Kos to Marmaris
Posted at 9:21 PM, May. 13, 2010
Now Tuesday 11 May and we are at the Netsel marina at Marmaris having arrived here on Sunday night after an initial good sail from Symi but on the nose in 15-20 knots before the wind finally dropped right away and we were left with a rolling beam sea. A few more gallons of diesel and some hours later the 47 mile passage was completed when we dropped anchor in a secluded corner on the southern side of the bay near the entrance to Yot Marin marina. Early Monday morning we motored across to Netsel marina having had a few txts with Bobo of Phoenix Yachting (who looked after the boat over the winter 0f 2008/9) who we were hoping would work the odd miracle. Not to be unfortunately and the wind gear parts have to come from the States with a delivery time of several weeks. With all the acquisitions and consolidation in the marine electronics world in recent years there are only really two major players left and even though our gear is not all that old at 5 years design changes have resulted in it being out of date (but still does the job fine) and the consequent impact on ready availability of spare parts.
The big impact of no operative wind gear is around steering efficiently under autopilot, particularly with the overnight passages ahead.
We also fired up the genset for the first time and found that cutting out with the error message referring to overheating exhaust temperatures. The local Mastervolt guys quickly diagnosed the problem and the part is due to arrive from Istanbul today and should be installed in a few minutes – assuming it does arrive.
We relaunched Savarna at Kos on Saturday 8 May and after replacing one of the service bank of batteries we bade our farewells to Babis and departed at around 1500 hours for Panorititis Bay on the bottom SW corner of Symi. about a 40 mile sail. It was after dark when we finally dropped anchor having navigated the narrow entrance under radar. A delightful bay and we remember it well from when we called in here in 2008. The monks melodious singing has not improved and the four story high bell tower on the monastery is still a beautiful sight at night. It is a stunning bay and one of our favourite spots – when we were here two years ago we followed the monks renditions with some loud Emma Shapplin. At Athens airport we found another Emma Shapplin CD so that got christened immediately.
The guy we had looking after the boat at Kos is Babis Marou, a marine engineer, who did a great job and got through the job list we had left him. His mobile number is +30 6944841964 for anyone looking for a competent engineer in Kos. His account to us is the only time we have had a detailed breakdown of costs and hours etc. He got married late last year and asked if he could use Savarna for some photographs which we were happy for him to do – a couple of shots are included in this posting.
We also caught up and had dinner one evening in Kos with Sophie our friend who worked at the marina but no longer - Greek politics are strange! It was good to catch up with her and all her news.
Weather is great, water is warm and still only the occasional cloud in sight. We do need for more consistent wind though as mostly sea breeze wind patterns at the moment.
Cheers
Keith & Pam