We sailed/motored across the open sea to the south and then down the channel between Ithaca and Cephalonia for a total of around 20 miles to reach Sami, a port we hadn't visited before. It was 16.00hrs on a Thursday in September when we arrived (not late or high season) but the harbourmaster on the quay shouted to us that he was full. The only option was the edge of the entrance channel that was being hit by wind driven waves, not dangerous but uncomfortable and potentially damaging to the boat.

The whole of the north quay was free so we asked if we could go there. 'No don't even think of it' was the aggressive reply 'reserved for motor boats' we pointed out that we would be damaged where he was suggesting and got another aggressive response the gist of which was 'if you don't like it go'. We did, back to Eufimia which is only about an hour away and were lucky to get the last place on the quay for the night. We also filled up with diesel and the guy who brought the tanker said they are keeping that quay at Sami for mega yachts, they clearly don't want people like us, we won't be returning.

The next day we motored over the 6 miles to Goat Bay on the southern tip of Ithaca. The forecast was for light winds but we put out all four lines to try our new yellow polypropylene floating lines. They seemed to do the job though a trial in stronger winds will really show how good they are. Our neighbours here, Steve and Ann on 'Towanda' came on board for a drink and we had a pleasant couple of hours chatting before they went off to take Archie the dog ashore for his evening constitutional!

We will head back to Eufimia today, ready to pick up our son Josh and girlfriend Jen when they arrive on Sunday.

Photo: Goat Bay from the shore, Splice amogst the boats at anchor and Fizz on the beach