Time to go Home!!

We have had a lovely summer and due to heat and strong northerly winds we have decided to winterise Josephine and head home.
   
    I am sat in Little Haywood looking at the fog as I write this we have been home now for 3 weeks and enjoyed cool wet weather and just recently some lovely warm sunny weather.

This is our Josephine in her winter home and being cared for by Olympic Marina and David.
 
    Our last fortnight was spent sailing / motoring through the Gulf of Corinth the wind often against us despite the prevailing wind is usually westerly and not much swimming due to the number of jelly fish!!

  This photo was taken from the stern of Josephine so we were not about to jump in just a cold shower to cool down.

    When we returned to the Aegean Sea the wind was always northerly as expected or nothing so unless we wanted to be blown to the south we headed to the marina and arranged flights and the lift out. There a few winter jobs to be done to prepare for next year; sad to go but the relentless heat had finally got to us .

     So until next spring have a good wintr and an early Happy Christmas and Happy 2016!!

     Mandy and Ray

Repairs ??!

Hello all well it isn't any cooler yet so we just have to enjoy hot sunny day with a hair-dryer type wind to sail with.
    Since we last blogged we have had a few repairs 3 to be exact.

Above is Josephine s bow roller and you maybe able to see it is worn to the metal it should be similar to the one on the left which is used for anchor warp, the shackles we had to connect the anchor to the chain have worn the plastic so off to Levkarda to source a new one no luck not any of the Chandlers stock that sort of thing. So off to Nidre and try a Chandlers called George's and guess what we were luck not the exact thing but something that would see use through to the end of the season we thought so off to Ay Efumia to the town quay where could go in bows too on a high quay do the work without losing any bolts we hoped and we have friends that would help if we did not have the right tools

. So a day later the new bow roller in situ but not that simple the one we brought had been black rubber and George et al told us it wouldn't last a few days but knew someone that could make one so Ray went off with George and sure enough a new one was to be made so we were stuck in a favourite place for a couple of days very hot but we went cycling.
  As you can see from the photo above the new bow roller with anchor fitted and we have changed the arrangement of shackles so it wont happen again..

  Then we set off for the Gulf of Cornith to some quieter crusing away from the Floatilers and to visit Mesolongion which we have never been to just sailed past. We had some good sailing but then alas Ray noticed a hole in the genoa!!! surely not but on a second look yes where some old stitching had been the fabric had torn. Well Mesolongion had a marina and we know some people winter there so hopefully sail repairs cold be done. Yes that was possible however the Waypoint sail rep did not want to come to the marina we had to go to him, Ray and I can just about move the sail on the boat but get it to the Waypoint outlet no way not in this heat just getting it down was hot enough . So Ray had an idea if we got the boat and sail to the Town Quay could he collect from there yes not problem so we cast off to the Town Quay a few 100 yards away delivered the sail and returned to the Marina as we had payed for 2 nights.This was a week-end so we thought it would be mid week before we saw the sail again however not Saturday early evening we had a phone called the sail was repaired so we arranged to collect it Monday morning on the Town quay.

   Well these things often come in three's!! and sure enough a day after leaving Mesolongion our batteries where loosing charge quicker than normal it was hot the fridge was struggling but we better check the batteries as 2 were not sealed and sure enough one was dry!!so where to now we did not want to retrace our steps maybe  Galixidhi would have a battery it had a small chandlers we knew so fingers crossed it was on our way but now we would go directly.thankfully when we arrived the chandlers was open and had the correct battery, after a hot hour or so in the aft cabin it was replaced and two very hot and sweaty crew emerged to the cool of the cockpit!!!!

    Well enough of my going on we are now back in the Aegean sea and sadly thinking of where we will Josephine for the winter can't believe it is that time already.

     Until next time Mandy & Ray 

Hot Hot Hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well it has been awhile since we have written and we are sorry to here you are not having a good summer we are melting! For the last month it has not gone below 20'C and up to 45'C during the day phew!

   Above is a post and seagull with a rope from Josephine this was in the Bay Lakka lots of boats so we did this to stop swinging to other boats, the sea gull worried me but unlike the British ones we hear about it flew off as I approached but soon returned.

