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| Town Dock, Mytilini, 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 Mytilini, thankfully not far away. We were whistled into the immigration/customs dock by an attractive member of the 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….
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| Greece but showing a distinct Italian flavour |
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 Mytilini 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, Mytilini was like a breath of fresh air.
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| Sails up, leaning over & NO engine! Whoohoo! |
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 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…
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| Ancient Windmills 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…..
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| Blowing a near gale (F7-8) in Chios |
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
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