Click here for link for relevant PhotoAlbum Spring Re-Fit 2014.
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Click here for link for relevant PhotoAlbum Early Summer 2014.
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Click here for link for relevant PhotoAlbum Summer 2014 Part 2.
I was very slack last year and didn't get around to updating this blog. Actually it is more of a diary than a live blog as I never seem to find time while onboard to keep it up to date. I can blame the joy of a wooden boat for that - non-stop maintenance!
So here is an abbreviated summary.
15 April to 27 April. In Kilada, we prepared TB for re-launch. Anti-fouling, painting the heads, varnishing the cockpit, fitting a new electric fuel pump and a new water pump in the galley, etc! Great fun.
The highlights were the Greek Easter celebrations including fireworks in Ermioni plus a couple of days in Tolo seeing Stavros, Yannis and various other friends.
Judy and I returned to Kilada on 05 June via Ermione on the Flying Cat to from Pireaus. After washing off all the red Sahara dust covering Tobin Bronze, we were lifted back into the water on 06 June. We had a few early problems with air in the fuel line and immediately breaking some slides on the mainsail but they were sorted out without too much drama.
After filling up with good fresh water and fuel in Porto Cheli, we crossed to the island of Serifos, a distance of 72 nM. Started off motoring in no wind and ended beating around the south end of Serifos in 25 to 30 knots of apparent wind. Initially we had a lot of difficulty in getting the main anchor, a Bruce, to dig in and hold. We ended up using the smaller kedge anchor, a Fortress, on 6 metres of chain and nylon warp to anchor securely. The next morning I installed a 6.8kg Fortress, which I had just taken out to Greece, on as the main bower anchor. This anchor is much better to Greece conditions.
Sofie and Tom were waiting for us in Serifos. Tom had just proposed to Sofie on Paros; so we had something to celebrate.
Kythnos..
Click here for link to larger image in PhotoAlbum Summer 2014 Part 2.
After visiting Kinthos and Kea, we anchored in Porto Rafti on 13 June. Tom and Sofie departed by taxi at 06:30hrs to the adjacent Athens Airport.
Over the next few weeks, we made our way north through the channel between Evia and the mainland. At 00:15 hrs on Sun 22 June, we passed through the Chalkas retractable bridge and tied up to the quay just north of the bridge. It was very noisy there though as the bars were in full swing till 04:00hrs.
We reached Orei in the north of Evia on 23 June. I checked out Dimstef Boatyard with the view to leaving TB there later in the summer. We moved on to Skiathos from where Judy flew back to Gatwick with Monarch Airways on 27 Jun. Next day, TB took me back into the Gulf of Volos to Achilleion. Good facilities on the quay, a disused charter base, but a noisy party went on in an adjacent tavern went on until 04:00hrs. Greek party goers have stamina!
A couple of days later, I sailed back to Orei and Dimitrios from the Dimstef yard dragged TB out of the water. I spent the next few days cleaning the boat and doing the washing before returning to Athens and flying back to London.
Dimstef Yard..
Click here for link to larger image in PhotoAlbum Summer 2014 Part 2.
After marrying off our eldest daughter, Charlotte, on 22 Aug, Judy and I returned to Orei on 28 Aug. Judy and I had a very pleasant time pootling around the Sporades. Leone from NZ was with us for a week or so. She left from Skiathos on 06 Sep and Judy also left on the 08 Sep. I lazed around for a couple of days - removing and re-sealing some deck fittings and sealing leaks around the hatch.
John and Roger arrived on Wed 10 Sep for a week's sailing. We visited nea Klima on Skopolos, Skyros, Steni Vana, the anchorage at the north end of Nisos Panagia, Skopolos Town and Skiathos. Towards the end of the week, thunderstorms were lurking all around. On the day John and Roger were due to leave there was a particularly heavy thunderstorm that caused their plane to be delayed by 4 hours. It also nearly sunk my dinghy that had 6 inches of water in it.
I returned to Orei and TB was lifted out at Dimstef yard on Thu 25 Sept. On 01 Oct I caught the bus from Orei to Athens and flew back to London. TB had covered 670 nautical miles during the summer. This compares with the 668 nautical miles we sailed in 2013.