing  conditions and weather, visiting a different port or anchorage each evening after an enjoyable days sailing.

September is an excellent time to be here. The weather is more temperate after the severe heat of August. The evenings are cooler so that you can get a decent nights sleep. The winds are more predictable setting in in the afternoons, whilst in August they were often non existant.

Chapel at the entrance
to Big Vathi Ithica

We were able to visit most of the main places in the Southern Ionian during there stay and we had an excellent time.

Pictured right is a small chapel near to the entrance to the main harbor of Ithica known to most as Big Vathi.

We arrived here after a very breezy but great sail from Astakos, known to us as Lobster city. Astakos we are informed is the Greek for Lobster.

As we arrived the wind was blowing quite strongly and so we anchored in the middle of the harbor, and then went ashore the next morning when things had quietened down.

A small boat in
Argostoli !

Our guests left us and as in the past the boat seemed sadly quiet and empty after there departure.

We started to crawl our way North with a view to visiting Paxos and Corfu.  On the way we called in to Fiscardo where we purchased some professionally taken photographs and a video of Josephine under full sail.  Some of the shots and the movie are quite stunning.

We have them on disk and hope to be able to get them onto the blog some how in the future.






                                                                                          SOLAR PANELS

For some time now since the advent of the really high temperatures we have been struggling with our batteries as they ran the fridge and other domestic necessities.

We have spent some considerable time looking at other boats and talking to there owners about Solar Panels and so decided that we would make it a project to talk to the experts with a view to having them fitted next spring.

We arrived in Levkas on Tuesday 17th Sept to meet Dieter of Metronix to pick his brains. Four days later two 100 Watt panels were fitted to the boat and pumping amps into our batteries !

Dieter also made some other modifications involving diodes and regulators which now means that the engine alternator now charges more efficiently.  Since the work has been completed the batteries have remained fully charged.

     THE THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET A COLD BEER OR GLASS OF WINE !


Ray & Mandy
Paxos 39 14N X 20 07E

SEPTEMBER IMPROVES THE WEATHER

It seems that almost overnight as the month changed from August to September the weather conditions also changed.

The extreme temperatures and humidity abated and conditions became tolerable.

It seems quite strange because a large number of  boats also seem to have disappeared. Harbours and anchorages are less crowded and chaotic.

This is a very nice time of year to be here. Afternoon sea breezes give excellent sailing conditions. We can sail late into the afternoon or early evening and not have to worry about finding a mooring at the end of our day.

One problem we have found is that with the high temperatures the fridge is constantly struggling to maintain the temperatures. The net result is that the batteries are then struggling to maintain there charge.
   We are now investigating solar panels and have already learnt quite a lot.

As the season slowly draws to an end we have made arrangements to winter the boat. We have decided to have taken out of the water at Cleopatra Marina in Preveza.  No definite date has been agreed yet, but we

OXIA AT THE ENTRANCE
TO THE GULF OF CORINTH

would envisage being home by late October and return in March 2014.

Next week we plan to venture North through the Levkas canal towards Paxos, Corfu and the mainland.

Regards to everyone and we are looking forward to seeing you all soon.






RAY & MANDY
LITTLE VATHI
38 39.9N x 29 46.9E

IT AINT HALF HOT

THE ITHICA CHANEL

 We had been warned but paid little heed. The heat is unbelievable.

Heat combined with high humidity are making conditions very uncomfortable.  All we can and do is find an anchorage where we can swim to cool down and stay in the shade as much as possible.

We have a thermometer reading 35deg C below decks, and the locals inform us that it is 40 + outside.

GOAT TREE BAY

We have cruised the N Ionian extensively, and have ventured down into the Gulf of Corinth. With this heat we are now not sailing far just trying to chill out !

Next year we will seriously consider coming home for a few weeks in July and August if we can find somewhere where we can leave the boat with confidence.


                                                                          MUSSOLINI GETS HIS WISH

Mussolini sometimes known as El Douche in the early days of the second world war decided to invade Greece and in particular the Ionian Islands. Any readers who have read the wonder full novel CAPTAIN CORELlIS MANDOLIN will know what happened and the disastrous results that followed.

Today the Islands are again invaded in mass by thousands of Italians. They arrive in all sorts of boats which only have two gears. Fast forward and fast reverse. They talk quickly, loudly and wave there arms about to emphasise what ever it is they are shouting.  When we see them coming we quickly re arrange fenders and hope that they do not come alongside us.

