We let lines loose at 09.20 to motor across the bay, met Freya by the marina attached to Artemis yard. Soon after leaving the bay our sails we're out, the main first, unfurling gently into 11 knots of breeze, next the genoa soon followed. The wind gathered momentum within a few moments we had a beautiful shape in the canvas. Clear blue skies above us yet a cool wind reminding us yet again that we are just into April. The sea bobbed us around initially in 0.5 meters of swell which grew over the distance towards Patmos, reaching a meter and sending cold spray over us as we splashed through the waves. Our main needed reefing as we heeled over with each gust, spray washing our decks and fenders perfectly. Soon the genoa had to be downsized too, but what a fantastic first days sail. 22 nm, three hours under sail and it couldn't have been more enjoyable, at times when hanging on for dear life, I wonder why we do this saily thing, but today it was great. We didn't even have to change tack throughout the sail. Our friends Paul and Lorraine sailed alongside us the whole way on Freya, arriving into Patmos just ahead of us, great timing and it meant they could take our lines! The harbour was pretty deserted other than the coast guard boat guarding it's domain, with a few fishing boats tied up nearby, we are quite possibly the first of the seasons sailing community to moor. Locals watch as we tie up and discuss our voyage, they must not only love these money spending holiday makers, yet almost definitely dread the chaos and upheaval we visitors bring to their little quiet Island. We are all exhausted from fresh salty air, sea spray and concentration, lunch and a sleep is needed. When we surface our bodies need a walk and to feel solid ground beneath our feet, a beer and of course some internet access. Patmos town is one of our favourite places, lovely gift shops line the narrow streets, little snack bars nestle into the old stone walls and it feels lovely. The town is still opening its doors, painting it's plant pots and generally preparing for spring and the influx of holiday guests over the coming months. As we make our weary way back to our vessels, one of the large cruise liners rounded the headland and stuck it's huge white bow into the bay, before it even dropped it's massive anchor, the little shuttle boats sped out to greet their excited passengers. No wonder the shops and bars were so eager to open!
Tea was chicken fajitas cooked on board Kejstral, which of course was washed down with a little wine and beer.............well, we couldn't finish the day without!
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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