Greece - April / May Routing Advice Please

[Swagman]

Any one done the passage out of Corinth Canal and up to Istanbul in Spring?

The various pilots all indicate a fair chance of strongish NE headwinds across Aegean so I am seeking guidance. Would you recommend I:
a) Work up the Greek side - maybe even inside Evia?
b) Head over W to Turkish waters and work up that coast?
c) Bang up the middle - and take what comes?

If you've done this before at same time of year - really appreciate your experience as I've never sailed this route before.

Cheers
JOHN

 

[davidbains]

I haven't done it, but read about it and may be going same way in 06.
Basically the channel 'tween Evia and Andros is rough followed by long slog
north east. I'd be inclined to pass inside Evia (when does the bridge open?)
and work along the Sporades, then tack to Chaldiki or straight to Limnos
if winds allow. The Aegean is bumpy but your boat looks as though it
doesn't mind a bit of windward work.
Anyone else viewing the eclipse?!

 

[Glyka]

Most comfortable route is inside Evia, Sporades etc.

Nicest route is Southern Cyclades (Serifos, Antiparos, Irakleia/Schinousa/Koufonisi, Amorgos, Levitha - I've been in the area during winter/spring and it's magic) then Kos, Kalymnos or Leros and up. Strongly recommended although calm seas are not guaranteed. If you decide to go that way I'll be glad to give you any details or advice I can - just email me.

I wouldn't bang up the middle unless I'm in a big hurry and there is a VERY favourable forecast (or someone is paying me big money).

 

[davidbains]

That's an interesting route across the Aegean Glyka, and thanks for it.
I may use it myself next year to tour the southern Aegean.
But Leros is 50mls south of Athens and no nearer Istanbul!

 

[Glyka]

Never claimed this to be the shortest route /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Swagman]

Thanks all for advice.

Seems concensus is inside Evia for comfort and speed.

One last routing question for those who know the region.

Clearing first into Greece, and then again Turkey onward to Istanbul - are there particular clearance ports in each country one should best avoid from an officialdom stance?

Cheers
JOHN

 

[davidbains]

Personally speaking I haven't found the authorities in Corfu town or the branch
office in Gouvia that easy to deal with. If coming from Italy I'd be inclined to enter
Greece at Preveza where the office is near the town quay. You may also be able
to enter in Levkas town.

 

[chrisgee]

I agree with David -- you can enter through Levkas where there is a pretty good marina now or go on to the town quay where there a port police office as well.

 

[Swagman]

Anyone cleared into Patras and can share an opinion on facilities / ease etc?
It is shown as a port of entry in the pilots and it is conveniently en-route for Corinth Canal.
And clearing into Turkey itself - any practical advice on the best port to choose for my route from the Sporades to Istambul?
Thanks in anticipation
JOHN