 From her we travelled north to Corfu and not to the town but the bays around so we could cool off by jumping off the boat into cool water.

This was the view from the back of Josephine very nice Taverna's and good food but expensive by Greek standards but we were on Corfu.

We moved south Corfu and found a nice and busy bay but lots of room and the locals were having a festival to celebrate the building of their new church an impressive building but just a shell now they start on the inside the town was Petriti had a lovely garden taverna just south of it.

We continued south next to the mainland and went to Parga a busy tourist resort this was the quieter of the beaches one was so busy with sun shades and sun beds you could hardly see the sand.

But after a couple of days we moved on to an empty bay with a small taverna and beach with only a dozen or so people and 3 boats. We saw a lovely sun set and a big orange moon.

Anyway we find ourselves in Ay Eufimia an old favourite and we may have to spend a couple of days here to get our bow roller renewed another story for next time.

Hope the summer improves .

Mandy and Ray 

Sailing Again!

We have been in the Ionian Sea now for a month and enjoyed some lovely sailing and some motoring. Met up with friends old and new and helped celebrate a 60th birthday a good day!!

 I have just up loaded this photo and it is said that the Cornith Canal has a slope and you feel that you are motoring  up hill ! it does look like it and that the Gulf of Corinth should empty out into the Aegean Sea.

 This is looking backwards! that is down hill.

    The weather has been good to us a couple of thunder storms but lucky for us not over head. This year the flies and mosquitoes have been bad early June but it seems to have improved and I have put that down to our new guest's during the day we have swallows on the guard rails with their young having flying lessons, they are very noisy in the morning so no lie ins.

And there were as many on the warps and other side of the boat It just means cleaning bird pooh up but not too much. We have been aware of the birds in previous years but not as many as this year.

        We have sailed up the Levkas Canal  and watched a lot of boats going the other way so thought maybe north Ionian was less crowded! Not so we sailed up to Paxos and it was the 3rd bay we found a spot in a bay north of the island called Lakka us and about 100 other boats were in there we stayed 2 nights and it did empty the next day.

   Holidays in Greece are quiet this year? due to publicity about the economic situation maybe, but here it is fine there are lots for taverna open and ready for business the cash points have money in them it is mostly cash but now some places are excepting debit cards!!!

    We are just off mainland Greece among Nisis Sivota and Mourtos for a few days ( Sailing holidays .com have 2 flotillas here tonight.

   39 deg24'N 20 deg13'E

       Mandy ,Ray and Josephine

Farewell to the Aegean Sea !

7th June 2015

       Well since we last blogged we have left the Aegean for the time being we wanted to cruise and not spend weeks hiding from the wind. We have not been alone in this as we have met several other boats making the same trip for the same reason.

      So we made our way east wards from Naxos 2 long days sailing with a Danish boat called Lucy.

Above is  Lucy her owner's Borge and Christine we making the same trip so we sailed to Poros together and then parted company but hope to meet up later in the year.

   We then spent a week sailing towards the Canal visiting favourite paces again and some new!

On the south of the Island Aigina we went into a peaceful anchourage and as it was very deep our 1st this year of taking a line ashore onto a rock all went well until I jumped in with sun glasses still on my nose!!

We then moved onto Epiavros and took the inland trip to the best Greek Theatre see above it is still used today seat's 14,000 people but not very comfortable stone!  The acoustics are so good that you can hear a coin drop in  the middle whilst at the top or anywhere in the theatre.

   

Onwards to the Corinth Canal and on 27th May we went through the canal alone . Into the Gulf of Corinth.

  We are in the Ionian now and enjoying some good sailing!!

           Mandy and Ray 

      

MAY 18th 2015

Since our last blog. we have had some pleasant cruising around the Cyclades Islands.

Initially early in our journey we encountered very few other boats but now the season seems to have started, with crowded harbours and anchorages.

We have met and made friends with many other fellow sailors, of various nationalities, a French family, Dutch, Danish and Australian. Surprisingly we have neither met or seen many British boats. We did wonder if everybody had stayed at home for the "General Election" ?

