Kalamos

Quite a long let this one, sailing past Atoko Island. The first part we motored, the second we got the sails up (although the wind was light, so we ended up motor sailing (using the motor to supplement the sails). The last leg (between Kalamos and Kastos) was on a run, so we used the genoa only: we ended up doing around 6 knots. As one of the larger boats, we had to come in reasonably early. This was luck as the sea was getting up a bit by the time we got there. Lots of white caps and the waves getting longer.

Sivota

This was our first day of sailing and we didn't really know how long it would take us, so we took a cautious approach. We got the mainsail up near Skorpios with much running about by Gill as it kept getting caught up in the guide wires (supposed to make it easy to drop the sail). We over-reefed and ended up letting one of the reefs out, but at least we know how.


We arranged with Matt and Gaye (Pluto) to anchor up in the Meganisi channel (which we had fun sailing up) but when we got there, they couldn't get the anchor down and were drifting backwards over towards the underwater power cable (not good). So, we gave up and carried on to Sivota on the motor as the winds had got up. The lead boat passed us and advised putting the sails up to steady the boat. We later learned that this is true, the genoa pulls the front of the boat into the water and stops it bouncing around. At the time we were too nervous and just motored. We got to Sivota too early and played around sailing on the genoa only.

We were the third boat in and went swimming on the beach opposite the boats and watched the others coming in and mooring up.

Nervous Bliss

This is the day that we take our boat over. We had to check out of the hotel and move onto the boat. This was pretty much a day of lazing around. I think that all of the new sailors were apprehensive.

Our boat is called 'Bliss'.

Off on holiday

We had to be at the airport (London, Gatwick) for 7.10am so we were up bright and early. We left a little late (in my house, the more people involved the longer it takes to get in the car and the more likely we are to forget something and have to go back) but the motorway was clear and we were in plenty of time.

So, I hand Gill the valet parking details and say "phone this number 10 minutes before we arrive at the terminal". Being organised, this is the service where you give the car to someone, saving you all of the hassle of finding the car park, getting on a bus and driving around the airport. I'd organised this to save hassle and have a nice relaxing airport experience (unlike last year's mad cramming onto buses).

Unfortunately, Gill could not get connected. She tried and tried, but no luck. Eventually, we were at the terminal. I 'phoned and they said they'd be 10 minutes. Traffic was heavy and it was nearer 20 minutes by which time I was having kittens and wondering if I should dump the car in the long term car park.

It wasn't until 3 days later that Gill told me - she'd been dialling the wrong number.