Days of Idyll (not quite)

Chios, Greece

WJ3 at the Town Dock, Mytilene, Greece

The day came to clear out of Turkey’s tranquil waters (so far, so good) and travel across to the Greek island of Lesbos.  We hoisted our Greek courtesy and yellow clearance (the only goodie two-shoes to fly one) flags and set sail for Mytilene, thankfully not far away.  

We were whistled into the immigration/customs dock by a rather attractive member of the Mytilene Port Police and the Cap’n dashed off to get his paperwork (carbon copied in triplicate) certified and cruising permits organised.  This took the rest of the day….

Greece but showing a distinct Italian flavour

With little daylight left, our plan to anchor on the island’s south – poised to cross to Chios early next day – were dashed; two choices then, marina or town dock.  At €6 per night for the dock, we thought we’d give town life a go.  We found ourselves in the heart of Mytilene and despite promenading townsfolk (a regular evening habit) and traffic, had only steps to take to restaurants, an exceedingly helpful Vodafone store (to arrange internet access) and pork sausages.  Whilst we enjoyed our stay in Turkey, Mytilene was like a breath of fresh air.

Sails up, leaning over & NO engine! Whoohoo!  Sailing downwind with the Meltemi.

We left early next morning, primarily to ensure GS did not strangle the lone bass guitarist, still playing to late night revellers at a near-by club.  The crossing to Chios was slow due to wind-crossing-current chop but eventually a decent breeze cropped up to give us a nice push down the coast.  With a few days of nasty winds forecast, we decided to check out an unfinished marina north of Chios Harbour.  Although all spaces had been taken on the quay, one of the fingers was free and we proceeded in with a truly spectacular docking display.  It took us all of 40 minutes to tie up (using winches) – side on in escalating 18-20kt winds.  The gathered collection of cruising yachties watched in silence; the other Aussie boat left next morning without a word or wave… 

Ancient Windmills seen from our unfinished marina berth, Chios

So here we are currently pinned, like bugs under glass.  In winds currently roaring over, gusting occasionally over 40kts.  For at least 3 more days (it’s been two already).  WJ3 is heeled over as if she’s on an ocean going passage, the Cap’n is making chafe collars for the now, 8 mooring lines and GS finds solace in the lee berth at night.  Ahhhh, the Meltemi has found us…..

Blowing a near gale (F7-8) in Chios

 

From: Ayvalik Turkey Lat/Long: 39:17.434N 26:39.884E Date/Time: 1/07/14: 0800
To: Chios, Greece Lat/Long: 38:23.206N 26:08.342E Date/Time: 1/07/14: 1600
Time Taken: 68nm (12hrs) Distance (this year): 416.5nm (72.5hrs)
Distance Total (since 2008): 13749.5nm   Weather: Northerlies avg. 25-35kts, G44kts;
Fastest Speed: 7.8kts in 18.5kt winds - under sail