Early start 06.30 calm sea initially then enough wind to help sail. As the route meant sailing into the wind, half the journey was on the engine. Huge swells in this area are common, passing yacht's look so calm, we probably look like a bouncy castle competition entrant. A few nice cruisers pass us looking very serene, hardly even aware of the motion of this great sea. At times the wind died completely leaving us bouncing on the swell therefore the engine was on/ off on quite a few occasions.. Arrived at 15.30 pm following our 37.8 nautical mile trip. Average speed of 4.8 knots. The 'marina' was very narrow, always a bit scary, so many boats in there to damage, and watch us make a hash of our entrance! The spaces were few and far between a guy standing on the harbour indicated where we should go. That was not much help as the selected spot had very little to tie up to. We deliberated over an appropriate space while getting ' Zoe' our tender into position on our bow, when accidentally 'Kejstral' drifted towards the anchor chain of a lovely yacht, managed to get the chain trapped between our keel and rudder. With a little force and strength from Kevin, ( wind really not helpful) We managed to unhook ourselves. It's not stressful at all this sailing stuff!! Within a couple of minutes we were safely in a good spot. Next to two very posh yacht's both over 50 feet long, we were snuggled between with no movement, perfect! Siesta needed on board, while listening to the chaos ensuing around us. A yacht had entered the harbour, unaware of the narrow space between the harbour wall and other boats. The captain had inadvertently crashed into a fabulous wooden boat, ripping the bimeny, top sun shade apart! Raised voices in strange languages drew more attention to their plight. Honestly, it really is entertainment at it's best :) we showered, washed 'Kejstral' off as she was rather salty. It is hard to imagine just how much salt covers the boat in one transit. If you run a finger across the bow a little pile of white granules fall off, the down side is that this same quantity of salt is also within the winches, ropes and mechanical equipment and causes a huge amount of damage to working parts. Therefore 'Kejstral' must have regular showers! Which again causes issues as it takes quite a substantial amount of water to wash boats, then of course we shower regularly, wash dishes and clothing. So all in all, our 250 litre water tank does not last long. Fortunately water is available in most harbours, some cost others are free. This port charged us €28 for two nights including water and electricity, bargain!! 'Kejstral had a good old bubble bath, well she deserves a treat :) Our plan was to hire a scooter tomorrow and see the island € 20 per day, collect 09.00 hr in the morning. The main town Chora, yes I know, they are all called the same, ( it does mean town centre) is quite commercial. Lots of bars and eateries all very well presented however, not the quaint pretty town we love. I suppose we were a bit disappointed initially. We found a small more friendly traditional type to gaze at the less sedate environment around us. Cars scooters and quad bikes obscure our view frequently. Hmmm not sure this is our idea of fun. Finishing our drinks we decide to walk behind the busy commercial road and find the old market place. It is fantastic, smiles gradually creep across our sunburned faces. Narrow streets with arched ceilings, curved walls opening out into pretty little squares with tiny cafes and gift shops. My senses are heightened colours, sounds of chatter, gentle music with gorgeous aromas of coffee and sweet pastries. ,Little shops built into the huge rockface above, paved streets in slate with painted white pointing flow into tiny restaurants tucked away beneath arches, and pretty lights illuminate each doorway. We glimpse courtyards filled with bright tables and chairs awaiting it's customers with twinkling candles and pretty decorations. All beautifully hidden gems behind the uninspiring seafront and bars and businesses, fabulous. We head to bed with our minds full of sights, sounds and smells in anticipation of the day ahead :)
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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