Freya & Us

After a day to recover we escaped Velcro bay again. We were following Arran's 'flotilla' for a few days. Our first stop (their second) was the small island of Kastos. It was a stunning location in a small bay and we managed to moor side-to on a small quay on the harbour entrance which was very secluded, quiet and peaceful. It was a bit of a scramble over rocks to get ashore, but well worth it as the village was pretty and the views from the headland stunning (again). We invited Arran and his co-skipper, Kitty, onboard for dinner but soon the party grew as we were joined by three others who were making a promotional/instructional video for Nissos, the company Arran works for. They were a fun crowd and we had great night.

The following day we headed off to Kioni on Ithaca island. The plan was for Arran to show us how to anchor using shore lines, long ropes taken ashore to prevent the boat swinging in a tight anchorage. But when we arrived in Kioni it was very busy and we decided to leave Arran to focus on his clients and we moved on to Vathi a short way along the coast where we had a lovely night at anchor after bouncing about a bit in the usual afternoon wind and swell.

The next day we rejoined Arran in Polis Bay on the other side of Ithaca and had our lesson. You reverse back towards the shore dropping your anchor until you reach the required distance from shore. Leaving the engine in slow reverse pulling against the anchor, Lorraine rowed ashore with a long rope and tied it onto a convenient rock or tree. The other end is tied to the stern of the boat and pulled tight. You then repeat the process with a second line from the other side of the boat and after pulling up on the anchor a bit to get everything nice and tight, voila! all done and the boat is secure. Easy when you know how.

That evening we joined Arran and Kitty on one of their client boats, Hestia, for a barbecue. Thanks to Gerry and Ash for the invite and the wonderful food and company.

The following day, after an early morning swim (just Lorraine) in the beautiful and irresistible (clearly not!) still, clear water, we motored the 4 miles to Fiskardo on Kefalonia, where we anchored with long lines once again. This time we had no assistance and it was my turn (Paul's) to go ashore with the lines. It all went very smoothly, although we perhaps dropped our anchor a little late and ended up with less chain out than would have been ideal, but it was enough and our first solo effort was a success.

Fiskardo is a picture postcard town and beautiful, if very touristy but still lovely. We had a final meal out with Arran and Kitty, in an excellent Thai restaurant, before saying goodbye. They are heading North, taking the flotilla back towards base, but we intend to carry on south for a while.

The link to our map seems to be stopping people leaving comments on the blog, so I've removed it from these posts for now. I will be keeping it up to date so simply go to one of the special map only posts and click the link there to see it