Kucuk Kuyruk

After leaving Ekincik we made our way toward Fethiye. But we would stay in a couple of bays in the Skopea Limani, a large indented bay west of Fethiye. We again motor sailed to this area and anchored in a little bay called Kicuk Kuyruk on the eastern side of The Cape Kapidagi Yaramadasi. I always have to look twice at these names because Turkish does not come naturally to me at all, even after our third year sailing these waters.

Before choosing this destination, we checked the first bay, Kizilkuyruk Koyu, but it was filled to the brim with all manner of vessels, yachts, gulets and motor boats. No room for us, but the second bay had only four yachts and a motor boat, so we approached, set our anchor and two lines ashore. The water was amazingly clear. Late in the afternoon a crosswind struck most boats. Normally not a problem, but is anchored with lines ashore you must ensure the anchor is well dug in otherwise the boat can swing into the shore because it is secured from behind. A simple check is once settled, take a compass bearing and ensure it remains within +/-5 degrees, allowing for normal swing. Or take a reference point from some fixed position off the bow.

An extra bonus was the arrival of an ice cream boat. He comes in a small motor boat yelling "ice creams", how good is that.

That night was superb, bright stars and much phosphorescence in the water when we swam in the dark.

The next morning a huge Turkish Gulet came in, reversing up the middle of the bay. Ordinarily not a problem, but this bay was very small. They also do the lines ashore thing, but need to lay out lots of chain. In this case there was considerable risk that their captain would drop the anchor and lay their massive chain over ours. If this happens we would not be able to leave because our chain and anchor would be pinned down, and given the depth was around 30m, we would have no chance of leaving until he did, and even then, upon retrieval his anchor could tangle up in our chain...not a good thing.

He attempted to anchor once. We were sure had not laid over our chain as I could not feel any vibration through or own chain when he was moving. Before he came in for a second go, we bailed. I shouted to the captain, wait until we go. Nearly every boat left in a hurry. Some of these tourist boat crews are ruthless and it is best not to get in their way. So once out of the bay, it was off to Skopia Limani.

Talk soon....