Arrived in Athens on Tuesday evening, and after months of delays, we have now taken possession of our yacht and NZ registration has occurred. We decided to stay in a local hotel near Alimos marina, to give us some time to set the yacht up for our prolonged trip. We aim to travel for the next 4 1/2 months over the mediterannean summer.

The yacht is Bavaria 46- a large 4 cabin yacht with plenty of space. To make things easier we have fitted solar panels which will allow easier power generation from the long sunny days to run two refrigerators, lighting, GPS, laptops, etc. Also had some fans fitted inside, as well as an inverter to run AC powered equipment.

Our yacht broker Yiannis of YD Yachts, has been awesome facilitating the sale and helping us with the slowand difficult process for gaining permission to sail in local waters. In NZ you just cast off and sail; here one needs a transit log, and documents for licensing , radio, and insurance. It is necessary to check in with local port police when arriving in most harbours.
We have a few teething problems to sort, and expect to be sailing by next week. Today I met friends off a cruise ship, who had a half day in Athens, on their lightening fast trip around europe. They are going to try and come and spend 5 days with us next month
Donna has picked up some flu like illness, and is laying low in the hotel. Should be back in commision for our departure next week. Will place more photos soon, have had difficulty obtaining internet access, but should be sorted now.