11th April 2006 - Cephalonia to Gulf of Corinth

Posted at 6:55 AM, Wednesday, April 12, 2006

It seemed hard to leave early today after provisioning yesterday in this beaut spot.  He're Gerry on the quay coming back from the veggie market.  The boats in the background is still on the customs quay where we also loaded with fuel.  Few Greek harbours have bowsers so you have to call up the local fuel dealer who arrived with his mini tanker.  Costs no more than at the pumps - 1.05 euros per litre.

After another 'relaxing' evening ashore we woke early (0530) to head off for the Gulf of Corinth and our transit of the canal planned now for Wednesday.  We only realised yesterday that Greece is two hours ahead of UK time - no wonder the shops appeared to close so early!

The breeze was on our nose as we came out of the inlet in which Agostoli is located, so we motored until we could hoist sail and lay a course towards Patras on the Greek mainland.  The sky was overcast and rain was forecast - but none arrived.  As we swooped past Patras in maybe F5 / F6 winds, the sun broke through and we soon found ourselves heading under the recently completed long suspension bridge that joins the headlands that seperate the Gulf of Patras and Gulf of Corinth.  It seemed pretty low to us as we rocked along before the NW wind at 8 + knots - but we wooshed under it and with some help from the current, again topped 10 knots under our white sails only.

Very pretty, with 3,000 metre plus mountains on both north and south shores of the gulf, all still with winter snow on the top despite the warmth of this spring sun. 

We all wanted to stop in for the night at Navpakos on the gulfs north shore - as the pilot pictures and harbour plan look fantastic.  Appears to be a very small harbour and a very old town.  But as it is only 10 miles on after the bridge - and meant we'd face another 60 mile run tomorrow for the canal - so we've kept going towards the port of Galaxidhi which suits the plan better. 

From there to the canal is only 30 miles - letting us do the transit and aim for Aegina in the Aegean Sea for tomorrow evening.

It is now 1700 (1500 UK time) and we're only 10 miles off Galaxdhi - and it appears we've some building breeze.  We are still rushing along under full main and Gerry and Marcus have enjoyed trying to beat each other for boatspeed.  Gerry came out the winner with 12.8 knots in some 30 knot gusts.  Boat feels really tight and good - we are flying.

Arrived in Galaxdhi and tied up by 1800.  Lots of small bars / restaurants - very pretty - and we are the only visiting yacht.

I'll post some pictures tomorrow.

JOHN