Sail away with Paul Chopin.

Week 6

 

Thursday 04.06.15.

Up early as expecting to get the bike for 09:00. However, Greek time meant he got to the marina just before 09:30. No rush then! Better little scooter than the last one with a bit more power. Went back to the marina to pick up Helen before heading to Hermioupolis. Bought the tickets for our cruise to Mykinos via Tinos. Return fare for two, €46. Not too bad. As we were early, time for a cup of hot chocolate before catching the ferry at 11:30. Arrived at the new port in Mykinos just after 12:30 and caught the water bus to the old port and town. Intended to take a trip to Delos but the next boat to Delos was at 17:00 and our cruise ship back to Syros left at 18:20. Another time. So we ambled through the many backstreets of Mykinos, covering the same route more than once before settling down for lunch at a local taverna. Mykinos town has all the tourists shops but also many of the high end shops such as Gucci and Prada, etc, so there must be money coming into the island. Shirley Valentine was filmed here but I think it's lost some of its sparkle between then and now. Back on Syros we returned to the boat, and with three 20 litre+ Jerry cans strapped to the scooter I took the bike back to the hire shop. 70+ litres of diesel purchased the hire shop drove me and my fuel back to the marina. An excellent result. Route plotted for tomorrow. Heading to Naxos, a journey of 30nm. Hopefully the wind should push us along at a fair rate of knots.

 

Friday 05.06.15.

Just when you think everything is fine some problem raises its head. We were going to leave for Naxos this morning. Went to start the engine and it was proving difficult to fire up. Obviously not wanting to have this problem out at sea when approaching a marina I've asked the harbour master to call a diesel engineer to look at it. 11:30. Have noticed a Volvo Penta mechanic working on a boat just down from mine and have left a note on his car. 11:45. Someone came on board to sort out the problem. Seems to think it could be the battery is too weak, but it's a brand new one fitted this year! Wind has picked up again, gusting at around 30 kts. Not predicted to get this high! Another engineer came on board. He bled the system again, (not sure why there should be air in it?) and the engine fired up. He suspects that the glow plugs are not functioning and will call an electrician to check if they are. He wouldn't accept payment as he said he didn't do anything! The same engineer called me back later that afternoon to let me know that the electrician will be with me tomorrow morning. Another very helpful person. The afternoon was spent helping to tie up yachts as they came in. The evening was spent trying to find a free VPN for my laptop as the Finnish couple on their yacht want to see the women's  tennis final and watching it on my iPad isn't the best way to see it. Plenty about but none that actually worked (for me!)

 

Saturday 06.06.15.

The electrician arrived very early this morning, just after 08:00. Tested the engine battery. That was fine. I managed to start the engine for him and he then looked at the glow plugs. After cutting through the wire and putting a meter on the end he could see power was getting to the plugs. He then took out each of the plugs and tested these on his meter. All failed. He then removed the relay and tested that. It also failed. He didn't have the parts in his shop but might find them in Hermioupolis. If not they will have to come from Athens and that might not be until Monday at the earliest. Never mind a few more days here won't hurt. The super yacht that arrived last night left, picking up the Aussie's anchor as it raised theirs. They then had to reset their anchor again, but when they went out to do it they lifted the anchor of the Finns next to them. All this in a very strong F7 wind! The harbour master came round to secure those boats that had been left unattended and gave additional lines to those with skippers on. The electrician returned, fitted the glow plugs and relay, checked the wiring and asked me to start the engine. It did, as sweetly as it did before the problem. Cost for the glow plugs, relay and work, €160. Great, we can now move on - once the meltemi has died down. My weather forecasts didn't show this so, again, had we left, the seas could have been quite rough, although are heading in the direction of both wind and waves. The Finns came on board to see the Murray match but there were problems with the Internet connection and the VPN on the laptop so in the end we resorted to looking at it on the iPad! I think they left a little disappointed but later I managed to get all working and watched the ladies final on the laptop. Later that evening I tried to get the F1 qualifying on both the iPad and laptop. I think so many were accessing the Internet at the time I had an extremely weak signal and saw the last 2 minutes of it!

 

Sunday 07.06.15.

The Aussie's left this morning for Kythnos. Weather beautiful, winds have died right down and sun is beaming. Not perfect sailing weather but great for topping up the tan. Started the engine just to confirm all was well and we can leave tomorrow. Boarded the Finns boat with my laptop. They have a TV screen on theirs and wondered whether I could connect the laptop to their TV and run the tennis through that set up. It worked and I left them watching live TT motorcycle racing. Will return later this afternoon to watch the men's final. Chatted to someone fishing close to our yacht. He is a PE teacher for secondary students. He was telling me that his salary had gone down from €5000 per month to €1000 per month since the start of the Greek economic problems. He still managed to be cheerful. I hope he's able to catch something for his supper! Back on the Finn's boat to watch the men's final. All went well to begin with but then, because of the weak signal and / or bandwidth, there was a lot of buffering which means sitting for minutes waiting for it to start up again. The result of all of this was that we got to the point where Wawrinka was serving for the game at 40 - 30, more buffering, missed the next bit of play but saw the score was deuce, more buffering, and when it came back on again, Wawrinka was walking off the court! We had decided that for the F1 Grand Prix we would go to a bar and watch it there, which we did. Live but with no audio. Had there been sound it would probably have been in Greek! Two good wins, Wawrinka and Hamilton.

