Néa Klima (Elios), Skópelos - Orei, Evia

Pyxis
Karen & Richard
Tue 23 Aug 2011 22:58

Tuesday 23rd August – Néa Klima (Elios), Skópelos – Orei, Evia

38:56.953N 23:05.186E

 

We need to continue moving towards our winter berth and so, taking the weather forecast under advisement, we set off heading west.  It is blowing gales the length of the Aegean which are showing little signs of abating so we are heading west hoping to sneak down the Evia channel where it should be more sheltered – from the swell if not the wind, and which offers more possible harbours and anchorages; only snag is we will have to go through the narrow road bridge at Khalkís which only opens at night.

 

After breakfast, we waited for a lull in the wind and cast off.  After shipping our anchor (thankfully without any fouling) we first sailed to Koukanaries, a bay at the far end of Skíathos where we anchored for lunch.  Once clear of the land effects we had a good sail across with winds around F4-5, with the islands providing good shelter from the swell.

 

After lunch we set sail again and headed across Stenón Skiathou towards Evia and the Tríkeri Channel.  The channel separates Evia and the Tríkeri peninsular, and the coast is mountainous on both sides.  Running downwind we had a comfortable sail, though had to motor on when the wind eased to keep up our average speed.  Nearing the entrance to the Gulf of Volos swell and then wind increased and we were able to sail again.

 

This evening we have arrived at Orei on the north coast of Evia.  This part of the coast is low-lying and wooded in contrast to the nearby mountains.  We are moored stern to in the deep harbour and we were pleased to find spaces available when we arrived.  With the meltemi blowing unusually hard at the bottom of the Evia channel (F7-9) we were worried that there would be a backup of vessels waiting here for passage south. 

 

This evening we went out for a walk around this typical Greek town.  After a visit to the supermarket for a few supplies, we stopped on the way back to get a take-away gyros for Richard and a cheese pie for me.

 

Koukanaries, Skíathos

 

Tríkeri Channel

© Pyxis 2011