38:21.8N 21:25.0E

 

30 August Early start, v windy later, spectacular 1/2 hr with dolphins, difficult entry to scenic destination of Messolongi

Depart Kastos 0820

Arrive Messolongi marina 1915 46nm

NW f3/4, increasing to W f5/6

 

Asked an early morning yachtie jogger to untie our bowline (otherwise a swim ashore). Careful reverse out between other yachts (as still slight crosswind).Kedge hauled in after slight hitch when chain caught under rudder.  Photoshoot of windmill restaurant. Nice breeze, tacking downwind. On port heading for Petallas inlet, so decide to explore and anchor for lunch. Well sheltered and loads of room. Wind has increased so hoist main and put in two reefs before exit shelter of inlet. Head out keeping clear of fishfarms on S shore, then turn S inside Islands of Promonas & Makronisos. Lifejackets on. Screaming reach doing up to 9knts. Stick in 3rd reef.Decide not to go in around Oxia Island as probably strong downdraft and wind funnelling. Just before rounding S tip of Oxia comment not seen dolphins for some days, and within minutes a huge pod arrives. Gybe over onto port and fast sail E. Dolphins join in surfing down waves and staying under pulpit. Some babies too. Joyful half hour (for us n them!). Thought wind was easing but really builds as sail with much rolled in genny (and fully reefed main) 7, 8 &9 knts just off dead downwind (to avoid genny collapsing). See yacht well ahead roll loads as enter Messolonghi fairway, broadside to seas. Drop sails well upwind of fairway buoys.( Would be v slow progress fighting upwind against these seas/wind.) Lots of pitching (so lifeline deployed). Motor downwind to buoys, turn broadside to seas and crab in to shelter of canalised approach . Not too much rolling but loads of spray – can’t read chart due to salt on glasses.  With protection of surrounds all is tranquil and calm. About 3nm – dead straight and surrounded by properties on stilts – more like Thailand than Greece. Part of their largest wetlands area. Arrive big lagoon and call on VHF to arrange berth in marina. V helpful marinio. Excellent showers, good wifi, friendly taverna(best sovlaki so far)/bar/office staff. Other yachties seem v normal; none of the posh lot here. We have found winter home for D`fly.

 

31 August Move to pontoon berth. OK as have decided to stay a second night.Sign contract for winter. Spiridoula most helpful. 1,529euros for 7 months ashore, including craning and high pressure clean. Good bus connections to Preveza/Athens. Marina is a bit unfinished and certain to be mozzies, but all else excellent. Get out Bromptons (first time since French canals). Cycle to beach (back down the 3nm canalised entrance channel) for swim and ice cream. Explore town. Lots of bikes (as all v flat) wonderful shops. Really pleased with our decision Fab chandlery. Shopkeeper assisted by grandad – looks just like grandad from Del Boy. Jane has long conversation (well, sort of). But not enough floating line!