LEAVING THE SPORADES

HEADING SOUTH. THE PASSAGE BETWEEN

SKOPELOS & ALONNISOS

We have had an enjoyable few weeks cruising around and exploring the Sporades chain of islands.

These attractive and very green islands are a pleasure to visit and we would strongly recommend them to fellow sailors.

One of the highlights of our stay was meeting up with Joe and Phil Wagg, who were holidaying on Skopolos at the same time that same time .

Phil & Joe.

Phil and Joe were staying in a stunning Villa
which had beautiful elevated views over the south coast of the island towards Evia clearly visible some thirty miles away. 


As you would imagine a few drinks were shared together with a laugh or two.

We hoped to take them sailing but unfortunately a strong gale came in and we were confined to staying on the Skopolos town quay for some days, with salt water spray and waves coming over the wall!



leaving the Islands we decided to again stay outside of and to the East of Evia.   We travelled south to Skyros and then had an exciting long passage downwind to Andros and then returned to our base at Olympic Marina, Lavrio.

New chain flaked on

the dock

The reason for our return was to collect  70 meters of new anchor chain. Our existing chain had severely rusted over the winter.  We are totally reliant on our anchor and so did not hesitate to change it.

We now have a total of 100 meters of 10mm chain which really is worth having when sailing in this area.

Yet another gale detained us in Olympic for a few more days.




We have now left the marina and are exploring the Cyclades  islands. Our hope is to visit new harbours and islands, and then returning back to Milos which we first visited last year.

We also have the advantage of a new hard bottom dinghy and a outboard motor crane. We have put them into good use, often anchoring off to avoid the turmoil and crush that can sometimes occur when visiting popular harbours.

RAY & MANDY
ORMOS NASSOU,
PAROS