 

Monday 08.06.15

Lovely morning, up at 07:00 as we had a long journey to get to Naxos before all the other yachts make it to the marina and there are no spaces available. Said our goodbyes to the Finns, who were setting off for Kythnos. All the additional mooring lines that I had set out were taking in. Next problem was the anchor as our chain was under someone else's. I had to edge our boat out from the pontoon, whilst ensuring that I didn't lose the stern in what wind there was. Up and down the yacht, metre by metre until the anchor was at a point where it was just under the other chain. Fortunately I managed to free her without having to go for a swim. Off for Naxos. Weather forecast had indicated winds and waves to be in our favour and both travelling in the same direction, more or less. That was the case for the first hour and then the wave direction turned and were hitting us broadside. Helen was not amused. She wanted me to alter course, to go more with the waves. Now heading for Sifnos. After about 30 minutes the wave direction changed again. Another altered course, this time for Paros! It was a bumpy old journey, things falling off the shelves and crashing on the floor, but after another four hours we finally made it in to Paros, in the marina, moored up ready to explore the town. We found the last remaining space inside the marina. Provisions from the supermarket, another pair of beach shoes for Helen and a visit to the local cafe to check emails. Drinks bought, wifi not functioning. Back on the boat waiting for the meter man to come round so we can get some power for the boat. Until then, back to the books. Update on these, finished Dostoyevsky's 'Crime and Punishment and also Pasternak's 'Dr. Zhivago, and now back to Dostoyevsky's 'The Idiot'. I think that must be me for reading it! A large catamaran has just moored up on the end of the quay, causing problems for me, as our two sterns are very close to each other's, and another yacht that was forced to move one of his mooring lines. Let's hope the wind direction doesn't change during the night. Have paid for two nights electric so will explore the island tomorrow. No charge for the mooring. Excellent.

 

Tuesday 09.06.15.

A relaxed start to the day. No need for any rushing around as we are staying here for another night. Washing taken care of and hung up, Bimini windows cleaned to get rid of the salt spray on them and then a rest for an hour before heading off for a walk around the town. First stop the ancient (8th C. BC - 4th C AD) cemetery were 140 Warriors were found buried, a look inside the local churches, a browse along the back lanes of shops before calling into the chandlers to see if they had any gas bottles left. None for the next two days. Visited the next chandlers, they are expecting some in later today. Whilst there bought some plastic clips and elasticated chord to tie on to the ends of the fenders, so when they are brought in they can just be clipped to the guard rails. A quick trip to the cafe / bar to check out the Internet before back to the boat. A bit more reading, another trip to the supermarket and back on board for the night.

 

Wednesday 10.06.15

Up just after 07:00, kettle on for a cup of tea. Chart plotter switched on to set the course for Sifnos. Off to the chandlers to see if they had any gas in and to buy some more bungee chord for the remaining fenders. No gas, but at least we have a spare full one. Left Paros at 09:50 for Sifnos. A small amount of wind, in our favour, so both sails set. A pretty uneventful crossing, a few boat seen but nothing passing close by in either direction. We were aiming to anchor in a bay 'Ayios Yeoryios' but once we got there and dropped the anchor it failed to dig in, too much weed, and, as we were the only yacht there, I decided that we would lift the anchor and head further south to Kamares, another 3nm. Managed to moor up by the quay, stern to, just waiting for the man with the key to the electric and water to come by. In the meantime we've had a short walk around the place, a delightful little bay with a lovely beach. Looks like we could spend several days here, especially as the wind is due to pick up by the weekend. Just met up with the electricity man. €5 per night but if we stay here long he will make it €3. We will stay here long!

 

 

​

 

Week 7

 

Thursday 11.06.15

Decision made to stay here for about five days, until the forecast high winds have died down, there was no need to get up early. On deck by 08:00 with a cup of tea. Met the water man and filled up the stern tank. Told me I had put 85 litres of water in, which was about right. Cost €1, a bargain. The Brits next to us we leaving, heading for Paros. As they moved out they picked up our anchor chain. What is it with helmsmen not being able to lay their anchor in a straight line? (Better not say too much just in case I do it one day). Anyway, the tangle that they got in I decided to don the swimming trunks, put on the flippers and jump in to help them. My swim had come much sooner than I had expected. Anchor free from their chain, I wished them a safe journey to Paros, swam back to my boat and dried out. Hopefully our anchor will hold good despite it being lifted. An hour or so later we headed for the beach for a proper swim and a bit of sunshine. Lovely hot day, however, the wind started picking up so we headed for the local bar for a drink. Back on the boat we had 'lunch' for the first time this holiday, albeit at three in the afternoon. A walk to the local motorbike hire shop to sort out our transport for the next two days and then called into the ferry booking office. Earlier we had spoken to the ticket agent about catching a ferry to Santorini, telling us the times of the ferries. When I went to book the tickets it turned out that the times he gave were departure times from Sifnos and not departure and return times, so no trip to Santorini this time. A couple more boats came in and one moored up beside us, dropping its anchor at an angle over my chain. Typical Americans (from California) they said it isn't a problem! Maybe not for them but it will be for me if, as they take in their chain, they begin to drag mine back with them.

 

Friday 12.06.15

We must be spending too long in one place. Got up this morning and immediately did my washing and hung it out to dry! All but one other yacht and ourselves are left in the marina. Thankfully when the Americans left they did not pull on my anchor, a relief. Another sunny start to the day with only the odd cloud in the sky. Have picked up the scooter for our use for the next two days. Forgot to get a map but we can pop back to the hire shop when we pick up a second helmet to see if they have one. Their map was an outline of the island with the 'major' roads identified, nothing else. At least there were some signposts that had the towns in both Greek and English so we were able to get to where we wanted. First stop, the medieval town of Kastro and a walk around the walled town and a visit to the museum. A drink in the cafe before heading to the capital, Apollonia. For the capital there was very little see. Off to look at the anchorage and bay of Vathi. When we got there we met up with Roger and Kat and helped them to moor up on the wall and had a cold drink with them. They must be following us from island to island because we assisted them in Syros and Paros! Leaving them we returned to the boat. The winds were gusting and pushing the boat towards the quay. The options were to; dive in and see if I could attach a line to a concrete block I could see in the water about four metres ahead of us in a depth of 5 metres. Put on the diving gear and do the same or reset the anchor. I took the simplest option and dived down to the block with my line, pushed it through the ring and attempted to bring it back to the boat. Problem, the rope was too short. Another rope was used and success this time. The wind is still gusting but we are not getting pushed anywhere close to the wall.

