Sailing with Moondance : And on to Corfu

From Eufimia on Zakynthos we sailed to Ithaca – not far and getting used to places mentioned in Homer’s writing by now. Anchored in a beautiful small bay near an islet. There were not many other yachts and most moved in the afternoon so we shared it with a few overnighters including Shalimar from Auckland. Swam and walked on the beach which was mostly marble. Stunning. After lunch the next day we motored in the morning and sailed in the afternoon (typical Ionian) to Tranquility Bay - Nidri on Lefkas island. The sailing was so good we passed Sivota which was a pity and headed up the Meganisi Channel. A couple of nights in Nidri, then through the Lefkas canal to Preveza on the mainland where we rediscovered the Mermaid tavern which has now been altered to incorporate a mini market. That spoilt the authentic Greek feel somewhat. Again we took advantage of the Scotsman’s anchorage and dinghied in to town. Looked like showers, so back to the boat to get jackets and close hatches. We have not been used to clouds or rain.

Preveza to Emerald Bay Antipaxos was a short day and we arrived as a flotilla was leaving so shared the bay with one other yacht. Emerald bay is well named. Beautiful clear water with caves in the rocks. The beach is not great but by swimming off the yacht it was just magic. Not really an overnight stop, but we managed it. Again, just a short hop to Paxos and anchored at Mongonisi. A very sheltered bay with Theo’s tavern which has been there forever. We are passing many lovely anchorages now but there is just not enough time to experience every one. From Mongonisi we went in to Gaios for a look before carrying on to Lakka at the top of the island. Second night in Lakka we got an electrical storm at 3am. A yacht ran over our chain and dislodged the anchor so we motored around the anchorage staying out of trouble until daylight. Other yachts were not so lucky as they dragged individually or together. We re anchored at daylight and left at 2pm for Corfu. Halfway there we saw another storm approaching so headed for End Bay on the mainland. A really good small shelter – just enough for one yacht and we were lucky. Many yachts were leaving a very nearby anchorage before the storm. With local knowledge (I had been there many times before) we stayed until the storm passed. (They are not fun to be out in) and we arrived at Gouvia marina late afternoon.

We are still at Gouvia. Panos is doing some work on the boat. When I met him in 2004 he was just starting working for himself and mine was his first job. Renovating an anchor winch motor. He now has a staff of 17.