Set off at 09.40, wind expected to drop over the day. Sails out early both Genoa and main. Sailed for an hour and a half alongside three or four other yacht's. Our sail configurations varied yet we all left around the same time and travelled in that similar format until each peeled off in their own direction. Our destination was at a bay called Kargi Koyu ( Koyu means bay) As we rounded the headland towards the bay the wind completely disappeared motoring the last hour or so. The journey time took 3.5 hours despite the lack of wind. The bay was lovely, quite sheltered, deep at 14 meters all the way into shore virtually. A few yacht's two large gulets and a couple of cruisers scattered through the bay. Three or four restaurants could be seen and loads of people on the beach either swimming or reclining on numerous sunbeds. Canoes drifted between boats and swimmers floated idly in the crystal clear waters not wishing to exert themselves in this glorious sunshine. We climbed in to join the crowds, coolness washing over us relieving us of our dozy tiredness. It always amazes me how tiring sailing is. Whether it is just a combination of heat, dehydration and all the sitting around ( especially when the wind abandons us) Refreshed and a little more energetic we have lunch and swim for a while longer. It is always safest to stay onboard once at anchor at least until we are sure the anchor is properly set. There would be nothing worse than going ashore, only to find your expensive boat is no longer where you thought it should be by the time you return. Or worse, sitting on shore with a beer watching your lovely boat drift away!! After a few hours we take our trusty Zoe on shore. The water depth continued at 14 meters up until the shore, bit of a tricky one when trying to step out of the dingy, one step backwards and you are head height in water :) There were three or four restaurants along the beach. We chose the one which gave us a good internet signal whilst on 'Kejstral'. Unfortunately it was probably the worst, beer was only 10tl (£2.50), however it was a bit more rustic than we anticipated. A large family with very vocal children happened to be comfortably seated, spanning a large area. Wasps seemed to be everywhere which was rather unpleasant too. Our drinks were consumed quicker than normal and as the shabby menus had not been collected by anyone, we assumed eating was not an option. Hastily we retreated to an alternative eatery. Our second choice was much more our style, simple, good food and no hassle. Our meal of chicken stroganoff was perfect, beer 12tl so £3, but worth the extra. A couple of tables were filled with large holidaying Turkish families, all enjoying a big selection of meze and breads, food consumed in a very leisurely relaxed atmosphere. Raki bottles piling up on small side tables, laughter growing as the evening progressed and all making a lovely setting in this very pretty bay. (Just chose the right restaurant if you ever come out here!) We retired to 'Kejstral' with drinks and sat on our bean bags on the bow, stars twinkling around an almost full moon with distant laughter and chatter drifting from the gulets and restaurants, perfect. :)
1 Comment
Metin Çakmakçı
23/9/2016 23:26:57
Hello I am a Turkish sailor from Didim (have 30 feet Dufour in marina) I enjoying your videos. I dont want to be picky but;
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