 

Saturday 13.06.15.

Up a couple of times during the night to stop the squeaking of the ropes at the bow as they tightened and loosened when the boat moved back and forth. Not very successful, the headphones came into use and the music turned up! Another lovely day, the aft tank has been topped up, tea has been made and drunk and now just waiting for Helen to decide when to get up before heading off on the scooter to explore the remaining part of the island. Set off about 11:00 and headed for Faros, considered to be one of the nicest beaches on the island and site of a very old monastery on the headland. A couple of small yachts anchored in the bay and a very large three masted schooner. We could see the monastery and walked across the beach to the far side where we could pick up the footpath along the coast to it. About 45 minutes later we arrived at the monastery. However, had we looked at the basic map we had we could have avoided the walk and taken the scooter by road right up to it! A walk around it and a few photographs we proceeded on our route back, stopping off at the closest restaurant for lunch. An hour later, back on the scooter we headed back to the boat. Scooter returned to the hire shop, a trip to the supermarket for more provisions, solid and liquid, and assisting late comers to moor up. The electric man came on board carrying a bag full of courgettes for us that he had grown. They will go nicely with the chicken that we have just bought for tomorrow. Later that evening a very large Greek registered super yacht came and moored next to us. Not a problem until their smelly diesel generators were left running. The fumes were coming into the cockpit and into the saloon. I had asked (nicely) if they could switch them off but was informed they had to be on to power the lights. The boat was lit up like a Christmas tree, which I pointed out to the captain. No one was benefitting from having all lights on. He conceded, switched some off and switched over to a smaller generator. Still smelly but not as noisy!

 

Sunday 14.06.15

Another glorious day. Not yet 10:00 but temperature is over 30 (degrees C). Will do some washing and then go to the beach for a lazy day of swimming. The smelly super yacht has upped anchor and has decided to move on. Nice and quiet now. Dostoevsky"s 'The Idiot' has been finished. Thought about starting the authors of French classics, but have decided to start 'I Robot' by Isaac Asimov. (One person should know the significance of reading this book). Walked down to the beach and took my snorkle and flippers. Waste of time really as nothing to see. Nice safe beach and a good swim. Returned to the boat mid afternoon and started preparing the evening meal. Decided to roast the courgettes along with the chicken. Very tasty courgettes, pity I couldn't say the same about the chicken. Very busy this evening with boats trying to moor up. All spaces taken and those that stayed had to anchor in the bay.

 

Monday 15.06.15

Off to Serifos today. Only a short journey so no need to rush about. By the time we were ready to leave all the other boats bar one had gone. Water and electricity paid for, €20 for five nights, so I gave him €25 as he supplied the lovely courgettes. Went to start the engine and guess what, it wouldn't. Went through all the usual procedures, bled the system again, still wouldn't go. Checked the fuel, nearly a full tank. Nothing else for it but to call out an engineer. Spoke to my friendly meter man and he call up someone. Won't be able to get here until after midday. Not a problem. Cleaned the outside of the boat and gave the cockpit a thorough clean as there was an accumulation of sand and grit building up. Started to dry out the bilges but no sooner had I taken the companionway steps away for access to the engine bilge when the engineer arrived. He checked the engine when I turned it over on the starter motor, bled a pipe near the injector pump, squirted some 'easy start' in the air intake and took readings from the battery and the glow plugs. Must have spent no more than 15 minutes with me and charged me €60. The engine starts but I am not convinced he has done anything to resolve the problem. Not good value for money but at least we will be able to move on tomorrow, hopefully. Roger and Kat have arrived and have moored up beside us. As we were chatting away Roger mentioned that his tri-colour light at the top of his mast was loose and likely to come down. I offered to go up the mast, in the bosun' chair to try and sort out the problem. We must have spent the best part of five hours trying to fix the problem, but as always, more problems appeared. First time up the mast I couldn't get high enough to reach the light. Back down again we decided to use the topping lift halyard. When we tried to release it we noticed that it was caught stuck fast at the top of the mast and couldn't be freed. (Second problem). Next suggestion was to use the Genoa halyard. The head sail was taken down to free the halyard and when I started going up the mast the second time we noticed the halyard twisted and was making it difficult to use. (Third problem) Down I came again, this time back to the spare halyard (the one used the first time). Back up the mast, freed the Genoa halyard. Down again and attached to the Genoa halyard to be winched again. No joy, too difficult still. Back on the spare halyard, up again and the topping lift halyard freed. Still unable to reach the light which was the reason why I went up the mast to begin with, but at least two other problems that they didn't know about have been sorted. Head sail put back on and all back as it was. Given a bottle of wine for my troubles. Building up a bit of a collection! It now 21:09 so I might as well have a drink, I think I deserve it.

