Bozyazi to Tasucu 54NM 25May

The Diary of Sonsy Lass
Alex & June Laidlaw
Thu 31 May 2012 16:38
30:18.55N 33:53E We had the good fortune to make a clean getaway from the harbour at 5am. When 34 yachts are stern-to the harbour wall held by their anchor, it can often be a bit chaotic when they start to leave. Fortunately the organisers had the foresight to have two divers on standby to sort out any anchor entanglements on the seabed. We had a 52NM trip to Tasucu which turned out to be wild and woolly. As we set out, the winds were acceptable but there was a fair bit of a swell, which had us rocking and rolling. Then the winds got up around 10am and the seas were very confused but nothing too bad. By early afternoon it got up to 30-40knts, which being on our tail was ok, but when we tried to enter the harbour it became a little tricky. Because of the conditions we all had to anchor in the commercial harbour. The winds did not ease until nearly midnight so it was a bit rough but the anchor however was solid as a rock. This meant a ‘cook-in’ with a glass from a cheeky little 2010 Turkish Shiraz. Only one in case there was an emergency. Because it was a working harbour, we had to leave at 6am as a container ship was coming in. We headed for the yacht harbour in flat calm with virtually no wind. At 9am we were on the bus and on our way for even more culture. First we headed to the sanctuary of St Thecla on the outskirts of Silifke. She became the first Christian female teacher after hearing the preaching’s of St Paul as a young girl. St Thecla created a grotto for persecuted Christians in the caves on the hillside. After her death a monastery was created there as a place of homage for Christians. There is very little left of the monastery but what’s there is very impressive. Some of the original caves are in tack with their frescos still visible. Perhaps the most impressive building was a very large water cistern which has withstood the ravages of time better than most. This was not just a sunken basin but a sophisticated building of arches and pillars deep underground and in amazing condition considering its over 2000 years old. Next stop, the Citadel of Silifke. The initial building was dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena. The present day fortress dates back to the 7th century, when the ~Byzantium’s fortified the citadel against invading Arabs. In the early 13th century, the Knights of St John occupied it for some 20 years. It was taken over by the Ottomans in the second half of the 17th century, when a Mosque was built. The fort commands a very imposing position, high on a hill overlooking a massive plain and the city Silifke with its meandering river. One of today’s main river crossings is supported on stone pillars, put in place by the Romans some 2000 years ago. Back at the marina for yet another reception with more drinking and the customary late night. This evening however, we were entertained by a delightful ‘belly dancer’. No further comments required.

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