Monday 22^nd August – Néa Klima (Elios), Skópelos

39:08.300N 23:38.566E

The weather was showing the meltemi blowing hard just off the east coast of Skópelos and so we were hoping to escape the worst of it, sitting here tucked up in the harbour on the west coast; however, it decided to pay us a visit.

We had strong gusts throughout the day, unfortunately mostly on the beam, and really testing our anchor. 

The chap moored on the end by the outer harbour wall was falling down towards the rock ballasting during the gusts and decided he had to leave.  He had a very narrow escape, his anchor fouled on a rope on the way out and he was being blown down onto the ballasting; we are not sure if he actually touched but it was touch and go as he was broadside on the rocks.  Fortunately one of the boats had its tender in the water and was able to go to free the line before another strong gust came through.  The chap decided to head across to Skíathos town rather than try to come back in.

Later we recorded a blast of 38.3 knots – luckily this came from astern so the boats held on their shore lines - if it had been on the beam it could have been dangerous.  Unluckily, it brought most of the beach behind us with it and we, along with our neighbours either side, spent the next hour cleaning and vacuuming our boats down below where we had a liberal coating of dried seaweed and sand.

After our efforts cleaning up, we and our neighbours sat on our respective foredecks with a drink to rest and guard our anchor chains as some late arrivals turned up seeking a safe harbour for the evening.

Néa Klima (Elios), Skópelos

© Pyxis 2011