 

Tuesday 16.06.15

Decision made last night to move the boat to a proper Marina so that someone is able to look at the problem regarding starting the engine and can come up with a solution other than squirting 'easy start' up the air intake. That means either going to Olympic Marine, which we have already booked up when Graham and Derek come out, heading back to Kilada where my mechanic is based or Aegina, where the mechanic Roger and Kat recommend. Either way it's going to be in two legs, and dependent on the engine starting of course. Whilst waiting for Helen to get up I finished cleaning the bilges that I had started yesterday. Tried starting the engine at 08:30ish, and eventually it fired into life. Not perfect but at least we can move on. We're off to Kythnos, on the other side of the island that we had visited a few weeks back. This time anchoring in Sand Bar bay. Hopefully, having run the engine all day it should better starting tomorrow. Don't know what to do if it doesn't and the wind is blowing in the wrong direction. Anyway, arrived at the bay at 16:50 and, having dropped the anchor, had to take a long line ashore. Should have planned this beforehand! Tender taken off the boat and put in the water. Didn't put the seat on the tender, nor the outboard so tried to row ashore kneeling down in the tender whilst belaying the long line out from the yacht. Got about 20 metres from the shore and found that the long line wasn't quite long enough.  Back to the boat for another length of line and to put the outboard on. Back to the shore this time a lot quicker than last time. Managed to turn the stern of the boat around and, with the help of a couple on the beach, found a large enough rock to wrap the line around. Hopefully secure for the night. Bearings take and they are constant for the first two readings. Seems to be holding after three readings now. A quick swim and a visual check on the anchor. Appears to be bedded in well although not in a straight line. Have sent a text message to Olympic Marine to see if they have moorings for the next few nights so that I can get somebody decent to investigate a resolve the engine starting problem. A gold coloured super yacht has arrived in the bay, loud music blaring out of its speakers. American registered with foul mouthed Americans (or one in particular) bringing the peace and quite to a halt. Jet skis and fast tenders pulling an inflatable sofa at the back of it. Thankfully after and hour or so they upped anchor and left to spoil the tranquility of another bay!

 

Wednesday 17.06.15.

The day of reckoning with the engine. It had to happen, it didn't want to start, so tool kit open again and the complete system bled for the umpteenth time. Finally it fired into life, thankfully. Into the tender to bring back on board the long line and the outboard and tender. I had made a decision last night that if I had not had a response from Olympic Marine in the morning then I would take the boat back to Ermioni where I could get my mechanic to check her over. No response so we set course for Ermioni, a distance of 52nm. Weather fine, winds light, occasionally in the right direction. Once out of Sand Bar bay it was the same heading right to the marina at Ermioni, so not a difficult passage, only a long one, time wise. Only point of interest along the passage were the 'leaping fish' seen with the sea birds trying to catch them. Lots of cups of tea later we arrived in Ermioni. On arrival at the mooring spot, next to large catamaran, a couple from Finland came and helped us with our lines, only to be shouted at by the skipper of the catamaran to put my ropes underneath his. Not having this I told the skipper that they were good enough to help, something he didn't offer to do and not to have a go at them as we would adjust them once all tied up. When it came to shore power my cable and that of the cat were not long enough to reach the power box. As it happened the Finnish couple offered us their extension cable so now WE had power but they didn't. The moral of the story is......... An update. Their catamaran was being pushed against the wall so, as good friendly sailors,cue helped them to sort out their problems, and didn't complain that their mooring lines should have been beneath mine as they 'technically' arrived after me!

​

Week 8

 

Thursday 18.06.15.

Rather annoyed last night. Received two text messages from my mechanic at 22:00 saying that he wasn't able to get to Ermioni to come out and sort out my engine problem and could I bring the boat to Kilada. One reason he gave was that it was too far. From Kilada to Ermioni by car it's 10 minutes max. By boat from Ermioni to Kilada five hours! Had I know earlier I would have come straight here. Need to remember not to go on the outside wall. Last time it damaged the stanchion and guardrail wires. This time the surge was pushing the boat back and forth, getting closer and closer to the quay. Only precautions taken were to put out two stern fenders and rubber springs on the mooring lines. They helped. Woken up at 06:15 by someone walking along the roof of the boat. Looked out from my hatch and could see the boat next to us has lost its stern line and had drifted across my anchor chain. The other chap tried to raise the owner of the boat who eventually got up to see the problem. His line had slipped undone and all that needed to be done was to throw it to me when I was on the dock, pull the stern in and re-tie it. Job done. Next job was to bleed the fuel system. Once this was done I tried to start the engine but it wouldn't. Bled the system a second time and still no good. I was anxious to move from the mooring because the swell was getting worse. No other option but to try and buy some easy start from somewhere and give that a go. Third shop, a supermarket had a can. Back to the boat, system bled again, a squirt up the air intake and she started. Roll of electric cable returned and thanked them for its use, generator started to help with lifting the anchor, lines taken up we moved off without further ado, heading for Kilada. Enroute we saw a seal, quite rare in these waters, and a turtle, quite common in Kilada.vtried to tie up to a mooring buoy but after the third attempt and dropping a boat hook into the water we decided to drop the anchor instead. Got here just ahead of the rain. Phoned Dimitris and asked him when he would like to sort out the engine. Initially he said in half an hour but then phoned back to say, as it was raining, he would see me tomorrow, and would like me to get alongside the quay. Understandable if he has his tools with him. Not a great deal to do on a boat when it's at anchor, so tender put into the water, outboard attached and off to land to buy some petrol and gas. After supper it was back in the tender to visit the local for a quick drink and to check emails.

 

Friday 19.06.15.

A peaceful night in bay. This morning Dimitris is coming to look at the fuel problems. In preparation for his phone call all fenders moved to the starboard side, tender to the port side and, once again, the fuel system bled and a squirt of 'easy start' to get the engine running. It works. Had to go side on to one of the yachts but he had his outboard engine attached to his tender and it was too difficult to bring the boat alongside. Next attempt was to go alongside an old fishing vessel. This wasn't a problem, only getting on and off the shore is, as we need to clamber across the decks of two fishing boats and then a drop of about three feet to the shore. Not too bad getting off but I think I will need to find a wooden box for Helen to step up on when we get back on to our boat! With Dimitris checking out the fuel system and another turtle swimming in the bay, there isn't much other going on for the time being. One frayed fuel line has been replaced, system bled and the engine started without any problem. However, as the engine is still warm from this morning the problem still might not be fixed. I will leave it now until tomorrow morning and try it then. Dimitris did say he put the old fuel line under pressure and could see some bubbles coming out. I've finished reading I Robot and Forward the Foundation by Isaac Asimov and have found another Russian classic, One day in the life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn, so have started reading this. A visit to the shops is required to fill up with provisions and an excuse to visit the local to check out the emails. Got one from the Finns, they are in Kilada at this very moment so will meet up with them tomorrow some time. Have been invited for tea tomorrow at 17:00. Lovely, (with a reminder to bring our Earl Grey tea!) another turtle swimming past the stern of the boat, raising its head above the water line as it goes on its merry way.

