37:37.39N 26:57.35E

30 April

After another night of loud car traffic at Lakki we chose to head out even though the winds may be a bit high.  At first I was going to head west and start getting across the Aegean Sea but the winds look to grow strong from the south over the next two-three days.  While there are many islands in the Aegean the number of secure spots to spend the night are limited.  So instead of starveling the same route we took crossing last fall we decide to head north to a marina on the island of Samos right next to Turkey.

As we left the protected bay under motor the winds grew on our nose as we headed north.  But at the north end of the island we headed northeast toward Samos and got one of the best sailing days ever in the Med.  On a close reach we made 8 knots in 15 knots of apparent wind.  Turning a bit more north after we passed another small island the winds shifted slightly and gave us a great run for hours to Samos.  In 15-18 knots we averaged close to 8.5 knots and held 9 knots for nearly one hour, out running some of the slower cargo ships.

As we got to Samos the winds just quickly stopped once we got behind the headlands.  So we had to motor the last 45 minutes to the marina.  Very good day.

The marina staff was waiting for us since we arranged with them ahead of time.  As typical the marinas are not yet fully operational this early in the year so calling ahead is worth doing otherwise the staff may not be present at these smaller places.

Finally a good sail in the Med.  Yes we got lazy with the fenders because we almost never sail that long so we leave them on deck instead of stowing them.  Headsail car could be further back but it was good enough for cruisers.

Town of Pythagoreom on Samos next to the marina.  Yes this is when Pythagoras was born for all you math fans.