Strange things have happened, but as you read this instead of enjoying a cold glass of Greek wine in the cockpit, I am anchored on a patrol boat midway between Cape York and PNG - I am jumping ahead, so back to where we last left the fearless crew aboard "Coorabell".
Leaving the island of Nexas, we made the two hour sail under choppy conditions and entered the large protected bay of Naousa on Paros Island. Anchoring alone off a large sandy beach we spent the time relaxing, reading, swimming and preparing for our first guests. It was pleasant relaxing under the Greek sun with a glass of local wine.
Two days later we made the twenty minute passage across the bay and entered the small fishing harbour of Naousa township. We had already contacted the harbour master "Janni" who came with a friendly and helpful reputation. We were soon moored stern-to the quay surrounded by several other yachts and local fishing boats. This small out of the way marina is where we will be leaving
"Coorabell" whilst I am back in Australia.
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Our first guests arrived from Sydney, Mark, Sandra and their eleven year old daughter Rebel. They arrived aboard after spending three months living in a farmhouse in Tuscany. Over the following days the meltemi wind blew at gale force, closing the harbour. We took the opportunity to hire a car and explore the island of Paros. Beautiful beaches and a vista from the mountain was breathtaking. On our return to the yacht we stopped at a classic greek country restaurant for lunch, where the owner ( lived in Australia ) served us the local produce.
Waiting for the wind to abate, the girls took the opportunity to do some " retail therapy " whilst Mark and I propped up the local economy at various seaside tavernas.
Mishap #1
Return the hire car, and under pressure from his daughter and against Captain's advice, Mark hired a motor scooter and together headed off to a nearby waterslide theme park. Only to return several hours later minus several layers of precious skin! Enter nurses Kathleen and Sandra to the rescue.
Once the wind had eased, we motored across to a small inlet on an uninhabited island called Rini, where we spent time catching up. Mark is a marine electronics specialist, so I quickly put him to work sorting out our various electrical problems aboard. Whilst enjoying sundowners in the cockpit, we heard a large motor yacht anchor astern. Upon examination it was discovered to be the 55 metre yacht owned by Paris Hilton. The diva herself was not to be seen.
Leaving the quiet inlet we motored across the strait to the island of Mykonos. Great plans were laid for our time here, however, we soon discovered that Mykonos is known as the windiest island in Greece. We anchored in the very crowded anchorage to the south of the island and soon arranged to meet ashore with our friends from " Miss behaving ". Our idea was for Rebel to team up with the two children aboard and with the rest of us explore the township. With the wind guesting to 45 knots, I decided to stay aboard. A wise move indeed!Mishap #2
Quietly working below, I was startled to hear a commotion topside. Investigating, I was shocked to discover that an older style cruising yacht had broken its mooring and was headed straight for
" Coorabell ". Several dinghies were trying to guide it away to safety. I placed fenders along our side. Seeing the drama unfold from shore, Kath and Mark raced out in our dinghy and helped me push the yacht away. The two older men aboard the runaway yacht were so drunk ( it was 11 am ) that they were of no help whatsoever. Thinking that we had avoided damage, we turned to see that the other yacht had capsized our dinghy drowning our brand new outboard. Kathleen and Mark performed an amazing rescue operation and retrieved the drowned outboard and within the hour Mark had it running like new. I'm convinced that me and outboards do not get along!
Returning to Naousa harbour, we again began exploring the township before our guests departed, threatening to return next year. The following day I saw Kathleen off on the inter island ferry for her long trip back to Australia. She had been organising her mother's 90th birthday party and was leaving to attend. Whilst in Sydney for the two weeks, she had the opportunity to catch up on friends and family. From all accounts the party was a huge success.
I remained aboard catching up on maintenance work. Mark had installed new batteries and associated monitors aboard, with the important function of keeping the two fridges working efficiently - no more luke-warm wine for this crew - many thanks to Mark.
Mishap #3
At dusk, Kath alighted from the ferry towing her wheeled bag and shoulder bag, she boarded the Athens airport bus. Thinking something was amiss, she noticed a man wearing a black cap standing beside her, then alight from the bus and walk away through the crowds. Grabbing her bags, she gave chase following him for several blocks before locating a policeman. The officer gave chase finally apprehending the " gypsy ". Once Kath arrived his bag was opened revealing Kath's purse. He was last seen being frog marched away handcuffed by three policemen.
On the same day that Kathleen returned to the yacht, I departed for the flight back to Brisbane then onto Darwin to commence my three week patrol. With " Coorabell " safe in her berth with power and water, Kath relaxed after her hectic time in Australia and using the yacht as a base to explore the surrounding islands by ferry. Friends from Sydney, Graeme and Susanne were returning to Sydney from London and decided to spend some time aboard to cut their journey and keep Kath company. Together they enjoyed their time visiting nearby islands and catching up.
Finishing my patrol next week, I will be returning to Paros with Susanne and Colin, friends who joined us last year in Turkey. Our plan is to quickly sail to Athens visiting several islands along the way, then pass through the Corinthian Canal ( google this one ) after which our guests will disembark. From there, we will make our way west to Cleopatra Marina where we intend to leave "Coorabell" for the winter. Depending on time, I may have to leave the yacht with Kathleen for her to organise the winter work and haul out. Only time will tell.
With both of us having to return to Australia for various reasons, our cruising time in the Aegean Sea has been reduced however, we have visited some great islands, experienced different cultures, tavernas and made new friends. To date, we have had a great experience.
Until our next blog, I hope that all are in good health, happy and looking forward to the warmer weather.
Regards.
Captain Ron and First Mate Kathleen.
It certainly has been an action packed season! You might need to return home for a rest! It was great to catch up with Kath while she was back in Sydney. Enjoy the remainder of your time in Greece,
ReplyDeleteWendy and Ron