 

Saturday 20.06.15

Today's the day to find out whether the replaced fuel line has solved the starting problem. Well it didn't start under normal starting procedures. Next step to bleed the main fuel filter. Seems fine with little or no air coming out. Still didn't start so resorted to the 'magic' spray and it fired into life. Will keep the engine running for an hour or so to heat it up so we can have some hot water and to have the fridge back on. Have phone Dimitris and he will think about the next route to take and will see me on Monday. The Brits are leaving their mooring spot on the quay at around 13:00 so they are going to let us know when they go so we can take their place. Much better than being rafted alongside two old fishing boats! They gave us a shout just after 11:00 to say they were leaving to anchor in a bay for a spot of swimming. Tender moved from my boat and tied on to the fishing boat, I left Helen on shore (so if no one was around to assist she could catch the ropes) and slipped the mooring lines ready to reverse into the vacated spot. Lined up ready to reverse I asked Helen to drop the anchor, handy these remote control gadgets, and backed into my new berth. As it happens there were two French men willing to assist. Once all the mooring lines had been secured it was time to hook up with electric. Will sort out filling up with water later. A trip to the bakery to buy some cakes for this afternoons tea and meals for the weekend.

 

Sunday 21.06.15

Not going to bother about trying to start the engine this morning. No point, I know what will happen so I might as well leave it until Dimitris comes tomorrow morning. Haven't done any washing for several days so that was my first job. Next was to give the top of the boat a good clean. The Finns came along to say good morning after their visit to the mosque. We shall meet up with them later to watch the F1 in the local bar. Finished reading 'One day in the life of Ivan Denisovich' and have started to read 'A Briefer History of Time' by Stephen Hawking. From what I've read so far a very easy to follow and understand book for those who are scientifically challenged. Andy Murray is playing in the Queens tennis semi and Final today so it's off to the other local to watch it on my iPad. As luck would have it, and for the second time on this trip, the Internet connection was lost just as he had reached 6-5 in the second set. Off to the other local, where we were going to meet the Finns, the iPad was connected to the Internet, only to find that, this time he was successful and had made it to the final. F1 time and Terttu and Heiki arrived. A couple of beers later, with Hamilton only able to make second place, we went back to the first bar to see Murray beat Anderson in the final. This time the wifi remained connected. Back to the boat to bring in my washing and supper. Have been invited back to Terttu and Heikki's boat tomorrow for a Finnish equivalent game of Pétanque.

 

Monday 22.06.15

Up during the night as it started to rain and all the hatches were open. Eventually got back to sleep and up again just after 07:00. Dimitris is expected and he's likely to be here around 08:30. Punctual as ever, we tried to start the engine. As per usual it didn't want to go. This time he bled the system. No air coming out which wasn't looking too go as I was expecting there to be some. Now it wasn't going to be a simple fix, like another fuel line or replacement lift pump, it was going to be something more expensive, affecting the compression, like the valves or the piston rings. A squirt of 'easy start' and she fired up. So now a discussion was had as to what to do next. There wouldn't be a problem continuing with our journey, knowing that the engine would start with the 'squirt', and any repairs could be done after the boat is taken out of the water, between July and September. Happy with this we agreed to this solution and we would leave Kilada on Wednesday heading for Olympic Marine, to arrive there by the 28th. If weather is fine this shouldn't be a problem. However, this afternoon we had an almighty thunder and lightening storm. So close that one flash of lightening and clap of thunder were simultaneous and blew out the electric at the meters. Thankfully it was just a case of going across to the cafe (where they sell the meter cards), informing the manager of the issue and he went to the main electricity box in the high street and reset the trip switch. Power back on. Not a lot has been done today. Helen has cleaned the inside of the boat. I've taken the outboard engine off the tender and hooked it up to its bracket on the boat. Filled up the tank with 30l of diesel and finished off reading Stephen Hawkings 'A Briefer History of Time'. Recommended. Now on to Nelson Mandela and 'The Long Walk to Freedom'. Thought I had previously read this when out in South Africa or just prior to going out there?

 

Tuesday 23.06.15.

Trip to Athens today. Taking Terttu and Heikki to the airport. Hire car company are coming to Kilada for 10:00 so need to be outside the boatyard just before this,cgi vine me time to check any emails. Started the engine this morning. No bleeding of the fuel system, just a squirt of easy start, and off she fired. If it remains this way for the next four weeks then that will be great. Hire car came 15 minutes late, after I had to call them. Then on the way to their office in Ermioni the driver got a call on his mobile asking if I didn't mind turning back to Kilada and driving one of their other hire cars back to the office! I should have charged them. Anyway, as it transpires I shall be leaving the car in Kilada tomorrow instead of returning it to Ermioni, so that saves me a bit of time when we plan to leave tomorrow morning. Had a second trip back to Ermioni to provision up for the next three days and to get some more diesel and gas for the boat and petrol for the car. Back on the boat both water tanks were filled up and bikes stored on the deck. Hopefully they have been secured sufficiently to stop them moving around. Just waiting now until 18:00 when we meet the Finns at the boatyard and drive them to the airport, a return trip of about 380km. Returned just before midnight, in time for a beer and then to bed.

