We arrived in Koufonisi to find a tiny harbour with no space for us so we anchored outside. Koufonisi is a beautiful small Greek tourist town with classic white and blue buildings. The water was spotlessly clear and we could easily see the anchor in 10m of water. We arrived early and had a walk around followed by dinner at the top of the hill overlooking the bay where Kerensa was anchored.
Astipalia was the next stop, with the stunning town perched on a steep hillside below a huge monastery at the top of the hill. The bay was quite small however and, with the wind from the north, we had a fear of katabatic winds and so sailed past into a sheltered bay. This anchorage was a complete contrast to Koufonisi, pretty dull with a fish factory at one end and a road around the outside. Still it was only for one night and we headed off early to the Eastern end of Kos island. We will definately come back to Astipalia for a longer visit to the town.
We were headed to the north end of Kos to get a windlass contactor, however a couple of calls didn't inspire confidence and our anchor was now performing reliably so we decided to just stop over one night en route to Symi to check out. Anchored in a lovely big protected anchorage, Kalami bay, we took the dinghy ashore to find a drab tourist trap town clearly focused on the British tourist market. Full English or roast beef was easy to find, not that we indulged. A quick supermarket stop and back to the boat.
Symi
Now we had to sail to Symi to check out of Greece. Following a few tips we anchored in Pedi bay. A deep and narrow bay just over the hill from Symi. Many reviews indicated poor holding so we were pleased when our anchor took first time, but still had a nervous night's sleep as there were 20knt gusts coming around us from all directions. The anxiety of leaving the boat in those conditions to get the bus to Symi got the better of us, early morning found us in Pedi bay marina, which is actually just a concrete wall where we could moor stern to. With boat secure we took the bus to Symi to check out. That took about 2 hrs including a 2km walk between the port police (twice) and immigration police. Still, it was a relatively nice town to spend a day in and have lunch. We were now officially out of Greece and the EU, with the Schengen clock stopped we felt the need to rush about had gone.
Pedi Bay - evidence of the poor holding in the bay
We left Pedi Bay in the morning for a short 10 mile sail to Bozburun in Turkey, where Charlie and Carol Baker, fellow WYC members, were waiting for us. Bozburun was another first time experience for us, Med mooring using the anchor. All went well despite the nerves and it was great to see Carol and Charlie on the quayside. Our agent did a great job sorting all the admin out and with a 5 min trip to immigration we were all sorted and fully checked in. A lovely meal onboard Carol and Charlie's boat topped off a great day and we awaited the arrival overnight of Barry and Lynne Shotton, also from Whitstable.
We had a relaxing day, bit of shopping which included the purchase of two 50m shorelines which apparently are a must have for anchoring in Turkey, there aren't many bays with swinging room.
Dinner at Osmans restaurant to celebrate Barry and Lynnes wedding anniversary was a highlight and we have to thank the Osmans team for the hospitality. Osmans is a well known yachting restaurant and they open their toilets and showers to customers with boats. Topped off with a book exchange library, they were very welcoming.
As we write we are sailing, three boats in company to a bay where we will have to try our our new shore lines. Another first for us and we will update next week!
