Here in the Cyclades, the dominant weather pattern in the summer is sunny skies and a heavy north wind that can be fun for kiting, but not so fun for keeping a sailboat happily secured. I asked a local how long the meltemi season typically ran, and he said “July 1 to August 11”. Sir, why so vague?
So, with my trusty forecasting mobile app predicting a real honker next week, we’ve decided it’s time to wander towards the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece, where the kiting should also be good, if a little unpredictable.
From Plato’s Gialos, we sailed in light west wind up the left side of Sifnos to Chirronisos Cove.
Best snorkelling yet in Greece, lots of little colourful fish, a school of baby barracuda-types, but nothing big enough to take a shot at with my speargun, which spares me the test of my aim.
Another short sail on Wednesday across the 7 mile strait to Serifos, into the big protected bay, overlooked by the old whitewashed hilltop town.
I’m told it’s a great walk up to the top. We took the bus. Drinks in the town square after strolling the labyrinth.
Then yesterday, a mix of sailing and motoring to cover another 18 miles to Stephanos Bay on Kythnos. Cracked open the bottle of PC peanut sauce (thanks Deb!) for our old camping favorite of pork and couscous. And I scratched back a couple of games in the ongoing backgammon tournie (Kath still winning 71 games to 65), AND first night swim! Just me this time, but Kathy’s at least considering it!
We sailed in a green 32′ steel hulled sloop, heavy as a London Bus, in Greece in August 1969. Same problem with strong winds in the Cyclades. We ended up passing through the Corinthian Canal to the Ionian where we ran out of wind completely. Good luck!
David, Coral’s owner, is in the Ionian now and there is no wind. Mike said the kiters talk about a thermal around Lefkes, so he’s crossing his fingers!
Finally some wind today – good thing as Canada Day in Greece is 40C and sunny!
The Lefkas sea breeze was blowing and tons of kites when we passed through last week. Kathy will love the lake sailing feel of the Ionian…flat water sailing at its finest. See you soon! David
Mad Scientist mode now: there’s *gotta* be a way to connect a massive kite to the base of a ship’s mast and go like stink. Of course, steering the flying end would take no little MacGyvering.
I suspect David might not be so fond of the idea vis-a-vis Coral’s continued seaworthiness.
Good luck with the spearfishing!