Greek Ionian to Turkey

[MedMan]

We hope to be leaving the Greek Ionian in early April and heading for Turkey via the Corinth Canal. I would very much appreciate comments on the following:

Transit through the canal: I have heard a rumour that the canal costs more if you cannot prove the weight of the vessel. We have SSR registration which does not give tonnage. Is the rumour true? If so, how can I prove the weight of my vessel?

Route across the Aegean and the Meltemi: We normally cruise from early April to mid October with a six-week break from mid July to mid-August. Can you make any suggestions on the route we might take and/or the timing of our passage across the Aegean to avoid the worst of the Meltemi?

The eternal question - where to Lay-up for Winter 2003/04: We like to spend a month or so afloat in late Autumn and a similar period in the Spring, both with access to water and electricity, but be lifted out for November to February inclusive. We therefore need somewhere with secure berths afloat and room to be stored ashore. Our boat does not lift well by crane so somewhere with a Travel Hoist is prefered. We rate peace and quiet above all else and abhor cities so an out-of-town marina/harbour is much prefered. The presence of a few other Yachties is very much an advantage. Can you suggest anywhere in Turkey that meets this somewhat eclectic list or are we whistling in the wind?

With my thanks in advance for your help.

P.S. We are travelling back to Greece next month via Venice and the Venice/Patras Ferry. We have booked our flights to Venice (£2.99 single each with Ryan Air plus taxes) and the ferry but, as yet, not the hotel night in Venice. Does anyone know a good website for booking cheap hotels?



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[HenryB]

Hi Medman,
I last used the Corinth Canal in 2000 and my boat has the full registration so can't help you much apart from the charges are higher if you pass through outside of normal weekday working hours. There is a surcharge for evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.

If you have plenty of time then the Meltemi shouldn't present too much of a problem apart from the constant gusts eventually get very tiring, even when safely anchored. Depending on where you are heading in Turkey, I would suggest Corinth Canal to Aegina, then Poros, then Seriphos (or one of its neighbours), then Ios, Amorgos (maybe), Asti Pailia (for sure), then get your clearance to leave Greece in Simi or Rhodes.

I'm not sure whether or not it has a Travelhoist, but Marti Marina could well suit your needs (see http://www.martimarina.com/). I haven't been there but have had good reports from those that have. Also worth considering are the two marinas in the southern end of Marmaris Bay (about 3 miles from Marmaris), Port Gocek Marina (the one run by C & N) or possibly Finike.

Happy cruising,

 

[davidbains]

Medman, the pilots recommend you sail north in the spring and south in the summer!
The Canal authorities are quite used to British boats with SSR and expect cash usually.
Frankly you just have to accept their estimate of tonnage. Having a multi I give them the
displacement but I am sure they take no notice!
After Sounion I suggest you go north to Volos, the Sporades and the Haldiki peninsula.
Then cruise south through the Cyclades and later cross to south east Turkey.
You'll be able to visit several Turkish marinas and will soon pick one. The paperwork
is easier than Greece. With the time you have you could also visit Antalya, Finike and
Cyprus although I understand you have to book in advance to winter in Larnaca.

 

[Mr Cassandra]

I think your route is about right, or Aigena Kea Siros Naxos Amorgos Astiplasia Kos All these islands have safe place to hide which ever way the wind is coming ,
Cannot quite understand the reasoning of going north to Khalkidhiki then south through the Cyclades ,refered to in Davids post though ,unless, just wishing to see places not on the usual route all the best . cheers bob t

boss1

 

[davidbains]

I mention the north Aegean since Medman has a very long summer ahead of
him the lucky retiree. Heikell and others recommend the Sporades and
Chalkidiki and Limnos and Lesbos. The point being it's very hard to get
up to them if you're already down in the Cyclades. From Sounion you can
pass inside Evvoia if you don't mind waiting for the bridge and have sheltered
sailing all the way to Volos, which is a convenient jumping off point for
the Sporades, from where it would be a pity to miss Chalkidiki given the time
available. And the Meltemi is alleged to blow less strongly in the north.
Aegina to Rhodes is not going to occupy Medman for six months, or is it!?
David
This is giving me itchy feet!

 

[pelissima]

Hi Medman,
Take a look at http://www.corinthcanal.gr/, and you will see their pricing.
They also have a calculation tool. It is not the tonage but the length that counts.
Have a nice time.

 

[wayneA]

Medman

Take a look at this passage planning site from the RCC. Very good free info - may find something useful for your route.

http://www.rccpf.org.uk/Passage/Routing Guide Med.htm

Wayne

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by wayneA on 14/01/2003 15:57 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[MedMan]

Many thanks everyone for all your help and advice - much appreciated.

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