Eastern Aegean Islands Advice

[Irish Rover]

Because of business commitments my summer boating has always been restricted to day trips and short weekends. While I’m not totally free yet I now have some flexibility and I am planning a mini cruise for 3 weeks starting mid July. I plan to cross to Greece for the 3 weeks but unfortunately I may need to get back to Turkey for a day at short notice so I want to stay close by. Subject to weather I’m not planning to spend more than 2 nights in any one place so my provisional route looks something like this Kuşadası- Pithagorion-Marathokambos-Kyrikos-Patmos-Leros-Kos-Kalimnos-Lipsa-Fournoi-Karlovasi-Samos Town-Kuşadası.
I’ll have 2 teenage girls on board and a better half with few boating skills so I’ll be almost single handing on a 10.3M Cat. I know the ladies will prefer to be tied to terra firms a night rather than anchoring so I’d like to accommodate that as much as possible and for sure there will be no cooking on board so access to a taverna at night is essential. So taking account of all that I’d appreciate any advice about all and every aspect of my plan. If you think any of my planned stops are a waste of time or if I’m passing by a must see place or if I’ve included stops where I’ve no chance of getting a berth late July/early August. Basically any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[vyv_cox]

That looks to be an interesting and comprehensive trip. Within your limitations I see nothing wrong with it, although you may struggle to complete it if the meltemi is strong. Can you not persuade someone to do some cooking on board? You are missing out some great anchorages.

If you can squeeze in Levitha I would do so but you need to be there early. Mooring buoys with a unique taverna at the farm up the hill. Then Emborios on Kalymnos to the SE, also buoys in a spectacular setting, moving on down to Pothia (Kalymnos Town).

 

[Irish Rover]

Thank you. Levitha is in the notebook for a future trip but your suggestions for Kalimnos are on the list for a bit more research for this trip. I’d probably get away with an odd night on a mooring or at anchor as long as we could get ashore on the dinghy for dinner without the need for the ladies to get their feet wet. As I said already any and all advice greatly appreciated.

 

[AndrewB]

This is quite an ambitious trip for 3 weeks given you have 3 non-sailors aboard who will be looking for short hops and plenty of shore-side entertainment; and also that at some point you are going to be held up by the meltemi.

I don't know the Turkish side, but it is worth remembering that Kos is a very busy charter base with many charterers heading for Leros and Patmos. In high season the marinas in Kos and Leros are likely to be very full, specially on particular days of the week corresponding to the charterers' schedule (they tend to leave Kos at weekends), likewise the town quay at Patmos. However there are plenty of good anchorages, and many will have a taverna.

 

[Irish Rover]

This is quite an ambitious trip for 3 weeks given you have 3 non-sailors aboard who will be looking for short hops and plenty of shore-side entertainment; and also that at some point you are going to be held up by the meltemi.

I don't know the Turkish side, but it is worth remembering that Kos is a very busy charter base with many charterers heading for Leros and Patmos. In high season the marinas in Kos and Leros are likely to be very full, specially on particular days of the week corresponding to the charterers' schedule (they tend to leave Kos at weekends), likewise the town quay at Patmos. However there are plenty of good anchorages, and many will have a taverna.

My Cat is motor only and my plan takes me south with the prevailing wind and back north with a headwind so I’d imagine I should be ok unless it gets extreme. I’m building in a few days for weather delays. I’m more concerned about not getting a berth at my intended stops so any suggestions on anchorages or fixed moorings would be welcome.

 

[vyv_cox]

Stern-to berths are very limited at Fourni, especially for a cat. Only three when I was last there. Taverna-provided buoys are becoming more common, several bays around Leros and Kalymnos have them. The best current information is in the CA's Captain's Mate app (I am the Aegean editor). Worth joining for that and the many discounts available.

 

[Irish Rover]

Stern-to berths are very limited at Fourni, especially for a cat. Only three when I was last there. Taverna-provided buoys are becoming more common, several bays around Leros and Kalymnos have them. The best current information is in the CA's Captain's Mate app (I am the Aegean editor). Worth joining for that and the many discounts available.

Thanks for the information and suggestion. As I’m permanently based in Turkey I’m not sure I would get much benefit from the discounts so the annual fee of around €150 looks a bit steep basically just for access to the app.

 

[vyv_cox]

Thanks for the information and suggestion. As I’m permanently based in Turkey I’m not sure I would get much benefit from the discounts so the annual fee of around €150 looks a bit steep basically just for access to the app.

The 2018 yearbook lists a column and a half of discounts in Turkey. 14 of these are marinas offering anything between 5 - 40% off. 6 are services discounts and one for sails, presumably not of interest to you. Many UK companies are listed. Most members find they can save the cost of annual membership in discounts.

Above and beyond that there are many benefits to membership, including unrivalled access to information and assistance.

 

[Irish Rover]

The 2018 yearbook lists a column and a half of discounts in Turkey. 14 of these are marinas offering anything between 5 - 40% off. 6 are services discounts and one for sails, presumably not of interest to you. Many UK companies are listed. Most members find they can save the cost of annual membership in discounts.

Above and beyond that there are many benefits to membership, including unrivalled access to information and assistance.

