Monday 17^th September, 2018.

We left Steni Vala about 10 a.m. and as soon as we were out of the little harbour we were indeed into the strong winds which were behind us with a big surf running.  Luckily we had mended the genny while in Steni Vala as the sun strip was starting to tear.  With no auto helm it is impossible to reef the large main on our own so the genny needed to be at its best.  Jim saw two flying fish on our way and we could still see the damage caused by the hotel fire on the headland which we passed on our way north.  The damage to the trees and undergrowth will take several years to recover.

Crossing over to Skopelos between the gap the wind chirped up even more.  After the headlands of Skopelos  and moving up the west coast we had to take the genny in as the wind was on the nose blowing straight down off the mountains. It took us quite a while to motor up the coast line to Loutraki as the wind was so strong.

We anchored in the harbour as Sailing Holiday boats were on the pontoon and it was full.  It was a beautiful sight having dinner and sitting in the cockpit looking across to Skiathos.  Gradually the lights of the island lit up the skyline.