Side-Stepping into Albania

Saranda, Albania

Finally – anchors aweigh and dock lines released!  Despite our destination only being 14nm from Corfu, it seemed tough to move on from a most seductive Greece.  But, here we are at last, dockside in Saranda, Albania’s “Riviera”, with everyone else – ferries, mini cruise ships, fishing boats and all sorts of (mostly Italian) pleasure craft.  Oddly enough, our dock lines were taken by Aussies (Zarafet) who had not long arrived. 

Saranda sits tucked in the base of a bay at the foot of high, parched mountains.  The whole country it seems is like this.  However scattered through are vast fertile valleys with everlasting freshwater springs.  Oil and water are Albania’s natural commodities.

Saranda viewed from Lekursi Castle

Like most nations in the Med, Albania has an early history beset by strife and turbulence.  It fared no better during the World Wars, eventually finding itself a closed country under firm Communist rule.  Since 1991, it has edged towards democratic governance and more recently, applied for EU membership.  Whilst there is limited infrastructure for visiting yachts (and assurances that off-shore minefields really are cleared), it seems impossible to consider where Greece ends and Albania begins.  In Saranda, beaches are busy, restaurants full and lots of people are enjoying their summer holidays.  As we all do.

(Why are we here?  Well, aside from exploring countries quite different to those in our own (Asia Pacific) region, Albania is not yet EU.  This means we have stopped the dreaded Schengen (for us) and EU VAT (WJ3) clocks; albeit for a few days/weeks without the madness of having to return to Turkey, make for Egypt, Tunisia or Morocco.  One of the requirements for entry into Albania is that we must appoint an agent.  For a fee, they undertake the laborious task of completing paperwork, having it stamped off by various departments and translating officialdom for us.  Agim Zholi came highly recommended and he became our friendly source of all things Sarande.  As you can see, life is not without its challenges, even in the marvellous Med!) 

 

From: Corfu, Greece Lat/Long: 39:36.873N 19:55.603E Date/Time: 17/08/14: 1155
To: Sarande, Albania Lat/Long: 39:52.263N 20:00.203E Date/Time: 20/08/14: 1300
Time Taken: 21nm (3.5hrs) Distance (this year): 980.5nm (166.5hrs)
Distance Total (since 2008): 14313.5nm   Weather: Calm; good protection in Saranda at this time of year at the town commercial dock
Fastest Speed: Averaging 6-6.5kts – under the iron horse again…

Lekursi Castle from our dock