Recent content by syrbe

Our engine failed driving into a Force 5 southerly off Limnos, obviously a fuel problem but I could not find the blockage. We decided that it would be advisable to warn the Coast Guard that we would be sailing in to Myrina harbour without an engine. We got no reply on Channel 16 (they later...

Many of us stop off at Levitha on passage, where we enjoy a warm welcome and hospitality from the Cabochon family, who fish, farm, lay buoys and have a lovely taverna. They are now threatened with eviction by Leros municipality. The family have lived on Levitha since 1820. In 2013 an energy...

We had to re-engine last year in Leros, but decided to do it in Marmaris. Friends towed us there. The engine was cheaper (and we could get the VAT back, though with some hassle) and the price and quality of workmanship were excellent.

The advantage of Aegina is that there are many more ferries and they run later. Most charter boats have to be back Friday evening so leave in the morning. Anchor off the beach to the south the night before (try to tuck in behind the breakwater to keep out of the swell, without running aground)...

Is there a laundry in Khilardhia village?

Agmar My understanding is that the yard has always been an industrial zone, and there are suggestions that the heavy health and safety inspections have been encouraged by their 'competitors', as has been the blocking of the construction of a new pontoon in the marina. More than cutting free...

Re: Albania and Montenegro We went through Albania and Montenegro in 2007. Not many places to stop in Albania - sheer cliffs up most of the coast. Checked in to Saranda - met by agent who charged us about 80 euros for filling in a couple of forms, a flag and two nights on the quay (we were the...

or go via Mastikhari If you can get an early Easyjet or charter to Kos, take the bus or taxi to Mastikhari (10 minutes), then 2 pm ferry to Pothia (Kalymnos) and pick up the hydrofoil to Agia Marina, Leros. But check the timetables. If the worst comes to the worst you are better off staying in...

or take the ferry At the moment the ferry is only running on Wednesdays and Fridays, leaving Piraeus at 19.00 and arriving in Lakki about 4 am. Costs more than the flight if you want a cabin, but cheap to sleep on the floor.

Visa fees We went up the coast in 2007 and got charged quite a lot in Saranda, where we were met by an agent. When we got to Vlore we were told by the harbour master that we should not have paid anything and we did not pay anything in Durres either. We did not stay in Vlore - just as we were...

Asprakis boatyard We wintered in Asprakis boatyard last winter and they were all unfailingly helpful and friendly. The facilities are basic, but the yard is priced accordingly, and there is an excellent chandler in Aegina town. They have excellent engineers on call and the work they were doing...