29th April - Ayvalik to Cesme
Posted at 3:50 PM, Sunday, April 30, 2006
Eight yachts arrived two days ago from Istanbul and it's verified to me that EMYR is possibly a cover for one of the travelling Alchoholics Anonymous meetings.....................they do party hard.
Had a great farewell bash hosted by Ayvalik Marina where we got to know the other UK, US, Belgium, Dutch, French and Turkish participants - plus a goodie bag of presents from some of the local businesses.
We were awoken yesterday for this day sail only by the noise of the ajoining yacht departing for Cesme at 0630. They do not have a daily 'start' so to speak - basically you leave when you want. On peeking around it appeared we were the last to arise and all others had gone.
Some left at 0500 to cover the 70 miles down the coast to Cesme.
We fluffed around and got away by 0645. With no wind initially and a grey overcast sky, we followed the line of now 12 yachts on their way down the coast. We got into Cesme Town Harbour / Marina around 1700. Motored 30%, motor sailed 30%, and sailed 30% of the leg.
Winds for the trip - when they did arrive - came from the east and never got above 10 knots. Sun broke through early arvo and changed a chilly grey morning into a brilliantly warm sunbathing afternoon.
Pretty relaxed day sail all round.
Cesme Town Marina is big but unfinished. Here is a shot of the small fleet taken from the renovated castle overlooking the sea.
As you can see, lots of empty space but one in every two electrical connectors / water taps don't appear to work. And dodgey holes already in what looks to be a fairly new jetty planking. Plus the local maninero did not appear to be very experienced. And the tailing / mooring lines appear to be on the light side. There is no shoreside dunnies / showers inplace yet.
But it's pretty, and we like it.
Went into town last night for a meal with a gang of twelve. Took the pilot book recommnedation to the 'Star' restaurnat up the mian street and were not dissappointed. Cost 70 lire (about £25) for a nice pepper steak and a fish meal, plus nice quality Turkish wine. One tip if you come to Turkey is that you may not be able to negotiate down the printed price of the meals - but you can with the wine. They rarely print the price - so ask what it cost beforehand, and offer to pay 75%. It works.
Cesme at first glance appears more touristy than Ayvalik even tho' the season has not really started.
We spent this morning on a three mile run and alate breakfast, then visited the market which operates here each Sunday. Incredible fresh veggies with equally incredible low prices.
Also declined to do the EMYR oprganised tour to see more ruins. Visited instead the local castle and museum - full of delicate statues etc circa 100 BC all suprisingly open to touching by visitors......
Went with new pals Sylvie and Guy - French crew off a Hylas 55 Strella Encore.
Again - freebie 'cocktail party' this evening as a prelude to our ealry departure for tomorrows run down to Kusadasi - some 60 miles south.
Cheers
JOHN