38:21.69N 21:25.04E

20 May 2011

Left the marina at the early morning hours.  Marina staff came over to help with the mooring lines and wish us a safe voyage.  Nice people.

The seas calmed down from the previous day’s winds from the southeast.  Turned the corner and started our long trip to Itea on the northern side of the inland sea.  Once again we passed through the large anchor field for the port of Athens.  Not too many ferries at this time of day but a few of the container ships were moving into position to get berthed in town.  As always it seems there was absolutely no wind so we were motoring at 8 knots.  Later in the trip we got some wind to at least allow the mainsail to be set to add to speed and comfort.

We reached the Corinth Canal around 11:00 and berthed alongside to go onshore to complete the formalities and pay.  We were the only boat at the start but that soon changed as all the east bound boats came out of the canal and berthed to pay their fees.  Tour busses lined up and discharged their passengers to board the tour boats that run up and down the canal.  Once that was done a tug pulled a small tanker past and into the canal.  Just as the pilot guide stated the surge of water was great and we moved about ten feet (3 meters) along the dock with all the other boats.  I was up at the bow waiting for the surge and just needed a small push to keep a French flagged sailboat off of us, no issues.

Then we followed the tanker and other boats west through the canal.  Even though it was the second time through it is still impressive.  Fun to do.

Once we exited the canal the winds were stronger and right on the nose. A bit of chop from a previous squall but still not bad and we motored at 8 knots west to Itea.  Things calmed down as we went until we got about two hours from Itea.  Then the afternoon squalls came.  For once we were in the right place and motored along the coast that provided shelter from the waves.  25 to 30 knots of winds was fine except in the wrong direction to use it. 

Making Itea we were met by out agent who assisted with the mooring lines and the winds dropped nicely during this event, no issues.  He reminded us of the last time we were here and the winds howling during berthing.  Actually no need to use an agent here but he is a nice guy and takes care of a lot of governmental items that makes life easy.  Berthed side to in 4.5 meters of water.

Again Itea is the same.  Nice calm marina a bight with no water or electric but that is not an issue with use.  Nice to be at a place we know, like home in a small way.  Even know the local fishermen by sight and their boats.  In fact one was yelling on his phone and at his crew during our stay.  Before we left he came over and in perfect English apologized for his loud talk, he had a problem with the boat.  Very nice of him and shows the respect for the place by the locals.  Even though the town is not wealthy they keep it clean and no trash in the water.  It seems every town person takes a morning or evening walk up all the quay of the marina for exercise.  It must be  well over a mile and the walk it with vigor.  Never seen that before except here.  I think those people make sure everything is in the best condition all the time.  Good local policing as it should be for those that live in a community.

We like the place.  It seems to have improved a little over the winter and the packs of stray dogs are now gone from the waterfront.  Better provisioning here than Galaxidiha and better restaurants without the tourist prices.

Once again protected by the Greek navy.  This is a sub in the training grounds.  Kept appearing and disappearing on the radar as it dived and surfaced.

Once again through the Corinth Canal built by the French.  Not very wide and has some strong currents depending on the winds and boats ahead.  At times the canal authorities are telling smaller sailboats to speed up and go full power since their speed drops below 5 knots.  This time we were following a tanker that was only doing 4.5 knots.  Last time we ran at 7.5 knots through the canal.  Note the new stainless steel blocks at the base of the mast.

This is a departing picture of Itea showing the snow on the mountains still present at this time of year.  Athens gets its water from the snow pack west of the city and the area around Itea is one of the larger sources.  Aqueducts carry the water to Athens just like California does for San Fran and LA.

Dolphins came as we left Itea to say goodbye or in reality get a short free ride off the bow wave.