Of course it is wrong to generalise but we have seen some amazing spectacles.  Mussolini would have been proud to see the mayhem and havoc that his countries descendants are now causing.

We are reliably informed by our Greek friends that they all suddenly disappear in September.

RAY & MANDY

HIDING FROM THE HEAT!!!

The wild life Has come to have a look at us!

We welcome Mark and Erika
on board Josephine

Mooring in Goat tree Bay
putting a chain around a tree

Well another few weeks since we last added to the blog little excuse except it is very HOT and we are looking for places to hide!
    Left a great picture taken by Erika whilst on board Josephine whilst anchored for lunch A large turtle came to have a swim around!!






We welcome Mark and Erika on Josephine at Ay Eufimia a favorite habour of ours photo taken by George .

   In our quest to find some where cool as the sea breeze has been switched off and the town quays and ports are very hot we go looking for anchorage with cool water to swim in and as some are small we need to tie to a tree!




 As Ray said this involves some one swimming with a rope or a chain to put around a tree or rock!
  Guess who swim's yes as in the photo it is Mandy here aided by Mark.
   We slowly approach the bay and pick a likely spot with a suitable tree/rock and move away then reverse towards area with Mandy letting the anchor out Ray helming the boat when the anchor has dug in and we are close to the shore Mandy runs to the stern of Josephine picks up end of rope or chain and fender that has already been prepared before we started this menover once around the tree/rock Ray then pulls the rope tight Mandy swims back to boat and collects another line from the other side of the boat and repeats the exercise and we then tighten the anchor and we are safe!

         Today we are going north to Preveza to explore where we may winter Josephine

                             good -bye for now Mandy and Ray

NEW CREWMATES

AUDREY & PETER TAKE TO
THE WATER

NEW SHIPMATES BASIL & GERRY
(IN PLANT POTS !0

 Audrey and Peter, our friends from Ingestre Golf Club joined us June 23rd for ten days.

We had a great time cruising the southern Ionian.

Peter & Audrey soon got into the way of life living on board, and quickly became active and useful crew members. 






However they were not the only newcomers to Josephine.

Basil & Gerry the flowerpot men have joined us and now get all the attention.

When anchored or moored they have pride of place above the companion way. When at sea they live in the sink in the heads (toilet) !

We always admired plants on boats, and were told that Mosquitoes don't like them.  Peter will tell you that they do not work !

PETER AT THE HELM

SPARTAKHORI

Audrey soon adopted Gerry and dried him out after we had tried to drown him with kindness.   

We had many great evenings, mainly eating on board with a few runs ashore to try out the local tavernas.

A "Come Dine With Me"  competition between the boys and girls resulted in excellent cuisine. The girls won by a very narrow margin after they produced an excellent and innovative Egg and Chips. No mean feat on a boat !

The boat now seems strangely quiet since they left.  Now its just Mandy, Basil  Gerry and I

We plan to spend a few days chilling in what we now call Goatree Bay, and then move on to explore the Gulf of Patrass and Corinth.

Our next post will explain why Ormos Kapali is now known as Goatree Bay and the technique of how to anchor in deep water and tie up to a tree.  One of us goes swimming !!


RAY & MANDY
Eufimia  38.18N X 20.36E

ANOTHER WEEK ABOARD JOSEPHINE

Well another week in Paradise ,
        We are very lucky to be on Holiday for ever and this a beautiful place to be we have stunning seas to sail around when the wind blows and lovely bays to anchor in and lazy around to keep cool dive in from the boat. I learn't a new way of anchoring that is to tie to a rock or tree which involves launching the dingy or jumping in and swimming for it and when there is only 2 of you jumping in and swimming is far easier.

         We are back in Agia Efimia ( one way to spell it ) where George our new best Greek friend is the harbor   master and welcomes us and we are waiting to pick our friends who are arriving later today no wind today and it is very hot mustn't grumble.

 The Quay at Agia Efimia.
                                                                         

Our friends are here for 10 days so may not write for awhile .

Bye for now Mandy and Ray 

CRUISING & HAVING FUN

ANNE AT THE WHEEL

ANNE & JIM TAKE IN THE
VIEW

Jim and Anne Cowan, Mandys brother and sister in  laws, joined us on Saturday 8th June .

We had a great week together and visited several   ports.









Anne and Jim had never sailed before but soon got into the routine of boat life.

We had glorious weather and were able to anchor and swim everyday. After lunch the breeze filled in to give some lively sailing.

