Greece Saronic Gulf, Aegean and Peloponnese
The second part of our trip to Greece takes us through the Saronic Gulf, via the western Cyclades islands to the southern tip of the Peloponnese.
Our journey through Greece continues to the Saronic Islands. Here we are a little more protected from the notorious Meltemi summer wind than further east in the Cyclades. We really want to visit these islands, but we want to choose a suitable weather window, as we don't necessarily want to sail through winds of between 30-40 knots with our lovely crew members. In October, a window actually opens up and we explore the westernmost of the Cyclades islands. From here we head back to the southern tip of the Peloponnese, to Kalamata. Our winter camp in Sicily is calling. But until then, we will enjoy many unforgettable moments.🌞
The Saronic Gulf is kind to us and so we immerse ourselves in a much warmer late summer vibe. The Saronic islands of Aegina, Methana and Poros have a charm all of their own. We snorkel and dive into the underwater world in Epidavros on the Peloponnese 🤿🐟 We buy fresh scampi from a local fisherwoman in the morning, which my dad uses to make delicious spaghetti. These weeks here are very precious to me, as many of the most important people in my life visit us here. It's nice that they can finally experience and feel for themselves what our lives mean.♥
Kostas, you sweetie!
While in Methana with Vero, we come across a dog that we give the name "Kostas" and would love to keep. Unfortunately, he is rather big for his young age and so the huge Kostas would hardly be happy as a sailing dog... Well, you're better off in the mountains anyway! Farewell, you sweet creature! 🐶 So we continue our dog-free journey to the capital of Greece: Athens. On the way there, our old headsail breaks down and decides to tear at the reefing point, thanks to Joel's unexpected amount of man-power on the winch. Very charming. At least we'll soon be in Athens and not in Chachikistan - we'll get a replacement sail from somewhere 😉 In Athens, we refuel with history and mythology. I'm then off to Switzerland for a week, and the captain leaves the Saronic Gulf with sailor Jan.
The two sea dogs actually want to make the most of their time off on the Cervino and sail to the Cyclades. So they set off from Athens to the eastern cape to the Temple of Poseidon. Here they decide that the wind forecast of 30 knots might not be ideal after all and sail to Marmari, where they moor at a small jetty to weather the wind. It then thunders along at over 40 knots and the two of them unfortunately spend the rest of the week without much sailing... ☹ Instead they kite! But that's the way it is, once again nature sets the tone. You have to be able to live with that. A few days after I get back on the boat, Jan leaves and Thierry & I sail to Karystos.
Finally in the Cyclades
A perfect week is on the horizon, so we take the dying Meltemi with us to tackle our Cyclades adventure. After a long day of sailing, we reach Kithnos. From here we slowly work our way south via Serifos, Sifnos and Kimolos until we finally moor in the harbour in Milos. The next Meltemi is coming. What we experienced in this small part of the Cyclades exceeded our expectations by miles. And maybe it was meant to be that we didn't make it here earlier. The season is largely over here and we often find ourselves wandering alone through deserted villages. It's somehow magical. A wonderful time and a perfect end to our first summer season at sea. Our winter camp in Sicily is calling and we have reserved a berth in Licata. We'll be staying here for two months because we're tired of planning and long for some stability. To be in the same place for a while and do some work on the boat.
Past the southern tip of the Peloponnese
We cover the distance from Milos to Kalamata fairly quickly. Here we stock up on fresh vegetables again, and then we set off on our longest stage at sea so far. Approx. 400nm lie between us and Licata. That's a three nights trip, with two days of good wind and then two days of no wind. We set off in good spirits, Italy is calling and the prospect of fresh pizza draws 😉 Greece, after almost four months we say Jassas and Efcharisto - you've been wonderful!
