2011 diary

Arwenofbosham
Rob and Jacky Black
Fri 15 Apr 2011 11:19
Friday 15th April 2011 Fetheye
36 37.2N 29 05.5E
We returned to Turkey in late March and completed all the dry-side work ready for re-launching a few days ahead of schedule. The boat was back in the water on
Wednesday 6th of April and apart from the bow thruster not working all was well. having done various tests we have decided it is the 'touch control panel' at fault
and have ordered a new one which we will collect from sailing friends of friends in Marmaris tomorrow or Sunday. (Thanks to Trevor and Lesley for the contact and
to Vanessa and John for bringing the part out from the UK). We enjoyed our time in Alanya and especially the BBQ and Happy hour sessions in the Kings Pub many
thanks to all the 'live-aboards' for including us in the various activities while we were there. We hope to meet up with some later in the year when everyone is sailing again.
We sailed from Alanya leaving at 0000 on the 13th of April and arrived in Kekova at 1830 anchored in the roads off the Gulet pontoons. It was an uneventful passage with some good easterly winds for some of the time and the sun shone all day- we had to use the engine for all of the trip! Yesterday was another story! We left Kekova around 0700 had intended to stop in Kalkan but decided as the wind was favourable - SE about 12 - 15 knots we would press on for Gocek area. Unfortunately within  2 hours we had a gale warning the seas built up and we were reefed down! The wind gusted up to 34 knots at times with an uncomfortable swell and then it rained so our heavy duty waterproofs came out of the locker for the first time since crossing Biscay! We did make a very fast passage but decided not to cross the bay to Gocek and took shelter in the Fetheye bay! Having a rest day today and plan to head for Marmaris tomorrow. We are moored on the pontoon at 'Yes marina' which is south of the main marina ECE and a bit cheaper! nice facilities and only a short dolmus ride from town. Yesterday's weather has blown through and today is bright sunshine and very little wind early on tho' a sea breeze is evident now as I write at 1400.
I will be trying to write in this blog every few days and send details as and when we get wifi. thanks to all who bother to read of our exploits!