ABLE SEAMAN JIM COWAN

                                                                                         
This area is an ideal cruising ground and we seem to have learnt the routine. lazy mornings, motor to a isolated anchorage, swim, lunch and wait for the afternoon breeze.

You can almost set your clock by the start of the wind at around 3pm. Zero to 20 knots plus in the space of 15 Min's.

DON'T DRINK & DRIVE !
note the glasses on the table

We have now been here for over a month and have rarely visited the same place twice.

We are continually discovering new places. We often say what could be nicer than this, and then the next place is !

VATHI MEGANISI LOOKING TOWARDS
THE ONASIS OWNED ISLAND  SKORPIOS

One of our favourite places is the small harbour of Vathi on Meganisi.

It is a small village but offers all we need in the way of supplies and Tavernas etc.

The photograph opposite shows the view we have from our mooring on the quay, with Skorpios and Levkas in the background.

ONE DAY NEARER TO THE NEXT
TIME

Ann and Jim left us on Saturday 15th and the boat seemed strangely quiet after we said out farewells. We greatly enjoyed having them.


Next week we look forward to Peter and Audrey Billingham joining us.

RAY & MANDY

Sami 38 15 N x 20 38 E

WHO SAID THERE IS NO WIND IN THE IONIAN ?

Sun downers in Assos 

I had told Mandy that the Ionian Greek Islands were very beautiful but there was never any wind.


Since we arrived some two weeks ago we have had two major gales.

Fortunately these were both well forcasted and we have learnt how to prepare for them.

After the first gale in Argostoli we left with a very pleasant SW wind and started a clockwise circumnavigation of Cephalonia.

At Anchor in Assos

Our first stop was at a delightful small village on the E coast called Assos.  This small harbour is not often visited by "yachties" as it is open to the normal NW prevailing wind.  Our gentle SWester gave perfect conditions and we had the harbour to ourselves.


The next day we continued round to Fiskardho, a crowded , touristy but attractive harbour.

We then the next day arrived in Eufimia and moored stern to the harbour wall.  The harbour staff here are very helpful, and they told us that it was going to blow hard from six o clock in the evening and would continue to gale conditions all night.

The weather sites that we looked at gave no indication of the wind to come. However we had learnt from the experience of the previous blow and listened to the locals.

The rumour of weather to come had obviously travelled fast as boats continued to poor into the harbour, which was soon almost full to capacity with maybe eighty to a hundred boats moored up.

The locals were correct and we had a real old blow. Josephine well tied up, fender ed and pulled off the wall was fine.

By two in the morning I think every skipper and crew were up and struggling.  One boat decided to pull off and then others mistakenly tried to follow.  The result was carnage, yachts with ropes around propellers, drifting into other boats, dragging anchors over neighbours, and some pounding the harbour wall.

Credit to the harbour staff who had got out of their beds and come down to assist and give what help they could. I suspect that they had anticipated the problem !

The next morning all had calmed down.  There was quite a lot of damage. Our next door neighbour on a large motor yacht had his beautiful teak bathing platform smashed.

We were fine but had little sleep.  As I said there is no wind in the Ionian.

RAY & MANDY
Levkas  38 49N x 20 42E

SICILY & SIRACUSA

When we planned and dreamt about our trip from Menorca to Greece I was not to keen on visiting  the home of the Mafia, Sicily

However Mandy persuaded me to visit and I am really pleased that she did.

The Island is stunningly beautiful when viewed from the sea.  Mountains with hilltop towns and villages cascade into the Aeolian sea.

However the jewel in the crown for us was the amazing must visit city of Siracusa, situated on the SE corner of the island

This old city was trading with the rest of the Mediterranean sea and beyond several hundred years before Christ and rivalled and even surpassed Athens in its power and status. It is said that at its peak 700 yrs BC it had a population of 2.5 million people.

The old city is a labyrinth of narrow winding streets and alleyways, magnificent squares,  churches and of course a cathedral   

   The open market was an experience in its self.  Stalls selling beautiful fresh veg and salad, and incredible fish stalls.

Locally caught Swordfish and Tuna  was everywhere, the traders shouting there produce .

We bought fresh Tuna and ate it with a mixture of sun dried tomato's and Mediterranean vegetables in olive oil. 

Sicily was a great experience and is well worth visiting.  The people were very friendly and help full and everywhere seemed to have a relaxed and happy atmosphere.

We left Siracusa on Sunday19th May and had a 270 NM windy trip across to Cephalonia and we are presently moored in Argostoli.

