Cruising 2018

Shaun at Hotel Atlantis

Launch Day

Lunch with the Dr.

Tabpena (Taverna) Tripa

Emerald Bay

mother and 2 chicks

Emerald bay

Gaios

Pontokonissi - Corfu

Grant Robyn Raewyn Tony

The flight from Barcelona to Athens/Corfu went well and we checked in to the Atlantis hotel on Thursday for 2 nights.

Work at the boatyard commenced next morning. Wild Indigo was covered in dust from the Sahara as was every other yacht. We spent the day cleaning – it was hard work. Next day we got the yard to pressure wash the hull. Much more efficient and with better results.

You can solve any problem with money. This allowed me to hand polish the hull – another tedious job but very rewarding as the improvement was noticeable. Raewyn concentrated on laundry and the inside (Pink Jobs).

We were due to launch Saturday. Of course the yard had arranged for a large motorboat to be hauled Saturday so that plan was out. It would have to be Monday. We increased our time at the hotel by 2 nights.

Robyn and Grant Diver arrived Saturday, and helped with yacht preparation – polishing stainless. Not part of their holiday plan.

The launch Monday was delayed by other work in the yard and we were finally in the slip at 2pm. The launch went flawlessly. Engine started first turn and cooling water flowed. Always an anxious moment till this happens.

We motored to the marina where we stayed for one night to get water and supplies. Another big day in the heat. We picked up the new Bimini made during winter and it fitted perfectly.

Finally, we were off cruising. First to Pagania – 10 miles away where we could unwind and enjoy the quiet solitude of a land bound anchorage. It was good to get away.

From there, it was quick trips to give Robyn and Grant a look at the Northern Ionian. Lakka on Paxos – a delightful town/harbour with crystal clear water and safe, shallow anchorage. Then Emerald Bay Anti- Paxos- supposed to be a day stop, but with settled conditions we tied stern to rocks and enjoyed being the only yacht in the anchorage overnight. We tiki toured past Gaios and Mongonisi on Paxos Island.

Parga on the mainland was as far South as we got, and spent 2 days anchored close to town in a very small anchorage. Only 2 boats in the bay, and on our own the second night. A meal ashore with very good Greek music and dancing.

After that it was Plataria via West Bay for a lunch stop and Mourtos for a quick look. Plataria has not changed much since 1995 when I first went there, but is a turnaround base for Sailing Holidays Northern Ionian fleet.

Back to Corfu to anchor off the town and be close to the marina to drop off Robyn and Grant the next day. Time had flown all too quick.

One night again in the Marina at Gouvia. A few jobs on the yacht, laundry, and Raewyn had her last years injury checked  as it had developed a leak. Antibiotics and cream with another check up due has kept us at or near Corfu. The curse of Corfu persists. Another Drs. appointment for tomorrow (Monday) keeps us in Corfu.

We did have lunch with Andreas (Doctor) and Helena. Robyn and Grant took a bus to Paleokastritsa for a tour day. In the evening Andreas took us all to a small village restaurant named Tripa – no menu, but the food and wine kept coming. A wonderful experience. Reminded me of dinner at Yanni’s many years ago (1995), where you check what is in the pots and order from there. Yanni’s no longer exists, but is still known to Corfiots. 

After Robyn and Grant left, we anchored in the new port to check in. First to the Port Police who phoned customs and got our 2017 cruising DEPKA number from customs. I went to customs and they tried the old “go to new port” trick. I had the depka number and recognised the lady who had checked us out in 2017. Enough Grenglish and I had my depka duly noted and was free to go back to the Port Police who completed the process by sighting the insurance and registration documents, and completed crew list. Unusually easy this time. Generally it costs me long walks between buildings and 50 euros. I am not the best with bureaucracy and although I was about 1 week late checking in, the process was easy. Often I have checked in without a valid leaving certificate from the previous port and to date have not had a problem. 

The weather has been reasonable. Mostly blue skies with late 20 degree temperature. We have had some cloudy days with light rain, and two nights of electrical storms. These last less than an hour and are accompanied by high winds and torrential rain. Nothing sinister.