 

Wednesday 24.06.15

Will be sending this early, ie, now, as not sure where we'll be tonight and may not have access to the internet if at anchor. Hire car returned, electric credit put back on the card. If we get to Ermioni (not on the outer wall) I can use it there. Replaced the springs with slip mooring lines ready to go. Passerelle folded away, tender brought back onto the boat and Helen ready to raise the anchor as soon as the word is given. We left Kilada at 09:45 and with some helpful winds arrived at Ermioni just under 4 hours later. I had decided that we would anchor in the bay as this would give us the quickest means of leaving to get to Poros the following day. Anchor dropped, bearings taken, we seem to be holding tight and set for the night. A bit more reading, a clean up of the stern fenders, as they had got very dirty and greasy and a beer or two as a night cap.

​

Week 9

 

Thursday 25.06.15

It was going to be an early start this morning so up at 06:00 as I wanted to be in Poros before the crowds. Left Helen asleep whilst I prepared getting everything ready for leaving. A quick spray in the air intake and the engine started. Generator running to help lift the anchor and we were away by 06:45. En route to Poros we saw some dolphins, not seen them for a few weeks. Wind assisting we made good time and were in Poros before some of the boats had started to leave. Found a space next to a motor yacht with a British flag. Thought they might come out and help take our lines but they were obviously more keen on their breakfast. As it happened some others arrived to help so all was well. It wasn't too long afterwards when the place started to get busy. We were helping people with their lines and met two British yachts that we had seen previously in Kythnos. Another chartered yacht arrived with four British people on board, a couple I thought I recognised. I asked if they had skied in Whistler, and although they ski said no. The wife did say you might have seen him on TV, he was a contestant on 'Who wants to be a millionaire', and won £16000. I had to say that I didn't recognise him from that programme. Later that evening who should also turn up, and, jokingly, said we didn't help them with their mooring lines, but Roger and Cath, who seem to be following us around! A beer with them and back to our boat for supper. The four British people next to us were leaving their yacht for a few days, two going back to the UK for a wedding, and the other pair looking around the island. They gave us a bag of food, mainly cheeses and dips, which was very nice of them. The following morning they also gave Helen a full bottle of milk, so she was happy as she's not keen on cheese. 

 

Friday 26.06.15

Another early start as a long journey to Kea, 42nm. Everything planned for a prompt departure, emails checked, one from Henry and Pia (Swedish couple met in Ermioni) including photos, weather forecast checked, all fine, and we said our goodbyes to our neighbours and set off at 08:45. Caution around the channel between Poros and the mainland as shallow in parts. Once out of the channel and heading for Kea headsail out and making good progress. Forecast wind not accurate and blowing up to 20kts. Waves a bit larger than Helen likes so sail reefed and course changed. Now heading for AK Sounion. Lovely bay looking up to the Temple of Poseidon, arrived and anchor set at 13:15. Bearings taken and will be checked over the course of the next few hours. Busier than last time we were here. Some of these will leave before night sets in. Let's hope that the swell is not as bad as last time! Oh dear, I shouldn't have mentioned swell. We had been at anchor for a few hours and the bearings taken indicated that the anchor was holding fast but, like last time, the boat began to rock from side to side, with Helen complaining "I don't like this". At 17:30 it wasn't the best time to start thinking about moving, and where to? There were only two choices, Lavrion or Olympic Marine. With the anchor raised I headed for Lavrion. A bit further to go but cheaper than Olympic Marine. We arrived inside the marina and I got on the VHF radio to the port authority to request a berth for the night. Despite repeated requests they didn't get back to me. I circled the marina looking for a place to moor but it was full of charter boats. What few places there were, when asked, they replied with an emphatic NO. Not the friendliest of places and one I wouldn't recommend visiting. So off to Olympic Marine. I had already pre booked for the boat to come here from the 28.06.15 through to 04.07.15, so a couple of extra nights ought to be possible. Once at the marina I got onto the radio to the port authority and asked for mooring and they said no problem (not surprising at the prices they charge!) and someone came out in a tender and told me to follow him. Plenty of spaces available, even at 19:45, and we were moored up on a 'finger' pontoon. Waters much calmer inside than at AK Sounion so Helen was happy. Not long afterwards another sailing yacht arrived and moored next to us. The skipper and two crew were from Poland. The crew were going home the following day so they had a bit of a farewell celebration and were up most of the night chatting, quite loudly. Needless to say I didn't hear this, just reported back to me by Helen and a Brit on the other side of us. I was fast asleep....

 

Saturday 27.06.15

Well I thought it was a peaceful night but others didn't. Off to the shower block - cold shower. Not a very good start. At 10:00 I went to the office to register my stay here with all of my paperwork, and to complain about the showers. They said they would turn up the heat, so I shall find out tomorrow morning. Complained about the wifi as well. The signal keeps dropping. They said they could do nothing about this. Went across the road to book a hire car for Monday, for four days. I can then collect Graham and Derek from the airport when they come out on Monday and we can use the car to explore Athens and further afield. Next stop the chandlers to purchase some fiddle blocks with clam cleats so that I can organise a method of raising and lowering the Passerelle in a more efficient way. They needed to order them and would be in by Wednesday. No rush then! Bikes taken off the boat, assembled and a trip into Lavrion to get some provisions. Once back on the boat it was a case of chilling out and reading for the rest of the day. Finished reading 'The long walk to Freedom'. Another book that I would thoroughly recommend. Having visited Robben Island my impression was that he was incarcerated here for most of his years, (which he was) and in particular his final years, and it was from here that he was released. This wasn't the case, but I'll let you read why.

