Istanbul

Scott-Free’s blog
Steve & Chris
Sat 30 May 2009 15:03
40:57.04N 29:05.517E
 
Saturday 30th May 2009
 
After an after-lunch nap we set off again for Istanbul.  The wind had died away and the sea was glassy calm so as we motored along Chris decided to make pasties for supper.  Having only tried pastry once so far in the boat oven, this was a bit of a gamble, but they came out ok, if a little overcooked on the underneath. 
 
The wind eventually came up at 01:30, strong and on the nose.  We put 2 reefs in the main and let out half the yankee and made reasonable, if uncomfortable way for most of the night.  At 0915 we decided we were not making enough headway when crossing the shipping lanes, and so put the engine on to help out.  We motor-sailed the rest of the way to Bostanci (a suburb of Istanbul) and arrived mid-morning.
 
The mooring was in a ferry port, in amongst local boats.  The harbour is owned by the owner of our 'home' marina in Marmaris, and as contract holders we are entitled to moor here for free.  Not much in the way of facilities, but a safe place to park the boat within easy travel of Istanbul city centre for free - we're not complaining!