Kalimera! from Lera, Lipsi where Sangaris' crew spent their first week of cruising. Although strong northerlies were predicted, a comfortable 15 knot WNW wind on the day after our launch allowed us to sail all of the six miles from Leros to the island Lipsi. We found three inviting anchorages along the south coast, each with crystal clear water and sandy bottoms. We selected the center bay and, unlike our usual choice to hang on our own anchor, grabbed a buoy close to the beach. A quick snorkel revealed the mooring's HUGE concrete base and heavy chain. Craig soon improved upon the tackle by re-tying lines to avoid chafe, reinforcing the shackle and leading three lines through our bow roller ~ all in preparation for the impending Meltemi. All the weather websites and the Olympia radio forecast called for increasing winds, from 25 to 30 and then frequent 35+ knots over the next three days, but we were ready and had a great view to boot!

Given a weather delay, we dinghied ashore the next morning for a hike to the island's main town , a wander along cliff-side goat paths and a lazy lunch at Lera's Dahlilas Tavern. Over the next couple of days the wind did build and quite a few other cruisers took refuge nearby. We felt lucky to have arrived a bit early to be snug on a mooring rather than setting and re-setting anchors like our neighbors and be in a privileged, upwind position in a very pretty setting.

Sangaris is centered in the above "postcard"; below is our familiar view of Lera, Lipsi's beach and local tavern. Check out more pics of the island in the photo gallery!