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Date: 08 May 2012 07:24:27
Title: Underway at last
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Position 39:37.46N 19:55.72E

The boat has been in the water for over a week now and we have wasted no time in getting underway.
Last Monday I finally bade farewell to Cleopatra Marina and Prevazza, the water maker did not turn up in time, but we could wait no longer to get going, so we'll pick it up on our way back south and have it fitted later.
The plan was for me to meet Fred, Fabrizio and the Girls in Platarias, which is 10 minutes drive south from Igoumenitsa, where their ferry from Italy was arriving on Tuesday morning. My major concern was how I was going to moor the boat up on my own when I got there, but if I felt like I could not manage it, my back up plan was to anchor in the bay for the night and bring the boat in in the morning when I would have help. After a 46 mile (6 and a half hours) motor north, I arrived in Platerias and checked out the harbour and quayside. It was not busy and there was a nice large space on the town quay, so I decided to have a go at dropping the anchor and reversing into the quay myself. I managed to pull it off, not the most elegant manoeuvre ever, but successful nonetheless.
The next morning I tidied up the boat ready for the boarding party and dressed her overall (hung signal flags from the bow to the top of the mast and down to the stern).
It was lovely to see them when they arrived and instantly the boat changed atmosphere and became like our home again instead of my workshop. There was a large delivery of Italian wine, which filled a locker I had been keeping clear for food!
That afternoon we headed south to a quiet anchorage between the mainland and a small Island called Katsonisi for the first night with everyone on board.
Wednesday, we motored over to Anti-Paxos and found a nice cove to anchor in for lunch and go swimming. Amazingly clear water with white stone beaches, but the water is still quite cold so the girls (inc Fred) weren't to keen on spending long in the water. Before we motored up to Paxos for the night, we rigged up the mainsail and got it ready for hoisting. I had been waiting for some help to do this job as it would have taken me much much longer on my own. On the short trip to Paxos we put the main up for the first time, which made Fred happy. She was getting frustrated with all the motoring and wanted to see some sails up.
That night we went into Gaios which is a beautiful natural harbour behind an island in Paxos. Really picturesque place to moor up and a pretty little town. The girls had lots of fun scooting around the town square and along the quay front. We had a lovely meal in a taverna by the boat and watched some Russians come in from a huge (55m) super yacht that had parked outside the harbour.
Thursday, we motor-sailed around the West side of Paxos to look at the dramatic cliffs and the caves. Then we anchored in Lakka bay which just around the top of the island and on the east side. Instantly this became a favourite place as it is really beautiful, the water is crystal clear and the bay has a shallow sandy bottom, resulting in gorgeous turquoise water. Lovely for swimming and there was a little beach with white stones above the water, but lovely sand below the water.
Dinner in a local taverna was a hit and the girls made friends with a pair of English girls that lived there and had fun playing in the town square.
Friday, we went ashore and found a playground, then had a long walk to the lighthouse and back. After lunch we pulled up the anchor, waved good-bye to our favourite place so far and SAILED back to Platarias to drop Fabrizio back to his car. After an early supper we said our good-byes to Fabrizio and a few tears were shed.
Saturday, we headed north to Corfu and arrived at lunchtime off Corfu town. We anchored for lunch and then Alessia and I went in by dinghy to see if we could get in to the Corfu Sailing Club marina which is directly under the walls of the old castle and a stunning spot to stay. They had room for us, although there was some debate about how big our boat actually was with the marinero in charge. It's a really lovely place, and to get into town every day we walk through the old castle feeling like we live here, the girls tell stories of princesses and dragons. We've based ourselves here for the last few days and hired a car to explore the island. Most of the best beaches are on the West coast, but there aren't any decent ports or anchorages on that side to go in Open Blue, so driving is the best option.
We're going to stay put for a few more days, so that my parents can come and see us and the boat (they arrive tomorrow, Tuesday 8th) and also to get some other things done. We all have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning for some final jabs, and the wind speed\direction and GPS are still not working, so I need to track down an electronics techy to come and have a look.
Probably going to leave on Thursday and head south again.
Tim

I'm having trouble being able to comment on the photos, so here is what they are,

1. Shiny boat ready to go in the water
2. 18 tons of boat on a trailer...
3. In she goes
 4. Our first port of call, Platarias, waiting for the Girls to arrive
 5. The lighthouse at Lakka
6. Open Blue at anchor in Lakka bay
7. Our current rather grand home in Corfu, we're the furthest boat you can just see on the right

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