 

Sunday 28.06.15

I'm informed the neighbours were noisy again. It's surprising what a glass or two of red does to your hearing! Got a lot of cleaning to do today, laundry and the boat. Took the washing to the laundrette and whilst waiting for the cycle to finish we had a drink in the cafe / bar. Lovely view over the marina and bay beyond. Back at the laundrette someone had kindly left some time on the dryer so we thought we'd take the opportunity to try to dry the washing before returning to the boat. After about 30 minutes Helen got bored with waiting so damp washing folded up and hung up back at the boat. The chrome work hadn't been touched for several weeks and was looking the worse for wear so polish and a couple of rags, and several hours later all was done. The washing had dried so this was taken off the line, folded up and dropped through the hatch into my cabin. Next, the inside of the boat. Helen had taken care of all of this apart from the navigation table so this was cleared. The cockpit was hoovered and the mats shaken to get rid of the sand and dust. That's taken care of Sunday so now it's chill out time.

 

Monday 29.06.15

A quiet night, reported back by all persons, so it wasn't just the drink! The previous two mornings the showers had been cold but, as there are few people on the marina I had a lovely hot shower. Hire car booked for 09:00 so got there promptly. After last nights decision by the Greek government to close all banks until after 05.07.15 I had to pay part of the hire costs in cash. Not a problem - at the moment! Picking up Graham and Derek from the airport at 12:00 so left the marina at 11:00. Queues building up at the petrol stations so thought it wish to get some petrol before it's too late. First garage I called at would only accept cash for fuel. Sign of things getting worse? Got to the airport before 12:00 and only had to wait a few minutes before they turned up. Bags loaded into the car and back to the marina. Each shown their cabins and given a run through of a few safety aspects whilst on board and how things function. A trip into Lavrio to get some some food, water and drink and the back to the boat. Provisions packed away it was off to the cafe / bar for Helen to get an update on the tennis and the boys to get a cold one. Whilst in the bar we could see a couple of Dolphins playing by the entrance to the marina. A couple of drinks later it was back to the boat and supper. A bottle of wine followed, one that was kindly given to me in Aegina, which went down nicely. A bit of chatting and then an early night.

 

Tuesday 30.06.15

An early start to the morning, I'm not too sure why! After breakfast we had a trip to Sounion to visit the temple of Poseidon. Nice little walk around the site that killed a couple of hours. Back on the boat and a cup of tea / coffee before preparing the boat for a trip across the bay. As the wind was blowing the boat onto the pontoon it was necessary for Graham to try to push us away as were moved out of our berth. Out of the marina we got the head sail out and cruised our way towards the island on the other side of the bay before returning. We did this a couple of times so that Graham and Derek could get use to the boat on the water, under sail and to experience what the conditions were like under light breeze. Although the wind and waves were going in opposite directions we were travelling at right angles to them so there was very little rocking movement of the boat as we were sailing. An hour or so later we were back in the marina all tied up. It was Wimbledon time so a visit to the bar (for Helen) was required. Just a beer had and then it was back to the boat. We would return once Murray was under way. Pleased to say that Murray did win his match but unfortunately my VPN is not connecting so unable to see it live. Will keep on trying.

 

Wednesday 01.07.15

Into our last 'month' of sailing, or more correctly, motor sailing as most of it has been! Another washing clothes session and hanging them up before a trip out to Athens. Called into the office to extend our stay at Olympic Marine by another four days as the weather is getting windier towards the weekend. Asked about their 'best rate' and will call back later to find out what they can offer. All in the car for a day out in Athens. Took the coast road. Very easy drive and much prettier than the autoroutes. Arrived in the centre of Athens around 11:00 and then had to find somewhere to park. Got some underground parking pretty close to the centre so not too much walking! Visited the tomb of the unknown soldier first. Got there exactly at midday, just in time for the changing of the guard. A stroll through the the park and next stop was the 1896 Olympic stadium. Photos taken, off to Hadrians gate and then the Acropolis and finally the Agora. We didn't actually go in any off these except the Agora. Helen and I had seen them all before on our last trip to Athens. Derek and Graham were quite happy to get photos of the sites. An ice cream was had before we returned to the car. We returned along the coast road, passing through a heavy downpour and then stopping several miles ahead of it for a spot of swimming. Whilst out we bought some more provisions and back to the marina. Called in to the office to find out their best rate, 5% discount. Better than nothing. Will get a quote for annual mooring as it might be more convenient here rather than Kilada, especially as we want to explore more islands this side of Athens, to the east and further south. Went to the bar on the marina for some beer and food. Had the beer but no food available. Walked into Lavrio town to seek out the restaurants. First one had nothing Helen liked so moved on to the next one. Plenty of choice on the menu for all to sample, although no hot chocolate for Helen!

​

Week 10

 

Thursday 02.07.15

It was a walk back from the restaurant last night, accompanied by a dog most of the way back to the marina. A bit of a late rise this morning, after 08:30! After showering went to the office to pay for the extra nights mooring at the marina and to the chandlers to collect the items that I had ordered. The weather was blowing more strongly now so not the best of sailing conditions for Derek and Graham. A ride around the marina, assisting with finishing one of the Sunday Times crosswords that Graham had already started and then it was brunch. Graham and Derek went off to explore whilst I swopped over six air vents (one was broken but it would have looked out of place just doing the one) and putting on a pulley system to raise and lower the Passerelle. Much better now that before. Swimming costume on and off to Lake Vouligmeni, about 50km from the marina. Helen had read up in the 'Best of Athens' guide about the place, a combined sea and fresh water lake heated by a thermal spring, claimed to have healing properties, so it was worth a visit. €9 per person for entry, not cheap, but if you made a day of it it isn't so expensive. Lovely place and plenty of sun loungers, chairs and tables for all. People pay a fortune to have small fish nibble at their feet when they have a pedicure. Here, you have it free. A weird sensation which I tried to avoid. Others were quite content having, not only their feet, but legs and chest attacked! Left at 18:00 and returned to the boat. The winds had calmed down but will return tomorrow and are predicted to be stronger. After supper a visit to the bar was called for and then an early night?

