The journey home will take around 4.5 hours with an average speed of 5 knots. The weather is calm, sea fairly settled, therefore, not expecting too much sailing. As we round the headland leaving Yalikavak, if the swell and wind are going to assist us, it will begin here. This little peninsula usually gathers most of the swell as three differing directions of wind and water, come together. Alas no, we gently glide through a glassy sea watching the egrets (a type of heron) dip and dive, searching for that tasty morsel swimming by. They scatter reluctantly as we invade their feeding ground, only to slowly return as our stern slips past. It is stunning, calm washes over you while you take in the formidable rock face, shimmering sea and jewels of light dancing as a consequence of the emerging sun. The rocks change colour before your eyes as the shadows alter and the sun breaks through their darkened slumber. The wind is light, yet a slight breeze on my skin sends messages, telling me it is building, picking up with the heat from the land and sun. I had never realised just how in tune with the wind you become when sailing. Living in Scotland for the first 18 years of my life, where the wind is harsh and so arduous, all I knew was that I felt irritated by this constant, usually very cold force of nature. In the past few months however, since our introduction to sailing, I see wind in quite a different light. I had no idea just how your skin becomes accustomed to change, direction and force. I find us saying things like, we should perhaps reef the main now, just from a feeling .... or let's free the Genoa, in anticipation, just from instinct. It feels so ........ powerful, to have an understanding, albeit an inexperienced knowledge. We have truly learned so much in this last few months, these skills can only enhance our future journeys and give us a greater experience. It is exhilarating when the sail is uncurled and flying free ( clearly with ropes attached) but it gives us a sense of freedom and ability to travel using no energy whatsoever. Today however, the wind is mellow, playing with us occasionally, giving us the impression it is strengthening, then disappears. The main sail is out, searching for that breeze, the Genoa is beginning to flap as the wind is changing direction with each puff. Gradually we are offered a little more, using each flurry to adjust and tighten, moving us successfully through the gentle swell which in turn is gathering momentum. Tacking carefully, altering our course where possible, we grow with enthusiasm as we see the speed increase, carrying us over the sea towards home. Akbuk harbour, as previously mentioned, is always a little bit of a challenge to enter. With numerous fishing boats zooming around, and the many tourist gulets filled with excitable guests weaving through the chaos. An occasional jet ski bouncing past or swimmer lingering a little too long in front of the bow, all are sent to fill us with apprehension. We glide, albeit a trifle awkwardly into our mooring, pick up our anchor lazy line then secure the stern lines. We are becoming a little less clumsy and feeling more confident with each new arrival and departure, not sure that is a good thing!! :)
We set off home ready to spend a week with Emily, one of our amazing four daughters who will be arriving in a few days time.
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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