After the round of goodbyes on Friday 22nd (Good Friday) we finally got away from the marina by 2pm and motored down to Marmaris Town to take on 200ltrs of fuel and have a few days sailing. We hoisted our new main from the first time and had a boisterous sail out of Marmaris Bay and out to anchor off Kumlu Buku for the night - we were alone - wonderful. For our first night at anchor the wind was constant during the night, and the anchor held well - its so lovely to be sleeping ‘at sea’ again. We were looking forward to a Greek Easter - so set off for Rhodes at about 8am on Saturday 23rd, and had breakfast under sail. Rhodes is only approx 15 miles off the coast of Turkey. We had a lovely sail - full main and Genoa in up to 15knots on a lovely beam reach - wonderful. We were safely anchored up at the head of the commercial harbour in Rhodes buy lunchtime when as arranged ‘The Southern Cross’ Catherine & Peter sailed in. The town of Rhodes is so historic and the old walled town just a delight to wander through - we enjoyed our afternoon wander in warm sunshine, and our Greek treat of Iced Coffee in one of the cafes in the Old Town. Our quest was to find a suitable restaurant to have Easter Sunday lunch - and during one of our conversations, one of the restaurant owners gave us two ‘red’ eggs. After dinner back onboard and an early night - the midnight fireworks and church bells woke us at midnight- welcome to yet another Greek Easter - lovely. We enjoyed our traditional red eggs with the bacon James cooked for breakfast on Easter Sunday morning - Sunday 24th. The wind was solid and constant -so the wind generator was getting its first workout. The roll into the harbour was not too bad, and the anchor was holding well, and the sun was shining - so all in all not bad! We found a local Tavern out of the main town and enjoyed a long and enjoyable traditional Easter lunch in the company of Catherine & Peter. The Greek salad, tzatziki, freshly baked warm bread, local white wine and the Roast Lamb was wonderful - we ate and chatted for hours. On our way back to the boat we visited the German couple on EYNA - also at anchor in the bay for a beer and a chat - they are doing the EMYR this year, so had lots of questions. Monday 25th (Anzac Day) was bright and sunny. After a morning coffee with ANZAC biscuits and goodbye to The Southern Cross we headed back to Turkey. A clean bottom, a new mainsail and a 15 knots beam reach - what a lovely sail to anchor for a quite night in Gerbekse Cove with 1 gullets, 2 yachts and local fishermen. We had no wind- but we did have dolphins to welcome us back into Marmaris on Tuesday 26th. After a quick hello to Kate & Ben -K8 -we headed back to Yacht Marine. There were very busy and the marina was full to overflowing - with more yachts launching than leaving - so after a long wait we were very lucky indeed to get a berth on November dock. We had a lovely evening on Wednesday 27th in the bar with some of our EMYR friends - a mini orange group get-together, with everyone talking of their coming sailing plans. Joss- William & Elly; Kiwi Yolant - Bruce & Amanda; Red Shoes- Brian & Barbara;

photos:- in lift Marmaris
greek easter