Set out at 06.30 for our passage to Levitha, 35.9 nautical miles, at 6 knots 6 Hours journey. Wind was on the bow as we headed north away from Katapola, rounding the Island the wind sat perfectly on our stern. With 23 knots coming behind us we sailed only on the Genoa to reach 6 knots.. Swell was still high but less than our previous journey. Followed a German flagged yacht all the way, he seemed to stay very close to the land, not sure why. We assumed he must know better than us! As we approached Levitha we were taking in our sail when the wind seemed to accelerate to 30 knots, just hope the bay is sheltered! As we turned into the bay, the same German flag boat came out, hmm does this mean there are no buoys left. When we entered the bay, there were six or seven buoys available, perhaps German flag missed the buoy he was aiming for, felt embarrassed so left! We took a mooring buoy perfectly and tied off securely as the wind was still challenging us. Once set, we had lunch then chilled for a few hours. Sailing is quite tiring you know :) In our previous visit to this quiet little island, you may remember we had a fabulous evening. The island at first glance seems deserted yet there are anchor buoys and lots of boats. Within minutes of your arrival here a man in his spluttering motorboat comes alongside to invite you to his taverna, yes there is an amazing little taverna extremely well hidden on this unassuming tranqil Island. Taverna owner informs us that tea is from 6 pm onwards on shore. He also assists with ropes and will in fact collect you in his boat if required. We thank him and agree to see him later, our budget suggests tea should be on board! At around 7 pm we climbed into Zoe ready for our trip ashore, with oars as our engine requires Intensive care :( luckily the wind lessened just in time for us to row to the jetty. Once ashore the stones are painted white producing a vague footpath for us to follow through bushes, over stones under trees until we reach the taverna. Obviously not quite as easy to come on said pathway in darkness. Tonight the atmosphere is quite different from our previous visit around four weeks ago, when each tender arrived on the concrete jetty we assisted each other getting out of bobbing boats and helped secure ropes for our new neighbours. The walk to this elusive taverna was filled with chatter and intrigue as well as stumbles and trips, too busy talking to watch where we were walking! Once inside this well established restaurant we all exchanged greetings, and over the next few hours conversion and laughter filled the evening with drinks flowing and really good food passing our noses. As everyone left we again stumbled and tripped our way along the partially painted path ( managed to get lost at one point) before we all said goodbyes with exchanges in addresses and details. Great evening had by all. :) lots of French and Italian sailors have come into the bay today and seem less chatty and willing to greet their fellow sailors. In the restaurant we sit on one side watching the incredible difference as the evening unfolds, no one even makes eye contact with their neighbouring table, no one smiles a greeting or shares a joke with their water buddies. We finish our drinks relieved to have experienced this beautiful little Island with a fun happy group of boatees four weeks previously :)
I do confess that during the evening a smile was raised from everyone ( just about everyone) when the restaurants family donkey decided to join us all for drinks and food, he clip clopped his was in through the gate nudged his way past chairs and tables and parked himself next to a family of eight. His grin was great but it didn't last long before he was ushered out by the staff, he made four appearances in all the first seemed to have an impact, after that our boat neighbours were disinterested! We wandered back via the partial pathway using the torch ( which we forgot on our first visit) to Zoe, with less wind than earlier that evening we rowed to 'Kejstral' where we watched an incredible starry sky made more fabulous by the lack of artificial lights around the island.
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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