Observations from the Aegean

[charles_reed]

Having rounded Malea to Monemvassia and across, am now in N Mikonos.

Certain points:-

1. Winds continue atypical, but the meltemi seems to have re-established.

2. Had two plastic-sheet incidents - in the night-sail across from Monemvassia and just leaving Finikada on Kithinos. These sheets, about 3 x 2 m lurk on the anticline, about 1.2m down., ideally placed to foul, keel, prop and rudder (or all three).
They immediately make a boat uncontrollable and reduce speed dramatically.

3. Mikinos, though overcrowded and expensive, offered me a good meal at a places recommended by the Limenikos sergeant, in Ormos beach at the S end of the island. The Ormos, when I got there the diners were all francophone. Cooking by the proprietor extremely good value for money and excellent Greek food. Neo Limani is free, water obtainable and constant patrols of diesel tankers - refill @ a reasonable €1.46/litre.

A bit too windy to change over to the 80% yankee, which I'll need for working up the meltemi to Chalkidiki.

 

[cmedsailor]

for working up the meltemi to Chalkidiki.

Mykonos to Chalkidiki in July. Wow, that's touch! Wondering what route you will follow.

 

[charles_reed]

Well at least I'll have some wind!!!!

Actually Chios - Kura Panagia - Kassandra.

 

[cmedsailor]

You bet you will have!
Your "zig zag" route makes sense though, unless you are lucky and find a couple of days window and head upwards directly.

 

[Chris_Robb]

Charles Reed is obviously not a gentleman: They don't sail to windward

 

[pelissima]

Looks like this is the perfect week for this kind of trip.
While in Kyra Panagia, I strongly suggest a stop not at the usual bays south or Planitis NE but in a small bay west if I remember well where a small monastery with only one monk. A small visit there pays back..
Entering, you drop your hook and take one or two lines on the rocks on the right side.
In case it crosses your mind to sail along the 500m limit in Mount Athos in order to see the monasteries, I can offer our experience just a few years back when we did the same. It was a very hot and windless day as we motored along, admiring the scenery. SWMBO despite my protests was wearing a tiny bikini. Only once did we broke the 500m limit to have a better vew but quickly turned away. Little after this a fast patrol boat stopped us requesting papers etc. informing us that a report and a subsequent generous fine is the order of the day. To my proposition to forget the incident as we were heading out anyway the limenikos sergeant replied in alarming sincerity. My friend, I could possibly do this had I not receive about 40 calls from monks who are on their binoculars and telephone all morning...

 

[macd]

...My friend, I could possibly do this had I not receive about 40 calls from monks who are on their binoculars and telephone all morning...

I guess they're not Trappists, then. Is there such a thing as a voyeuristic order?

 

[dougg]

My wives observations are that most places look the same, the food is bland and usually tepid, but the people are generally friendly.

 

[Bertramdriver]

How many wives do you have? Do they all crew? How do you reconcile their conflicting views?

 

[charles_reed]

How many wives do you have? Do they all crew? How do you reconcile their conflicting views?

Amazing what the lack of an apostrophe can infer...

Now in Skiros - appalling anchorages - drags caused by ducks - truly. Might go and visit Rupert Brookes' grave - if I can square the Greek Navy.

 

[Borden]

Amazing what the lack of an apostrophe can infer...

Even with one they're still plural, try this version: wife's.

 

[vyv_cox]

Now in Skiros - appalling anchorages - drags caused by ducks - truly. Might go and visit Rupert Brookes' grave - if I can square the Greek Navy.

The port is nice though, transformed by a little expenditure and a full-time harbourmaster.

 

[charles_reed]

The port is nice though, transformed by a little expenditure and a full-time harbourmaster.

Thanks for that info Vyv, I'm trapped about 0.6nm from the harbour by continuing F7 meltemi. Doesn't look as though it's going to calm down until Thursday evening.