The inevitable Cyclades weather again struck. A well predicted blow from the North saw us bolting for Naxos and shelter. We were concerned that with the forecast that it would be crowded, and have little or no room. However we had timed it right and we arrived to be helped into what was probably the best berth in the harbour. The nautical equivalent of the Royal Box at Wembley !!

Appolos Gate Naxos, 530BC

Naxos is one of our favourite Islands and harbours. It is a good job, as the forecast two day blow lasted for Severn days, Beaufort force 7, day and night.

Sitting in our "pound seats" we were then entertained by dozens of boats arriving in search of shelter, and then struggling to squeeze  into the few and increasingly more difficult spots in the strong wind.

Our dock was crammed to capacity on both sides, and no body was moving. A sense of community soon developed,and before long we were taking it in turns to have "happy hour" parties on each others boats.

As a result of this blow, and our similar experiences last year, we have decided to slowly make our way back to the calmer waters of the Ionian, exploring the Saronic gulf on the way.

We have greatly enjoyed the Aegean side of Greece, and hope to return, as there is still so much to see and explore. However the windy season is due to arrive soon and so whilst disappointing we feel that it is wise to move on.   

RAY & MANDY

Poros 37.31.6N x 23.25.25E

April in the Eastern Peloponnissos.

We have had some lovely sailing this last month the wind has been lovely although not always the way we planned to go often we would leave a port or town quay with a destination in mind to find the wind good for somewhere else so we enjoyed the sail and changed our destination!!

This a view from a lovely walk around the old area of Ermioni alovely small port as we made our way to the Peloponnisos. Wespent Easter sunday here and at night were treated to a procession of fishing boats with flares and later fireworks!!

Watching the procession.

Well after that we sailed on to a large bay Porto Kheli and spent the night the pilot says the water on the quay is brackish so we passed on that but went shore to shop for food and drink for the next few days as we planned to move towards Navplion by anchoring in bays over night as many of the habours are only small fishing ports with not much ashore especially so early in the season not alot open.

     We spent 2 days sailing and the nights in nice bays called Koiladhia and Khaidhari and our final sail up to Navplion.

  Navplion is an old city and many centries ago was the capital so this area of what is now Greece.

View up to the old Fortress

We spent a few days exploring the old town and the new, had one very windy night on the quay we were getting low on water and there was no sign of any water on the quay so we made plans to move on and sail across the bay and down the other side .

   Our 1st destination was Astrous a new place for us and it had a very new quay but as yet not complete so NO water and we are down to our last 100 litres or a bit less!! So next day we did not stay but left on our quest to get water. We set of for Leonidhion south of where we were and the wind was southerly and a fair swell so after an hour of fighting the weather we opted to sail on a broad reach towards  Porto Kheli good sailing however we stopped in a small bay just before the port as it was getting late and decided we would check the weather and make up our mind where we would go for water the next day!!

  After a pleasant night we woke early as the wind had changed a was causing Josephine to rock so check the weather a good southerly breeze so set off back across the bay towards Leonidhion had a great sail and made it by lunchtime and yes there was WATER  1 euro for 100 litres.

Well that was April and we are now in May and back in the islands again will write about that soon.

At present in a beautiful bay known as Sand Bar Bay on the Island of Kithnos

37 degrees24'N 24 degrees23'E

till next time Mandy and Ray 

2015

After all the trials and tribulations of 2014, we are pleased to be back again on Josephine in the Agean Sea.

Unfortunately we had to cut our trip short last year and returned to the UK in July 2014, leaving Josephine securely ashore in Olympic Marina, near Lavrion.

THE SALOON

 We returned on the 25th March, expecting all aboard to be "Ship Shape" to find the inside of the boat to be in some turmoil following the numerous repairs that we had carried out.



However we soon got most things soughted and tidy, and we were able to launch the boat on Friday the 28th.

NEW FUEL TANK

The weather has been mixed, varying from 
warm sunshine to howling gales and horizontal rain!

We eventually got away and had a shake out sail from Olympic to the Island of Kea, where we stayed for a few days, before heading North to our intended cruising area of Evvoia and the northen Sporadies 





GREEK WEATHER will always remain a mystery to me.

