A real blast

Serafina
Rob & Sarah Bell
Thu 11 Jun 2009 18:57
38:19.2N 26:18.1E

Wednesday 10th June

Forecast for 25 to 30 knots of wind today from the north proved to be right
and so as it started to rise around 10.00am, we raised our anchor and sails
and swept out of the big bay heading for Cesme.

This trip was around 20 miles, but involved sailing west around several
headlands and a long bay before turning due north into the teeth of the wind
and the large seas that were running between Khios Island (Greece) and
Turkey, for a 10 mile leg.

Mick had the helm pretty much the whole way and had a wonderful time as we
progressively reefed Serafina down to deal with the strengthening winds and
rising seas. Dione's concentrated sun tanning operation was interrupted
finally when we started shipping waves, but not before she got soaked by
one!

Another wonderful day's sailing finally ended as we slipped out of the
rolling seas into the protection of Cesme harbour and moored stern-to a
pontoon using a lazy line. The shower block beckoned and after taking
advantage of all the facilities and another lunch rustled up by Sarah, Mick
and Dione took a stroll around the town, Sarah did a load of food shopping
and I may just have had 25 mins asleep (well, in my defence I had hoovered
the inside of the boat first....) and then later after a few glasses of wine
we went out and enjoyed a great (but not inexpensive) evening meal in town.