On our second day here a gale was forecast and duly arrived in the afternoon and created havoc with the boats moored in the harbour.  As the photograph shows we were moored stern to with 50 meters of chain pulling us well of the wall and four springs. this however was not enough and we had to beat a hasty and exciting retreat to get off and anchor in the middle of the harbour.

Our journey from Gosport to Greece is now over and we are looking forward to the next phase of our journey exploring Greece and its numerous islands.

RAY & MANDY

                   WE NOW HAVE A GREEK TELEPHONE NO. 

                                         0030 6943775460

ISLAND HOPPING

Well we have had a great couple of months since we returned to Josephine in Mahon. A few long passages some good and some not so good! Ray says there is no wind in the Med.! Well let me tell you we have had lots and not all good our last long passage for Siracusa to Argostoli which is the capital of Captain Corelli Mandolin island  which took 44 hrs and when we arrived in the dark looking for lights to guide us in over tired and felt like I had been in a washing machine on a cool salty wash for most of it it was great to see land but then it took another 6 hours to tie up! But it was worth it this is beautiful and I don't want to sail at night again .

     The wild life we have seen over the last few weeks has been great dolphins regularly come and race with us , we have seen a couple of Whales and lots of Turtles floating around and waving we had a passenger the other night on a crossing a Swallow that flew on and off the boat several times before settling in the saloon above the sink for the night and left us at dawn!


    We are going to enjoy the Ionian this summer with friends and will keep you informed of our travels.

      Mandy and Ray

SICILY EAST COAST

MOUNT ETNA

TURAMINA

 We left the Aeolian Islands on Monday 13th May and had a breezy sail down towards the Straits of  Messina.

This narrow stretch of water separates Sicily from mainland Italy.  We had 25 to 30 Knots of wind and we sailed down on Genoa alone averaging 7 to 8 knots.

As we gibed and entered the straits the wind was coning over the top of the Sicilian mountains and really blew up !!


We then had a beautiful strong wind sail in flat water down the East coast. We saw Dolphins and a Sword Fish was jumping in front of us.

The Italian waters pilot says that it difficult to see Mount Etna, but we had perfectly clear views of it for two days.

The photograph above with Etna in the background doesn't make it look very high. But this was taken some 40 miles away from it !

ENTRANCE TO SIRACUSA

We anchored overnight below the cliffs of Turamina, a picture post card town perched on the side of a mountain, and with Etna towering above it.

We are now in Sircussa a beautiful old city situated in the south east of the island.. The harbour and town are gorgeous. We intend to stay here for a few days and then set off for the Greek Islands. Hopefully this 260 NM trip will be our last long leg.



RAY & MANDY

APPROACHING USTICA

                 THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS


After along and laborious sail overnight we arrived in the first of Aeolian islands Ustica.

Everywhere we go we say it can not get better than this, and then it does.

JOSEPHINE IN CALA SANTA MARIA
USTICA

                                                                            This group of volcanic islands in the south of the Tyrrhenian sea and to the north of Sicily are a perfect cruising ground and area.

Each island is individual and very attractive. Ustica is the most westerly and some distance from the main group of islands







 

T

ISOLA VULCANO

The next island was Isola Vulcano approx 25 NM from our stopover in N Sicily.  This is a still active volcano.  We anchored in Porto Di levante directly beneath the still smoking crater. And could we smell it ?


The island smells of rotten eggs, with steam/smoke coming out of the mountain in several places. It is inhabited and has an amazing number of ferries speeding into the harbour and disgorging day trippers from the nearby adjacent islands.

  

THERAPEUTIC MUD BATH
(JOSEPHINE IN BACKGROUND)

                                                                 

        
The tourists trek to the peak of the crater some 1578 ft.

There are numerous hot springs and people bathe in them and coat themselves with the rotten egg smelling volcanic mud, and then waddle towards the sea wearing there overall cracked mudpacks.

It is said that it has medicinal benefits but we did not try it!

ISOLA SALINA

Our third Island is Salina. We arrived in scorching hot heat to this steep and very high island and were immediately struck by its greenness.

We will spend a few more days in the area and then move on to the Straits of Messina and the E coast of Sicily and prepare for what is hopefully our last long sail to the Greek Ionian.

RAY & MANDY

Thurs 9 May 2013

38 33.5 N x 14 52.3 E

MAHON TO SARDINIA & SICILY

ENTERING BONIFACIO

With some sadness we left Mahon on Thursday April 11th.  We had become very settled there and almost become locals !