As soon as we arrived in Evvoia, and anchored off Marmari, near to the southern tip of the island, we were rudely awoken at 6.00 am by a howling gale from the north. The forecast was for gentle southerlies !!

Although dark and pitch black we were luckily up and awake when we started to drag and drift across the bay, sideways at about 5Knots!

We managed to re anchor and then spent the next 24hours riding out the blow.

JOSEPHINES NEW PORT SIDE
NAME

The only damage to the boat was that the wind some how managed to remove the E from the portside dodger, to rename the boat !!

As the gale abated we studied the forecasts for the next few days and were horrified to see forecasts of W force 11, with 87MPH gusts.

We therefore have reluctantly decided to abandon our excursion North, and we beat a hasty retreat back to Kea for safety and shelter.


We have now travelled south and are in one of our favorite locations Nisos Poros. those of you who saw Joanna Lumleys excellent Greek Oddesy series may recall that she described it as one of her favorite places in the islands.

This coming week end , one week later than the UK is the Greek Easter a major event in the country.  The forecast is looking good with nice sailing winds, and sunshine.

It is good to be back and blogging again. Please leave some comments to let us know that we are being read !!

Ray & Mandy
Paros
37.29N x 23.37E

Wind and More Wind!

Our Little car for a Day

Too Much weather.

We have not been as good at updating the blog so far this year and I am sorry for that but we have lots to say.

On June 24th we were to welcome Audrey and Peter who had enjoyed sailing so much last year they wanted to come again. The wind on June 23rd,24th and 25th was strong northerlies around Mykinos so much so we could not get to the New Port Mykinos  so went to the south of the Island to a large Bay with the town of Ornos. we were not alone there were alot of large cruising yachts and motor cruisers all at anchor hiding from the wind.

Audrey & Peter on Naxos

   We worried about how we were going to get our guest onboard as our tender is not very big but there were lots of larger tender's belonging to the Super yachts buzzing around taking guest ashore and collecting them could we be that cheeky and ask for a lift? Yes of course we could and 2 lads on a tender helped us out and Audrey & Peter arrived in style.

   The next day the wind had stopped this has been our problem too much wind or not enough and even the weather forcast's can catch you out.So we motored to Naxos and spent a very nice day and night there before moving on to the island Syros and the harbour Finikas on the SW end of the island. 3 nights were spent there due to strong winds again and we did not want to frighten any more people.Watching  our weather sites and talking to other's we decided to make a break for it on Monday to Andros and then south towards Mykinos. So off we set wind was very light and the swell was across the boat not very comfortable and motoring and not getting anywhere fast ray suggested we divert to Tinos!the wind would be in our favour and it was a shorter trip and on route to Mykinos after other last sail to Tinos I had said never again however on we went to Tinos and it blew the closer we got, Ray's theory that there is an acceleration zone  between the 2 islands Seems to be correct, again we arrived on the town quay wet and very glad to be to have arrived.

   The next day was spent looking at the sights of Naxos town.  Audrey & Peter had 3 more nights with us and the weather again was not being kind force 5/6 northerlies for Thursday and Friday so going to Mykinos in Josephine was not to be so it would be the seajet ferry for them to Mykinos . Therefore we hired a car and went exploring for a day! Tinos is a lovely island to explore we found a beautiful bay with a beach bar and had lunch and Audrey & Peter went swimming .

We remained in Tinos until Sunday when to wind abated and we set off for Syros!!

Our next installment will be from the U.K as we are returning for a while

   

Ray & Mandy 

CRUISING IN JUNE.

10 days in June.

          The 1st of June and Anne and Jim our 1st guest's arrive to join us for 10 days lovely, Josephine checked over since her night in Tinos by Skipper and damage 2 burst fenders, broken electric cable , broken forward cleat and split rubber strip at the back on the sugar scoup.
   So off we set weather forecast for the Monday good and a nice sail down to Naxos as strong northerlies forecast in the next 2 days . The Marina was full when we arrived so anchor under Apollo's Gate . The weather sure enought that night blew but we were safe and the following day moved into the Marina the bad weather past and boats moving again.So Anne and Jim spent a day exploring the narrow streets of Naxos.

