In the last blog we were about to sail to Koufonisia, it was an early morning start and we beat upwind for 10hrs and had to find our plan b anchorage. A nice stop in a quiet bay on Agastoni but it was dark when we arrived and we didn't go ashore. Not making Koufonisia on this day had repercussions later, as the forecasted Meltemi winds were coming They were forecast to be strong enough to stop the ferries and we had to be somewhere were family could get to.
Next day we continued West, motoring in zero wind, missing out Koufonisia which was a shame as its one of our favourite stops. However we stopped at some small islands for a late lunch and then motored up to Antiparos for a walk around town. Beautiful place and lovely food.
Antiparos
By now we had run out of time to beat the Meltemi, we had no choice but to do a 95mile beat upwind to Western Greece near Athens. What a sail, the wind was up and down, we used every reef and sailplan at our disposal, including the iron sails. It was a long,15hr, and exhausting day but we eventually found ourselves anchored in the bay next to Ermioni, just as darkness fell. It was definately a sound nights sleep! We were finally in a place where visitors could get to during the forecasted Meltemi, that wind was due to blow for 10days and even though we were out of the main impact area we felt the effects, the local ferries were cancelled.
We got the dinghy ashore, got food and gate crashed the Sailingholidays.com flotilla disco bingo night! A heavy night ensued during which we met another livaboard couple, Roz and Ant, sailing on their yacht ARO.
Sailingholidays.com party gatecrashers
After a day on anchor we decided to go to Ermioni town Quay as the winds were forecast to increase. A difficult strong cross wind Med mooring exercise followed, but eventually, and with assistance from Ant off Aro (thanks!) we were safely moored. We spent 3 nights waiting for the winds to drop and then headed off to explore the area whilst we waited for family to arrive. This included a 25 mile, 6hr upwind sail just to meet the ARO team for dinner. We sailed so slowly we were convinced there was a strong counter current, but it was a lovely evening and night out.
We returned to Ermioni and moored up again for one night waiting for Nigels son Daniel and his friend to arrive. We have been so excited about their arrival and are looking forward to a great week with them.