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Serafina
Rob & Sarah Bell
Thu 23 Jul 2009 07:55
39:50.1N 26:04.5E

Tuesday 21st July
Made an early start to get away from Canakkale following just behind David
and Jill on their 63 ft motor yacht (Souris Rose). Forecast was for force 6
winds and as we headed south this was upgraded to gale warnings for the area
just to the south of us.

Fresh breeze blowing from the north east which made the run down the
Dardanelles fairly straightforward although we tended to stay rather too
close to the traffic separation lanes in order to avoid gybing!

Once clear of the straits we ran into a pretty heavy sea which was running
across our rear quarter so we had a fairly uncomfortable ride down to
Bozcaarda where we arrived just 30 minutes behind Souris Rose having not
used our engine at all. Moored stern-to the quay and accepted the offer of
drinks on Souris Rose (yet again).

Wandered into the town during the afternoon and were both surprised by the
huge difference since we were here just 4 weeks ago. Much cleaner and tidier
(even new pavements!) and the shops were now all full of fresh veg etc.
Bought some local wine as the island had a reputation for being a good
producer, but the white we tried in the evening was truly awful and actually
undrinkable.

Had to jump into action later when a small gin palace tried to reverse into
the space next to us on the quay and then we discovered as they came
alongside that it was one of the boats from our pontoon at Pendik (Istanbul)
but better still (or worse..) it was the crew with the little dog (see
earlier post "Hang Dog Day"). Anyway we all exchanged cheery greetings and
they actually seemed pleased to see us again! Then whilst they were sorting
themselves out it became obvious that despite being brand new, their
electric passerelle (fancy telescopic boarding plank) was not working, so to
get ashore they had to come onto our boat and use our plank. They also
required serious training regarding not grabbing the all important Raymarine
GPS aerial to haul oneself on board and that gritty shoes (even if they are
"brand new boating shoes" as they pointed out) are not acceptable on teak
decks after you have just walked around the town.....!

We then went off to Souris Rose for dinner (real steaks) and had a great
evening finally tearing ourselves away from another round of Port and
Brandys ("Ship's Medicine" apparently - best thing for seasickness?) as we
had to be up and away in the morning by 6.00am.

Returned to Serafina and got her ready for the early start, which of course
included stowing away the gang plank. No sign of life on the boat next door,
so we just hoped they were back on board and asleep, because if not, they
were going to have a lot of fun trying to get back onto their boat without
the use of our plank.