Windy July

Anne-Marie on the Helm

We spent a couple of weeks in Hisaronu Korfezi, one of our favourite cruising areas. We were lucky enough to have Anne Marie join us from Fethiye for a few days. Great to catch up and a chance for us to return some of the hospitality we get on visits to her. Our time however went far too quickly and saw Anne Marie heading back to Matapan and us to Greek waters, after a stock up from the local market. As much fruit and veg that you can carry for less than £4, 2 litres of local olive oil for less than £6 and 2kg of chicken for less than £5 – good job the freezer is still working well to store it all.

Palon harbour on Nisiros

A couple of fast sails – up to 8.4 knots, saw us in Panormitis to sit out the next blow. Three nights of windy weather before we saw a weather window to head for Nisiros. Again a cracking sail with speeds up to 8 kts until the wind dropped for an hour in the middle of the 30 mile crossing. Lots of space in Nisiros and the following day saw us take the lines of C’est la Vie and a few days were spent together before we headed off to Kos to pick up Kathryn.

Kathryn lived up to her nick name of windy witch. After her first couple of days on board, the wind filled in to 20-25kts plus and stayed there for the next 10 days. In fact until she’s gone home. We managed a few sails with her to Leros, Arki, Lipsi and then back to Leros to the safety of our paid for marina berth!

Windy Leros

The enforced stay in the marina saw us touring the island in a car and being true tourist, going to the beach on a couple of days. With the wind as strong as it was Kathryn was quite happy to catch the ferry to Kos for her flight home. Apparently the trip was quite lumpy!

With just over two weeks till we flew home we decided to stay put in the marina. The meltemi wind was here to stay which kept it cooler on the boat but still too warm in the middle of the day to do jobs.

Looking towards Kalimnos from Leros

A very sad day happened when C’est la Vie (Sven & Caryn), who had followed us up from Nisiros, was at anchor in Lakki. The boat caught fire and was totally lost to the flames. Thankfully they were not on board (they were touring the island) and were not hurt but they were true liveaboards and lost everything apart from what they had ashore with them. Very sad and tragic, we were only pleased that they were alright. All we could do was help in what seemed little way. Drinks on Crazydream, offer of accommodation, rading the wardrobe for clothes. Many people offered and gave help as only the yachting community can. Even the locals in Lakki offered help. A very sad end to this year’s early cruising. It really does make you stop and think.
 

Local boats on Leros