After missing the weather forecast because it was at 10:00 GMT (8.00am Greek time - yeah right!) we actually set off. To say the crew were ready would be a lie, luckily leaving the dock was easy, mainly because our neighbors weren’t there so we were able to just pootle out. No wind meant the engine was on for the first couple of hours, we had a moment of concern when the depth gauge told us it was 1.0m under the keel, visions of getting on stuck on sandbanks were dispelled when ferries were bombing past.

 

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!!!!!

 

After crossing the main shipping lane with Captain Karen weaving through the wind patches we were sailing downwind towards mainland Greece. We actually managed to plot a course into a nice bay with a marina. It looked simple enough but somehow Rich ended up trying to reverse the boat into a couple of spaces but soon discovered that turning in reverse is not as easy as it seemed, after many minutes of deliberation we decide to just go for it, with Captain Miles on the anchor, basically trying to avoid responsibility it was down to Karen and Rich to try and work out what to do...

We eventually managed to get the boat into the right (sort of) position and full steam astern, the anchor went down, Rich swore a lot, handed the helm to Karen, and we managed to get in without hitting the flotilla boats, the spectators in the shore were able to help us in and the panic was over. Now it was beer O’clock.

 

Quick swim and it was time to shower and eat, lovely meal in Olgas and plenty of cheap Greek plonk then it was time to retire. More tomorrow where stern too parking will be a doddle...

 

Out for now Richie B