Thanks again. It would probably be helpful if I could see in advance exactly what discounts are available as it appears I have to join up to get that information. As I can’t pay by DD the cost is also higher than I mentioned previously plus a joining fee. It may well be great value but it would be good to know exactly what I’m getting before I part with my money. I might just buy the Eagle Ray Pilot book to complement the Heikell East Aegean and Greek Waters Pilot which I already have.

 

[Irish Rover]

We’re in Kos having visited Samos, Ikaria and Leros en route. We’re going to leave here tomorrow or Thursday and head back north. I have an issue with my batteries so I now have more reason than ever to be tied up in a marina/harbour at night. My next stop will probably be Kalymnos - would anyone know if it’s very busy there right now or if we’re likely to get a berth with shore power supply - what are the charges there for berthing and power/water? Thanks in advance.

 

[macd]

As I’m permanently based in Turkey I’m not sure I would get much benefit from the discounts so the annual fee of around €150 looks a bit steep basically just for access to the app.

Although the CA website doesn't make it clear, there's a substantial discount for non-UK-resident members. We pay something like £90pa. (Presumably a reflection of HQ resources being rather inaccessible.)

 

[Irish Rover]

We arrived home from our trip yesterday. We didn't quite make all the stops we planned but we had a ball nonetheless. Our first stop was Pythagorio, Samos for 2 nights then 3 nights in Kirikos, Ikaria, 3 nights in Lakki, Leros, 3 Nights in Kos, 1 night in Kalymnos [we would have stayed longer but we were forced to leave because of the arrival of a pre-arranged flotilla], 1 night in Alindas, Leros, 2 nights in Lipsos, 2 nights in Skala, Patmos and 2 nights back again in Pythagorio. We were on route from Patmos to Agathonisi but we met some rough weather after clearing east between Lipsos and Arki and it was too uncomfortable in the beam sea so we diverted north to Samos. We enjoyed every minute despite a couple of little mishaps like frying 4 of our house batteries in Leros. Kos Marina didn't charge a catamaran supplement and I got 20% discount under a mutual discount scheme with Setur Marinas so @ €21 per night it was really excellent value for the excellent facilities there. Thanks again to all who offered advice and information.

 

[sailaboutvic]

We arrived home from our trip yesterday. We didn't quite make all the stops we planned but we had a ball nonetheless. Our first stop was Pythagorio, Samos for 2 nights then 3 nights in Kirikos, Ikaria, 3 nights in Lakki, Leros, 3 Nights in Kos, 1 night in Kalymnos [we would have stayed longer but we were forced to leave because of the arrival of a pre-arranged flotilla], 1 night in Alindas, Leros, 2 nights in Lipsos, 2 nights in Skala, Patmos and 2 nights back again in Pythagorio. We were on route from Patmos to Agathonisi but we met some rough weather after clearing east between Lipsos and Arki and it was too uncomfortable in the beam sea so we diverted north to Samos. We enjoyed every minute despite a couple of little mishaps like frying 4 of our house batteries in Leros. Kos Marina didn't charge a catamaran supplement and I got 20% discount under a mutual discount scheme with Setur Marinas so @ €21 per night it was really excellent value for the excellent facilities there. Thanks again to all who offered advice and information.

Good you made it back , but time to start aging after a few nights rest

 

[Irish Rover]

Good you made it back , but time to start aging after a few nights rest

I wish. I really do. I have back to back family visitors from Ireland from now until mid September and my 13 year old daughter is back to school then. I have to earn a crust as well. So it will be day trips now and an odd weekend until next summer. I envy you and the other free spirits going where the wind takes you.

 

[vyv_cox]

We must have been in Pothia at the same time, as we were also moved out for the regatta. We anchored in the fishing harbour.

 

[Irish Rover]

We must have been in Pothia at the same time, as we were also moved out for the regatta. We anchored in the fishing harbour.

That’s a pity. It would have been good to say hello to a friendly forumite - I’m still shocked and amused in equal measure at the dressing down I got from the forumite we met in Leros. The Harbour Master Yannis encouraged us to anchor but we decided to move on instead.

 

[RichardS]

That’s a pity. It would have been good to say hello to a friendly forumite - I’m still shocked and amused in equal measure at the dressing down I got from the forumite we met in Leros.

Is that the subject of a thread I've missed? Can you post a link as I'm intrigued.

Richard

 

[sailaboutvic]

Is that the subject of a thread I've missed? Can you post a link as I'm intrigued.

Richard

Read back a few posting . All over a battery question , we can't all know every thing

 

[Irish Rover]

Is that the subject of a thread I've missed? Can you post a link as I'm intrigued.

Richard

http://http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?504251-Advice-needed-Leros-faulty-battery/page4
I might have exaggerated a bit about being shocked but I do think it most odd and amusing that someone would seek me out and then give me a bollocking for being less than tech savvy.

 

[sailaboutvic]

http://http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?504251-Advice-needed-Leros-faulty-battery/page4
I might have exaggerated a bit about being shocked but I do think it most odd and amusing that someone would seek me out and then give me a bollocking for being less than tech savvy.

You didn't happen to film it .