Crew uniform

Anne and Jim settled into life on board very quickly and food on board for a couple of night's and off to Ormos Agiou north of Paros. We had a good sail a little chilly on arriving but anchoured and had a lovely evening on the hook. Next day new island and off to Nios Syros to Finikas Marina  again the weather and charts studied and plans made travel further west to Kythnos and a small bay and in was lovely a good sail as well close hauled and one tack all the way!! Lunch on route and dinner after an afternoon spent swimming and now as it was nearing the end of Anne and Jim's 10 day's weather looked at a longer day sailing with a favourable NW. to Tinos about 30 NM.

Sailing to Kythnos

So up early for us and set of at 9ish lovely warm sunshine lunch made and planning to eat out in Tinos the 1st 15 NM was good easy sailing then the wind strengthened and the swell was across the boat reefs were put in the sails as the white horses got bigger!Well the weather deteriorated and the water was coming over the fore decks into the cockpit and the last 8 miles were storm force /gale winds at time Ray saw 40 knots of wind on the instruments and It was all we could do was to hang on as Ray steered Josephine through the storm and we got the main sail in with a struggle left a very small Genoa out and as we approached Tinos a ferry showed up and we all said we go 1st sorry to the ferry all very wet and relieved.

To be in a habour!!!

This was us just arrived and tied onto the wall. We all felt like hero's to have survived and once the legs stopped shaking the whisky was out to steady the nerves.

Well needless to say Anne and Jim were a little wary of sailing to Mykinos on Monday so we agreed to let them go by high speed ferry on Tuesday am. to go to the airport.

We hope this has not put Anne and Jim off sailing we would not choose to go out in weather that strong but it needs to be forecast to give us a chance of avoiding it .

Bye for now Mandy and Ray

         

A WEEK ON TINOS TOWN QUAY

  Josephine and Mandy's week in Tinos

 Unfortunately Ray had to go home for a week so we were left alone and we choose where we wanted to be left and where Ray could easily get a flight to the UK. Tinos had seemed a safe place and shops etc. to pass the time. A local fisherman said he would look out for me! However talk of fish being caught and he was off to fish. Yachts came and went and I watched  the weather forecasts. It  was very hot and sunny and enjoyable.

View from Josephine of the sea wall at 5pm

Then Thursday 29th May forecast was for a southerly wind  with some gusts so as taught I moved the boat well away from the wall (ensuring I had food and drink!) and put springs on.  The prevailing wind is usually north, and as the picture above shows the sea wall is  along way away and southerly facing. There was little wind until 5ish then the breeze started and by 6 pm it was a storm. All the other boats with crew took to the water so they where not being bashed against the wall as the sea got bigger! I was alone the locals came to the quay to warn us to leave and asked where was my Skipper ? I explained I was alone and the locals came to my rescue. Nicos, Adonis and Jimi to name 3 there where many other's.  Josephine was thrown about like a cork and they helped me re anchor and tie up as the wind howled. The tourists were out taking picture's. I have been told Josephine is now famous and on a Greek news web site. The wind was storm force 12!! It took from 6 pm till 9 pm to have her tied up safely.

Josephine tied off the wall 

                                                                                                        Well as you see from above we were well off the wall with tyres as shock adsorbers. I have since learn't from the locals never stay in Tinos harbor in a southerly wind as you will be bashed against the wall and it is true. But thank-you to all those who helped me and came by the next day to ensure I had food and water etc.

  Ray is back with and our adventure continues. We  have had  guest's on board and that is a story for the next post!!

    Mandy and Josephine

                                                                     

SAILING AGAIN 25TH MAY

Well after a week storm bound and low on food and no drink the wind abated and the anchorage emptied and we all moved on.

Our view whilst storm bound off Paros 

We set sail for Naxos an Island we had fond memories of when chartering it has a lovely large door and Ray always wanted to return and anchor below it!

   We had a good sail but not a constant wind and therefore had to motor the last mile towards Naxos Marina. A loud noise from the back of the boat and we lost power the engine was still running but we were not moving so out with a small genoa and prepared the anchor and we cautiously
We entered the anchorage beneath the large door way.

