Relaxing in Rethimnon
12 July 2008 | Rethimnon, Crete
Kat
We set off around 7am this morning to make the most of the day and allow us to leave the windy harbour while the winds were at their lowest.
The winds soon picked up and we sailed downwind in 15-20 knots despite a pretty substantial swell making good speed to Rethimnon. It's fantastic, we haven't filled up with diesel for ages! We had 2 reefs in today - the first reef is necessary at the moment as the tack (bottom front corner) of the sail is no longer attached to the front of boom having worn through! The second reef is because we are cautious cruisers now rather than racers, and the new headsail provides plenty of drive and gives the boat a nice balance with 2 reefs in stronger winds.
After a relatively quick 35 nm we reached Rethimnon, and were delighted to find a marina with absolutely no swell and very securing mooring! As we moored up stern-to the winds picked up to 25 knots but luckily were almost directly on the stern so we moored up pretty quickly with the help of another boater. The practice is finally starting to show - and with my leg getting better it's easier for me to move quickly around the boat to secure the lines.
Then we set off on our trusty "Jetty Express" bikes to explore the old town and old Venetian harbour, which comes complete with a pirate boat/restaurant! The town is very pretty and the narrow inviting streets filled with boutique stores are reminisent of the historical Venetian influence.
We then stocked up with essential Greek food (Tatziki and Taramsalata) and then headed to the beach next door to the marina for a swim and quick game of bat and ball.
We have really been able to relax here, in part because we are finally happy about the safety of the boat in the marina - which also has free on-board wifi which is definitely a complete luxury - and also becuase we have finally been able to reduce the length of our sailing days. It seems pretty ideal to leave early before the winds build up, sail around 40nm to our next port and get in around lunchtime leaving all afternoon to relax and explore.