Wednesday 11^th May – Vathí (Methana)

37:35.604N 23:20.344E

The night was a little less exciting than at the anchorage and this morning all was quiet, however, the forecast was for stronger north winds today.  The wind built outside in the bay over the morning and by mid day, although the harbour is sheltered, we were getting regular gusts of F5-6 in around the headland.  I had caught up on the washing during the morning and hung it out to dry but it was horizontal on the line. 

We are moored with our anchor out ahead and our stern tailed to the harbour wall.  We monitored the anchor but we were getting uncomfortable about the chain holding in the increasingly strong cross winds, it was slowly inching back.  At lunchtime, as the gusts hit 28-30 knots and our stern fenders cosied up to the harbour wall, we decided we needed to reset; we waited for a lull and went out and doubled the length of chain we have out.  Hans and Inge came to help with the lines and all went well, we were soon tied up again having set the anchor hard with the engine.  In addition we attached additional long lines to the mid cleats to help support the anchor.  There are only a few yachts here today and we have all done the same.

This evening we have refilled the water tanks and eaten aboard.  Whilst the wind is quieter, we are still getting occasional strong gusts, this time on the opposite side.