Dubrovnik to Corfu via Montenegro
17 September 2010 | Dubrovnik Aug 2010
Lee and Kevin - good
We left Dubrovnik, without Settle and Eddie, but in the good company of Wrighteau, and headed down to Montenegro. Our first stop was in Cavtat to clear out of Croatia. Fortunately we had Wrighteau to show us the system of anchoring and backing into the wharf to clear customs. They would not let us remain at anchor -typical Croatian bureaucratic madness. (We did manage to cross our neighbors anchor - he fortunately waited a few minutes for Kevin to return!) The motor sail down was uneventful - once entering Montenegro it was amazing going down a long fiord like river with high mountains on all sides (as well as picturesque towns!) At the end of the passage is the town of Kotor. Small town but huge cruise ships sail to it! While tied to the town wharf we watched yet another Kiwi boat sail up - Irene and Chris on Cuttyhunk from Christchurch. They overwintered their yacht in Marmaris and plan to do so again this year - and said they would keep an eye on Revilo for us (as we plan to leave the boat there in mid October). Lee had a fun hike up to the top of the old fortress where you can get a great view of the town and the fiord - bum knees stayed at sea level!
Photo Kotor
After two nights in Kotor we retraced our track out of the fiords and headed out of Montenegro waters towards Greece, about 200 miles away. We had to motor the first 6 hours (including the couple hours out of fiords) then were able to sail for about 10 hours - until about 9pm when the wind ran out - motored the next 15 hours to Corfu. We saw several ferries heading into Albania during the night. The radar was amazing picking up ships before we could see their lights. After that night sail I am determined to get a decent pair of stabilizing binoculars with some night vision....I couldn't see anything other than lights jumping all over the water!!
We went to Gouvia Marina where we thought we could clear customs - only to be told we had to go to the city - main port authority as we had not arrived from an EU country. So we left Revilo temporarily tied to the marina and took a taxi into town where we managed all of the formalities (much more user friendly and cost effective than Croatia) - then returned to take the boat out to anchor near the marina - where we crashed for 15 hours! The next morning a boat from Beaufort,NC sailed past. It was Jane and Harry on Cormorant - - and would you believe they have also spent a number of years in NZ and both have NZ permanent residency!! Though from Tenn and Louisiana, not Beaufort, it was like old home week! They were wonderful in giving us tips on sailing and places to visit.
We are now in Corfu awaiting the arrival of Lindsay (and her finance!!), Andy, and his parents David and Judy. Will update you soon!
Photo is Kotor, Montenegro