After a couple of false starts due to complete battery failure we finally set sail in early June. We slowly cruised by Cephalonia, Ithaca and Zante before crossing over to the Peloponnese. We left the hordes of yachts behind in the Ionian and slowly made our way south. We anchored in Methoni harbour explored the castle and found a nice bar where we watched England get knocked out of the World Cup. On round to Kalamata for more football and Kardamili a beautiful seaside village in the Mani region. We then dropped down and circumnavigated Kythera island before heading north and passing the infamous Cape Maleas, a mountainous headland some 780 mts high which has a formiddable reputation for high winds and bad seas. The Gods were kind and we waved at the monks in the hermitage who watch over shipping rounding this lonely place. We anchored off Monemvasia and explored the beautiful medieval town and fortress linked to the mainland by a short causeway. We then made our way up to the Saronic gulf and visited Spetse and Poros before setting off across the windy Aegean.
We sat out a gale on Serifos before heading out again in
calm seas. Amazingly for August the winds remained light allowing us to explore
the Little Cyclades on our way. Next stop Amorgos and then up to Samos where we
had arranged to pick up friends. We had a fun time cruising around Ikaria, Agathonisi,
Lipsi and Patmos.
Time to leave Greece and check into Turkey. We lacked a “Q” flag so hoisted a yellow duster and checked into Kusadasi. We used the marina as a base for a couple of days and caught the bus to Ephesus probably the best preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. It didn’t disappoint. The rest of the summer was spent slowly cruising down the beautiful indented Turkish mainland via Gumusluk and Bodrum, chilling in the numerous bays. We anchored off Knidos on the Datca peninsular and enjoyed exploring the ancient Greek city perched on a hillside affording dramatic views. After a brief stop in Bozburun it was time to tie ourselves up in Marmaris Yat Marine, our winter destination. We had a very social and busy time in this large marina situated 8 km south of Marmaris town. The marina arranged a great few days in Istanbul for the February boat show and treated us all to an evening boat trip up the Bosphorus. We also hired a car and explored inland which included Pamukkale a city containing hot springs and travertines, and the ancient sites of Aphrodisias, Didyma, Miletos and Pirene. We also continued east by car via the Saklikent gorge and the ruins of Tlos to the port of Kalkan. Next on to the stunning swathe of sand at Patara. More ancient ruins to explore behind the dunes as well as Letoon and Xanthos. Still lots more to see and do in this fascinating country so plan to stay for another year.
Time to leave Greece and check into Turkey. We lacked a “Q” flag so hoisted a yellow duster and checked into Kusadasi. We used the marina as a base for a couple of days and caught the bus to Ephesus probably the best preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. It didn’t disappoint. The rest of the summer was spent slowly cruising down the beautiful indented Turkish mainland via Gumusluk and Bodrum, chilling in the numerous bays. We anchored off Knidos on the Datca peninsular and enjoyed exploring the ancient Greek city perched on a hillside affording dramatic views. After a brief stop in Bozburun it was time to tie ourselves up in Marmaris Yat Marine, our winter destination. We had a very social and busy time in this large marina situated 8 km south of Marmaris town. The marina arranged a great few days in Istanbul for the February boat show and treated us all to an evening boat trip up the Bosphorus. We also hired a car and explored inland which included Pamukkale a city containing hot springs and travertines, and the ancient sites of Aphrodisias, Didyma, Miletos and Pirene. We also continued east by car via the Saklikent gorge and the ruins of Tlos to the port of Kalkan. Next on to the stunning swathe of sand at Patara. More ancient ruins to explore behind the dunes as well as Letoon and Xanthos. Still lots more to see and do in this fascinating country so plan to stay for another year.
