Monday June 20, 2016

Photo: View of Navpaktos Harbor and Castle as we approach the harbor in our dinghy.

We departed Galaxidhi at 0915 under power. Hot and no wind. We came around Ak Andromakhi and headed west along the coast. As we approached the small island of Trizonia we saw a fleet of 20 or so sailboats coming out into the gulf headed SSW. They have reasonable wind initially but as it gets lighter, sails luff & the boats are headed in every direction. We can’t tell if it is a race but we saw a red buoy and what looked like a committee boat.

At 1250 we tied alongside the wharf at Trizonia—very rough concrete with lots of sharp stones. This marina has never been finished and ownership is probably in dispute. The anchorage area outside the marina is nice, protected and large. The marina itself is pretty much a disaster—no power or water on the quays, although there is power to lampposts. The sunken wreck of a 2-masted sailboat Adrasteia lies on her portside between the first and second quay. Her spars are out of the water—what a mess! The island has a narrow isthmus and on the north side opposite the marine is a gravel beach, a church and numerous tavernas. Lots of people swimming and sunbathing. After our one-hour walk about we departed and continued under power.

At 1440, we have wind. Had a wonderful sail the rest of the way to Navpaktos arriving at 1700 after a 38 mile trip. Max wind 21 knots and max speed 8.5 knots. We anchored outside the swimming buoys to the NE of the harbor entrance in 5-meters, sand and mud. It’s still really hot and our swim feels wonderful even if the water is cooler – 76 F.

Navpoktos means “boat yard” but the town has had numerous other names one being Lepanto—same as the Naval Battle of Lepanto where the Turks were defeated. This medieval harbor is minute!! The charm of its castellated walls and towers on each side of the entrance beg for a look inside but vessels larger than 12 meters should not attempt tying up. Rising above the town are the clock tower, city walls and castle—our explorations for tomorrow.