After checking out the new marina in Preveza and to shelter from the strong winds that were forecast (which in the end weren't that bad), we booked a berth in Cleopatra marina to visit Reveur and David & Marcia. We could have taken a taxi to go through the under channel tunnel for €20 each way or taken a berth at €42 for the night, so that seemed the sensible thing to do and we could then relax and catch up with David & Marcia and check out Cleopatra marina.

The marina has strong cross-currents which are well noted in all the pilot books and on calling up to come in the reception ask you to wait until the rib comes out to help you. As it was around 11.00 am in the morning the wind was not yet strong so that was a plus. The marinero already knew that a Malo does not really like going backwards so said to Captain Vic "do you want to go in bows to?", which we then did. With him pushing us round in his dinghy and 2 marineros, plus David as our welcome party on the pontoon we were in the tight berth in a jiffy. We were on the B2 side which is good. The first pontoon A is open to all the elements and boats have broken their moorings in the winter storms, causing them to drag across the fairway and into boats on the B1 side of the next pontoon.

This marina has a huge yard and is best known for yachts coming out onto the hard during the winter months. You can work on your own boat here or use the yards professionals. There are two chandlers, a restaurant and bar, all facilities and a little shop on site with the basics. The local Polis supermarket on the Preveza town quay side will collect you, wait whilst you shop and deliver you back for €12.

We went to the local taverna with David & Marcia and had a very jolly evening. It is an old fashioned taverna where you go up and choose your main dish from the specials of the day in the kitchen area. It was very tasty and good value.

When we were ready to leave the next day, we called up the marinero who asked us which way we "kick" with our prop wash in reverse so he could instruct us on the best way, with his assistance, to leave the berth. After our bow was clear from the next door yacht, I let him know and he tugged us back and sideways and spun us round and wished us on our way. We were most impressed, a very good entry and exit and probably the most helpful and knowledgeable marinero we have ever come across.