Big treck ashore, Pilos for boat handling practice and water, Methoni for R & R
chrisandjane aboard Liveloula
Chris Cooke
Sat 30 Apr 2016 05:38
36:48.96N 21:42.52E
Saturday 30 April Expedition ashore to explore magnificent Palaio castle, Nestor`s cave and Ormos Voidhokoilia. Tacking practice, Jane shopping at Pilos, pupils practice coming alongside, water up and sail to pretty Methoni 8nm S1.25 M1.25 Sun all day SWf2/3 Saturday 30th – Motor to N of Navarinou bay, anchor in 38ft (bottom comes up quickly, need to leave room to swing). Head further W in duck and beach to treck further W, up track on W side of headland thro gap in castle wall, along W &NW battlement wall, down into fortress, out thro another gap and steep climb down to Nestor`s cave and stunning horseshoe Voidhokoilia bay surrounded by clean sanddunes.Paddle about, and back along side of lagoon to beached duck. Brilliant treck. SWf3 blowing into bay so practice tacking on way to Pilos marina. Jane goes shopping, pupils do many practices coming along side concrete breakwater (with all fenders just in case) forward and astern, springing off. No mishaps. Move to inshore berth to water up. Pupils ashore for deserved coffee. Skip and Jane scrub decks.Decide want to be at anchor tonight so depart for gorgus Methoni1630. Motor into headwind, veers to allow fetch down coast, bear away and gybe around Turkish tower and sail right in to anchorage. First drop doesn`t hold - looks like slabs of bare rock below. Find good sand on second attempt in 12ft. 1800 what a brilliant day. Special treat G&T to celebrate, and pomegranate. |