We left and headed for Sardinia some 200 miles to the east. What a fabulous sail we had.. Josephine with her "clean bottom" just flew and after a day and an exciting night at sea we arrived in Sardinia.

THE CITY ON TOP OF A CLIFF

                                                                 





     Sardinia is a truly beautiful and amazing Island and cruising area, and we were so lucky to arrive when we did. The weather conditions were very good and we were able to cruise the La Madelana Archipeligo thoroughly enjoying the numerous anchorages and harbours.

Across the infamous Straights of Bonofacio lies Corsica and the amazing harbour of Bonifacio. The straights, only fifteen miles wide, lived up to there reputation and we sailed across in a brisk twenty five knot breeze on the nose.

The harbour is almost impossible to see from the sea. The entrance   is via a narrow gap between sheer cliffs with a dogleg to the East.

Once inside this beautiful old city opens up. It is possibly one of the most attractive harbours in the entire Mediterranean.


SARDINIA TO ISOLA USTICA

Having cruised the Archipelago we sailed the East coast and then on Wed 1st May we left La Calleta for Ustica.  This island is literally a dot on the map and also has a mysterious history. I can only say that we had a strange passage. Winds up and down and swinging in all direction, particuly in the middle of the night.

When we arrived and re read the pilot guide we realised that we were in the "Aeolian Triangle". An area of sea with an awesome reputation for strange and unpredictable winds.  Odysseus in Homers Odyssey refers to this area and blames the various gods of ancient Greece for the strange winds. In the middle of the night we were experiencing winds changing direction by 180 deg, and zero to 25 Kn  in seconds.

The island  of Ustica proved to be delightful and very beautiful.  This volcanic rock in mid Med is very famous for Sub Aqua activities.  The entire islands economy seems to be based on fishing and diving tours.

SICILY
We are now cruising along the N coast of Sicily.  The coast line is stunning and mountainous. On Tues 7h May we plan to leave for the Aeolian islands.  This archipelago of volcanic islands are to the North of Sicily and include the isle of Stromboli, a still active volcano , known as the "Oldest light house in the world".  You can see it glowing at night.

Many apologies for the gap in blogs but WI FI access has been difficult. It is Italy after all !!

RAY & MANDY

THREE COUNTRIES IN ONE WEEK!

Well today is 25th April and we are in Olba on Sardinia and it is a lovely place we have been away from Mahon for 2 weeks we left 2 weeks today and arrived north of the island on Friday after a good sail across and through Passagio de Fornelli beautiful welcome to the island after the nights sail.

     then the following week-end we ventured to Corsica a french island and to Boniffacio a special habour and out of season very quiet and free! We were storm bound for the week-end and then on Monday made our way back to the Isle of Maggdelena north Sardina and now we are on our way down the coast.

       It has been awhile since thet last blog as internet connections are few and far between as we have not been in a Marina and have to real lie on Bars and cafe's . Anyway found one today and we are entertaining  Rikardo this eve on board an friend of Ray's who he has done Yacht Master exams for his students. Rikardo run 's a sailing school here in Olbia.

   Ray will write a more creative blog with pictures soon.

      We are both well and enjoying ourselves!

MENORCAN GOV DECLARE JOSEPHNE A NATURE RESERVE !!

The prop before

 On Tuesday 2nd April we had the boat lifted out for her annual anti foul in preparation for the next stage of our journey.

We were amazed at the amount of growth beneath the waterline. We had swam and dived around the boat late last year and all was fine.  However a few months standing still over the winter in the relatively warm waters of Mahon resulted in the growth that you can see in the photographs.

under water forest

The boat is now looking much better and has been re painted and is ready to go.

All appears to be working well and we will re launch  on Monday 8th and go out and have a sea trial.

Whilst the boat has been ashore we have been staying and having an excellent time at the White Sands beach club which is situated in a beautiful bay at Arenal d,en Castell in  the North of the Island.

CLEAN PROP &
NEW ANODE

Coming out early and spending a month here has been proved to be a good idea. We have managed to do a lot of preparation work on the boat at a sensible pace and without any pressure of deadlines etc.. In addition  it seems that we have missed some pretty bad weather at home. Here the weather has been good and we have been wearing shorts and T shirts most of the time.

Our next blog should hopefully be from Sardinia, following a 36 to 48 hour passage from Minorca. We hope to arrive n the North of the island and we are looking forward to spending some time in Bonifacio, Corsica and the La Madelaina archipelligo.

Looking forward to hearing from you all,

RAY & MANDY