38:46.3N 20:52.7E

Wed 3 June South to Vounaki, Sunsail base on mainland, to look at some Beneteaus

Depart Cleopatra Marina, Preveza 1115

Arrive Vounaki (on mainland) 1615 21nm S2 M3

Cloudy start, then a scorcher WNWf2/3, nothing, Sf2/3

Dull cloudy dawn. Ozzie neighbours had gone v early, without waking us. Met Sunsail broker, Florentine, here at Cleopatra and looked at Beneteau 373. Much too big for just two. Motored out, sails up straight away. Could just fetch W along buoyed fairway with help from engine, then turn to port and head due S 5nm to round low sand spit (hugely reduced by winter storms) marking canal entrance. Gentle broad reach. Needed slight assistance from motor for last 20mins to arrive waiting pool just before bridge a few minutes before 1300, and the hourly opening. Clouds gone. Now a scorcher , so unravel bimini. Still has brown stains from recent rain with Sahara dust, even tho wind was from E??? No wind as exit canal. Eventually meet S breeze so can reach last 5nm E 3+knts to exclusive purpose built Sunsail resort and marina at Vounaki. Newish accommodation buildings not attractive from seaward, but fine seaviews out W from complex. Lots of VHF traffic. Drop kedge in 12ft to go bows to fuel berth, alongside big Jenneau 57. Watch yachts return from daysail, approaching oblivious of D`fly kedge warp, turning, reversing at speed thro narrow marina entrance, going full ahead at last moment to stop and pick up laid bowline.  Meet Florentine again to view Beneteau 343. Find sterile caravan most depressing. Hike 15mins N to pretty village of Palairos[CC1] . More like it. Quaint place.. Looks like good to anchor off to N, but care needed as katabatic N f4 evening wind blowing, but soon dies. Small harbour. Base for local flotilla. Several yachts not out this week so pretty full. Cheered up by large draft beer (only 2.5 euros) with complimentary chips and delicious meatballs at Panorama Taverna. Vowed to return and squeeze in or anchor off one day soon. Stroll back in dark. See fireflies. End up walking length of gated Sunsail beach – notice says closed at 1800. Fortunately gates not locked tonight and can get to marina and D`fly. Resolve not to get ex-charter boat, especially Beneteau.