The view whilst at anchor 

We were soon spotted by the port police as we where in the way of the ferry and asked to move we explained that we couldn't as we had a fishing net around the prop and needed a diver they called one for us and he arrived in about 15 mins as did the ferry the wash as he docked had Josephine rocking. It took the diver about 15 mins to cut the net away, ther appears to be no damage so we proceeded in to the Marina .

Apollos door

Naxos is a lovely town with an Ancient castle and this ruined Temple of Apollo and a very old Roman Catholic Church built in 13th century.

   Also good super market etc. to restock Josephine should we get stuck again but weather seemed to set fair for a few days. So after exploring Naxos we set off to Mykinos to see what it was like, the marina is nothing special but the town is very old Greek and very touristy with often 1/2 Cruise Ships anchored off and ferrying passengers on and off  before departing in the evening for the next island.

    We are now back in Tinos for a few days and no sailing today as there is no wind so a day to explore.

      37 32'N x 25 09'E

                              Mandy and Ray 

THE CYCLADIES

THE CHORA NISSOS
KEA

Since passing through the Corinth canal and into the Agean sea we spent a few days in Poros and then continued our journey east to the Cyclades islands.

This delightful archipelago is situated in the center of the Aegean.  The numerous islands are all individually different and have their own character,

Nearly all are mountainous and rise up out of the sea to some very impressive heights.

The islands are steeped in history both modern and ancient.

Our first Island was Kea, the most northerly of the Cyclades  This area has a reputation of strong winds which we can vouch for.  The day after we arrived strong force 6 to 7 winds were predicted and arrived exactly as fore casted

We decided to remain safely moored and took a taxi to the Chora (village). This amazing ancient settlement is perched on the steep side of the mountain and is well worth a visit.

THE GREEK ORTODOX
CATHEDERAL
(note the long carpeted climb)

From kea we went on to Andros a very mountainous island rising to 3712 feet.

We had been told that it was very quiet and rarely visited by yachtsman. We entered the small harbor which only had two other boats in it.

Two hours later a large flotilla of twenty three 45ft+ boats arrived all at the same time. The boats were crewed 8-10 per boat by Russians and for thirty minutes chaos ensued.  

They were all eventually crowded in often three and four deep with mooring lines and anchors all over the place.

ONE OF THE MANY FINE VIEWS
FROM THE BALCONIES OF THE CATHEDRAL

From Andros we traveled south to Tinos, an island that we had not realy considered and knew little about.


We discovered that this is a major place of pilgrimage for the Orthodox church and is the Greek equivalent of Romes Lourdes.

On ceattain feast days Pilgrims arrive from all over Greece to pay homage to a miracle working Icon of the Madona.

AFTER THE LONG CLIMB ON YOUR KNEES
JUST A FEW MORE STEPS TO GO

The pilgrimage involves making the long climb from the harbor front to the cathedral on your knees and must take some time and cause considerable discomfort.

As shown in the picture above a carpet has been laid to make it a little easier!

We visited the cathedral appropriately dressed. It was well worth the visit and climb.

The town and port of Tinos is a very pleasant place and well worth adding to your itinerary if visiting the area.

STORM BOUND IN PAROS
From Tinos we traveled south toParos and had a few days in Portes. Then true to Cyclades  reputation strong winds were forecast to set in from the north. The infamous Meltami

We quickly moved to the north coast bay of OrmosNaousis.. This is a large bay with many indentations and provides perfect shelter from the north.  We arrived in the empty bay on Monday 5th with the gale forecast to start on Tuesday and last for several days.

At the time of writing Thursday the 8th we are still here with two anchors set and with ten other boats sheltering alongside us.

The fore cast is for the wind to abate in another two days!!

RAY & MANDY
37 09.4N X 25 14.4E

EASTER N THE GULF OF CORINTH

From the Rion Bridge you can easily navigate the Gulf of Corinth to Corinth and the Canal in one or two days.

However if you do you are missing out on a excellent and stunning cruising area. We decided to take our time and took a week to explore the area.

