The Meltemi Wind

Hi everyone,

I hope that this blog finds everyone well. Last year we experienced little to no wind in Turkey, the complete opposite this year in the Aegean with the Meltemi wind blowing a constant 25 knots. Currently we are in the small port of Naousa on Paros Island. Its a lovely township with a nice atmosphere . We are now half way through the season and this will be our base until early September when we sail west.

It has been a hectic week, travelling and meeting up with sailing friends. But, back to the travelogue. Leaving our Melbourne friends on "Miss Behaving" in the fjord bay at Astipalaia Island, we motored the short distance to the main township of Skala. Skala is a small fishing port of about 100 houses and a few restaurants. Entering the small quay, were delighted to see only two other yachts there. Manoeuvred within the harbour and berthed. Yippee, power and water for only 8 euros, long showers and hair treatment day for the first mate. Explored the township which had a nice feel to it, ending up having sundowners with a Brisbane couple.

Early the next day we continued west to Ios Island where we had arranged to meet another Melbourne family on their catamaran "Spen ash". On enetering the harbour there was only one vacant berth at the yacht seawall, right next to them. Once secured, it was drinks all round and plans for the next few days. Kim, the wife aboard being a hairdresser immediately got to work! (see photo )

Hiring two cars the following day, we played tourist around the small barren island, visiting Homer's Tomb and castle ruins before lunch at a tavern overlooking the coastline.

Secured safely alongside "Spen Ash" at the quay, Kath and I took the 45 minute ferry across to Santorini where we had accommodation for two nights. Santorini is the most photographed Greek island and I can understand why. It made the front cover of Lonely Planet. Villages perched on the vertical cliff face 800 metres above the sea. We hired a "Smart" car and spent our time exploring the villages and countryside.

However, a fatal error was made when we went on the three hour active volcano tour. Excited, we left the ferry and commenced walking, stopped, looked around at nothing but small hot sharp stones then looked at one another - and to add salt to the wound, with my fear of heights, you take a cable car up and down the vertical cliff to reach the wharf - cross this off the bucket list!

The photos show the good and the bad of Santorini. The island is famous for its sunsets, so enjoying a local wine, which was delicious, sat on our balcony and took in  the view. Kath rated it as a highlight of the season.

Walking through the cliff faced villages was fun, but you had to plan your timing as up to seven large cruise ships visit the island daily.

Returning to Ios, we took advantage of the rare light winds and motored across the strait to Naxos anchoring in the main harbour. The port is extremely busy with large ferries arriving and departing constantly. The port was pleasant with waterfront tavernas lining the shore. With "Coorabell" anchored behind the breakwall, we spent the day wondering through the back alleys. Next day's plans were cancelled as the meltemi had grown to gale force. From our cockpit we could see the spray from the waves over the breakwall. A day of reading and swimming.

Departed early the next morning and after an hour anchored off a long sandy beach in Naousa Island. The height of the season and where the only yacht, very pleasant for relaxing. As we have our first guests arriving from Sydney, left the next morning and an hour later berthed in the yacht basin. This is the marina where Kath will be berthed whilst I'm back in Australia on patrol.


Again, I hope that all is going well for all back in Australia and the worst of the cold wet winter is over. Keep in contact.

Well, its time to wonder along the waterfront, find a suitable taverna, prop up the ailing Greece economy  and await our guests.

Farewell from  Captain Ron and First Mate Kathleen.