 

Friday 03.07.15.

An early start today as I need to return the hire car but also go into town to do some shopping and take Derek and Graham round the bay so that they can take some photos so up at 06:30. Trip to town to buy some provisions. Car dropped off at 09:00 and keys put into their key box as no one on site. Called into the office to find out times of ferries to Kea. Got the times but told need to buy tickets in advance. Another trip into town. This time a walk of 45 minutes to the ferry port. Tickets bought and then into town for an ice cream. More shopping and then back to the boat. A very hot afternoon so a good excuse for a couple of beers. Back to the boat (again) for supper and a further nightcap before retiring for the night.

 

Saturday 04.07.15.

Another early morning start - 05:50. This time to catch our luxury cruise liner to go to the island of Kea. Winds still very strong during the night, which is quite surprising as they normally calm down after 21:00, and still blowing this morning. Left the marina just after 07:00 to walk to the port of Lavrio. Our ferry departs at 08:30 but we were informed to get there 30 minutes before departure. As it turned out we didn't need to. The crossing is expected to take just over an hour. Arrived just after 09:30 and took a taxi up to the chora, in search of 'the lion of Kea', a 6th. Century BC carving in the rock, somewhere in an olive grove. It was eventually found after asking two locals, a walk in the wrong direction and a drink. Having taken our mandatory photos of it, it was back to the square and a taxi ride back to the port. A short stroll along the beach to build up an appetite for lunch. Beautiful meal of local foods including Kea sausage (a milder form of chorizo) and Amberjack fish, washed down with a couple of beers. Chatting to the restaurant owner and staff he was saying that the Athenians were staying at home ready to vote in the referendum tomorrow and all four we spoke to would vote 'No'. Back on the ferry for our return to Lavrio, a taxi ride to the boat and a couple of beers and a 'nightcap' before bed.

 

Sunday 05.07.15

 

A lazy start to the day but the clothes washing had to be done. One of the crew on a large motor yacht berthed further up the pontoon from me asked if he could borrow my bike to get into town to buy some food. He comes from Zanzibar in Tanzania and is on the boat on his own. How could I say no to him! A trip up to the bar for a drink and to find out if they had a TV hidden somewhere so that we could see the F1. No they didn't, so a bike ride into town for us was called for. The first bar that I went into had a TV and would put the Grand Prix on, so several drinks later and a Hamilton victory we cycled back to the marina. A late lunch / early supper followed with another visit to the bar for a few games of cribbage. Time for bed!

 

Monday 06.07.15

Surprisingly, the wind has dropped quite significantly, which was not forecast. Should be a good day to leave here but we have Graham and Derek still on board and they don't leave until tomorrow. Checking the weather forecast it still shows very strong gusts for tomorrow and Wednesday, which is the day we have got the marina booked up to. We might have to leave tomorrow if we are to avoid the stronger winds coming back from Wednesday through to Friday. We shall see, but I'll keep checking the forecast for any updates. A very lazy day today. Cleaned the bilges and that's about it. A trip to the bar in the afternoon so that Helen could get a better signal for the wifi connection to see how Murray was doing in his fourth round match. Might return later this evening to have another thrashing of crib.

 

Tuesday 07.07.15.

An early morning as our friends Graham and Derek are returning back to the UK. Saw them off at 08:30 when their taxi came to take them to the airport. Decision made to move out of the marina today and head for Poros as it appears that the weather should be better today than tomorrow, which is our final day here. Set off at 09:00 and quite choppy just outside the marina entrance, which was to be expected as the wind funnels it way between the mainland and the island opposite. Once we turn towards Poros at AK Sounion we should be going with both wind and waves which should give flatter seas. Not quite! Initially it was fine but then the wind started to pick up and was gusting up to 30kts. Helen had me turning in all directions to try to find a route which gave a calmer passage, and at one point the only land immediately ahead of me was the island of Crete. Now that's one place I wanted to go to. My course was changed several times and finally, instead of going to Poros we ended back in Ermioni. A much longer passage but the best one for Helen. We went straight to the south side and there were spaces along the harbour wall where we moored up in May. Everything prepared, or so I thought, the anchor was dropped and I reversed back to the wall. There to collect my mooring lines was one of the restaurant owners, but he kept me coming back before he would catch the ropes, resulting in me going back too far and hitting the wall with a jolt. Now I find that I hadn't put out the stern fenders to give that added protection just in case you do hit the wall!!!! Another lesson learnt. No water or electric facilities here so need to be a bit careful, or run the engine occasionally to keep the batteries topped up. Fridge has been switched off and bags of ice purchased to keep things cool. Will probably stay here a few days.

 

Wednesday 08.07.15

Quite an entertaining night last night. The boat moored next to us has a load of Norwegians on board and they were having a good old sing song. The bottle of scotch that was given to me in May was finished and so it will be back to the beers tonight. A very hot night last night and the temperature at 09:00 this morning is recorded as 40 degrees C. It's going to have to be a swim later this morning. A trip to the supermarket to buy some provisions, some plastic padding or similar to put on the previous bump on the stern and a puncture repair kit for Helens bike. Tried to repair the inner tube but it has far too many holes in it. Cheap Chinese rubbish, need to get a replacement. Next a stroll down to the beach for a lovely cooling swim. Murray is on at 15:00 (Greek time) so off to the bar with a TV screen to see if they have it on. Have got my iPad with me. Not on Eurosport so VPN working and seeing it on the small screen! Two beers and a club sandwich later Murray wins in three straight sets. Can't find anywhere in Ermioni that will sell an inner tube for Helens bike. Not sure where we can one on our route back to Kilada. Could be a noisy night tonight as the remaining yachts moored up next to ours are all crewed by the younger set! We shall see.

​

​