We had excellent westerly winds behind us all the way down, and we cruised at 7/8 knots with just the genoa.

Both sides of the Gulf were bordered with snow capped mountains and we were sailing in shorts and T-shirts.



After the Isle Trizonia our first port of call was Galaxia

THE QUAY ANDRIKON

A charming and very picturesque harbor and town.

A perfect stop over however the quay side was very noisy at night and so we decided to move on further east.

We discovered Andrikiron and what a great find it was. The town is nestled in the NW corner of a very large bay and is totally surrounded by high mountains on all sides.

JOSEPHINE SQUEEZED ONTO THE SMALL
QUAY BETWEEN TWO LARGE TUGS

Easter is a major event here in Greece.

Easter Sunday started at mid night with a large firework display illuminating the entire town.

When we rose the next morning at 7 O clock the mile long quay side was ablaze with dozens of large Bar b ques. Logs were burnt to make charcoal, and then whole lambs were slowly roasted by the men of the town for the day long celebration.                              



                       

THE WESTERN ENTRANCE TO THE
CORINTH  CANAL

Afterr the celebrations we moved on further east to the ancient city of Corinth and then the next day through the Canal and into the Agean sea, our original destination

In ancient times sailors traversed the narrow isthmus by being dragged on a paved road to avoid the long and often perrilous journey around the southern cape of the Peloponnese peninsular.

Various Greeks and Romans derived schemes for building the cut when not fighting each other. Nero commenced the work but was unable to complete it.
     

Eventually the canal was completed by a French company in 1893 to provide a short cut to and from the Agean, Athens and Istanbul.

Today most ships are to large to transverse the canal,  and it is only used by small coasters and pleasure vessels. From west to east the canal at approx 3.2 mile long and only 25 Meter wide, is said to be the most expensive waterways on the planet.

Upon arrival at the entrance we had to wait for two hours before we could transit through.

We were able to take breakfast and were entertained by a friendly Greek fisherman who caught and then beat to death a fairly large Octopus.

When eventually called through we were the lead boat of a flotilla of 5 yachts.

POROS APPROACHING
FROM THE WEST

We encountered a current against us of about 1.5 Knots, and a headwind of 15 to 20. The passage took about 35 mins and cost 244 Euro.

Two years almost to the day since we left Gosport
we entered the Aegean out original destination.

Emerging from the canal we were imediatly confronted by numerous islands.

We made our way to Nisos Poros where we are now, and planning to leave for the Cyclades tomorrow.


RAY & MANDY
POROS
37 31N 23 25E

GREECE 2014

JOSEPHINE GOES BACK IN.

 Our journey back to Greece began on the 26th March, when Peter Billingham kindly took us to Manchester Airport for our flight to Athens.

Everything went like clockwork. We walked out of the airport and straight on to the X96 bus which for five euro each took us literally to the door of our hotel, the Poseidon opposite Alimos marina.

ONE OF ONLY TWO BOATS
IN LITTLE VATHY

 The next day we made our way by taxi to the bus station for our trip to Levkas.

The bus journey is some six hours long and so we had kindles and books at the ready to pass the time. They were not necessary as the journey was fascinating. We traveled from Athens over the Corinthian canal onto the Peloponnese (south) side of the magnificent Gulf of Corinth. we crossed over the gulf to the mainland side over the Andirrion-Rion Bridge and then on to Levkas.

The scenery was magnificent and we felt as if we had seen a lot of "real Greece"

THE BRIDGE

The boat was launched on April 1st and we had a lovely two weeks sailing around a near deserted Ionian, visiting our favorite haunts and preparing our selves and the boat for our journey east to the Aegean

We left Cephalonia on Tuesday 15th April and had a very pleasant 63NM trip to the Isle Trizonia in the Gulf of Corinth.

We passed underneath the amazing bridge that we had crossed over two weeks before. The structure is regarded as the largest of its type in the world.

We are now cruising the Gulf on route to Corinth and the canal. The next blog will follow soon and will give details of this wonderful cruising area, and an AMAZING EASTER SUNDAY in Andikiron.

RAY & MANDY
ANDIKIRON
38 21.6N x 22 39.4E

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