20 August

Our intention on leaving Mandraki was to lay for Nisos Lesbos some 30 miles to the north. We knew we would have to beat northwards, but hoped that there would be enough westerly component in the wind to a allow a making leg for the SE corner of Lesbos. We would only know this once we poked our nose out from protected waters behind the islands.

So this we did. Once outside, the news was not good. The wind was directly in front of where we wanted to go. So, looking at the tacking required, this trip would take us at least 14 hours, well into night, against wind and 1m seas. Too hard, so we turned around and made for plan B, a small village downwind on Chios called Langadha.

This is a very pretty village, but the bay is deep. We had to anchor in 20m, and took us at least four goes to get the anchor to bight. We laid about 80m of chain out. The bay was generally calm, but was subject to bit of roll. A spring line was required to keep the bow straight...no problem though.

We all went to the beach, with most having a go on the SUP. Many of the walkingtracks were abound with small fenced gardens over which fresh dark grapes hung....Yum. Talking of yum, Grant and Jenny found a quaint little restaurant at the end of the quay. It was a family owned business and they only served tapas style food. The owner took time to explain all the dishes in detail, the finished off by saying we only sell bulk wine, honest to boot. We will eat here, and drink his bulk wine, which by the way was pretty good. The whole meal for five including wine came to 56 euros, top quality, well worth it.


Not many boats visited here, maybe they knew something we did not. Well worth the stay though.