,Well another noisy night, anchor chain pulling, wind whipping through ropes and Kevin getting annoyed, understandably. Finally climbed out of bed at 06.00, bleary-eyed and feeling exhausted. Had breakfast early, got place tidied and then into rib to collect the additional line on the rocks. That went a bit more smoothly than the previous night's attempt to place it there. Once all was stowed, sandwiches made and flask filled, we set off 07.50 hours. Anchor lifting really smoothly, which was a great relief. Once out of the bay, sails went out and we were flying ..........6-7 knots initially. Wind gusts 22 knots, had to manoeuvre around a small island which was a little worrying, so switched on the engine, incase!! Not needed, we coped well. From that point at 07.55 hours we were purely on the sails, all the way into Yalikavak bay, what an amazing feeling, no engine, good sailing and sunshine to top it all. A few tankers passed, the Kos ferry whisked by us, just as I was changing flags .....gulp, I hung on pretty well!! Strange to travel so far yet not catch sight of any sealife. Thought we might see the odd turtle or fish, but not a thing. Saw one of the Turkish Navy vessels tucked into a corner near Bodrum, a few tankers and ferries and two yacht's. We sailed past Kos on our port side, huge island, half expected to see some evidence of the refugee crises, as they leave from the Bodrum peninsula, fortunately not today. The conditions would have been pretty devastating if they had attempted a crossing. After Kos, the Island of Pserimos comes into view with Kalymnos milling around in the background. On our starboard side we pass Akyalar then Turgutreis gently unfolds after a harsh out crop of rocks depicting the peninsula edge. Still under sail 5.5 hours later, we arrived in Yalikavak bay, having travelled 28.4 n.m. An average speed of 5.2 knots max speed 6.8 knots mainly on a close haul/ close reach which we were really happy with. On arrival in the bay, we had brought in the genoa, knowing we would have to drop speed. Our plan was to tie up on the harbour wall. So we swung into the wind, which by this time was shielded by the mountain range, and brought in the main sail, pulled the rib alongside and prepared to drop anchor and reverse. All was prepared beautifully, what we hadn't realised was that it was just too shallow for us! So having started the procedure, we had to very quickly raise what anchor we had let out, alter our course and rethink. During this time, Kevin shouts.. I think we have rope caught in the prop! Soon, we were further out in the bay at a nice safe distance from everything, so we just chucked out the anchor in 14 meters. It set well and we stopped and refuelled with a cup of tea, extra stress unnecessary thank you! Now with confidence, we jumped into the rib and set off to touch down on dry land. Not as quickly as I would have liked however, I ended up paddling through the sea and pulling the rib to a slightly less rocky area. No steps to be seen, therefore I had the choice to paddle or climb up over the harbour wall .....so paddle it was. We headed straight for a chandlers to buy some chain and padlocks for the rib and engine, as we had a set of oars pinched last year. Rib secured for the total price of 177 TL , £45. That did include two spring devices for our mooring lines. Time for a beer and internet, walked through a rather out of season, almost abandoned marina. In the summer, this place is awsome, the most fabulous super yacht's ever, lined up, each one bigger than its oversized neighbour. But this visit, not many super yacht's, a few pretty large boats having their gleamy bits, gleamed a little more. A few having woodwork renewed, drills drivers and hardhats dipping in and out of hatches and decks. Managed to find a cafe which had both beer and internet, unfortunately it also had a very loud person with a never ending voice, which managed to overwhelm the beautiful setting and cold beer. Weather checked to confirm our plan, which meant a straight trip back to Akbuk, 4.5 hours if we manage 5 knots. This is when we decided, do we really want to get home yet, seems sad to be concluding our trip. Plan changed, Gundogan here we come :) We headed off for food, a pizza which was lovely, two soft drinks and lentil soup, which never actually appeared. For 43 TL, £10, we couldn't complain! A few provisions collected for the next few days. Thought we would finish the evening with a beer in the local council bar, overlooking out little boat, bobbing around somewhat lonely in the bay. Back into the rib, then on board for a glass of wine. That's when the rain, lightening and thunder started, just finished our tea when we made a dash for cover inside. Rather spectacular lightening, only lasted half an hour.
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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