We have said many times that one of the joys of travelling is meeting local characters.

Gerassimus or ‘Mikey’ is a Greek gentleman, about 60 years old, who lives with his wife and family in Ayios Eufimia, Kefalonia where we presume he was born.

In the past he was a Second Officer on a supertanker, now with the ‘crisis’ he works on the waterfront quay helping yachts to moor.  It is sad to think how little interest tourists and visitors must show, as when we asked him a few questions and showed genuine interest  in his story…….. he told us about his passion for re-building his 30 year old, traditional Cretan fishing boat.

The boat is around 27ft, has an inboard engine and a small single mast. It is made from hard wood Roca and built in Crete with skill. The rolls Royce of open fishing boats.

He told us how he brought it from Crete, sailing and motoring it north through the Aegean, the Cyclades Islands and Saronics to Athens.

He did this……not sure why, perhaps not working……in January time with big seas and strong force winds. He said he liked rough weather ????my mind boggles with why ??   He said he felt safe in his small, but ‘very strong’ boat.

It looked very strong but the low free board looked scarily close to the waterline for me……especially in the Meltemis of the Aegean.

He left the boat in Athens, returning a few months later to motor/sail through the Gulf of Corinth/Patras to the Island of Kefalonia. In his home village of Ayios Eufimia the boat was hauled ashore into his front garden near the quay and there he has set about re-building it.

He proudly described how he has worked with a local carpenter to replace the old wooden rudder and many other planks. A labour of love to refurbish everything…… not to mention the cost of the expensive hard wood….. to date….€6,500….. but if you meet his wife…..don’t tell her…… we were sworn to secrecy as the ‘unofficial’ cost re-laid to his wife to date is only…..€1,500!!

With an emotional voice he gestured to his boat and said…….’This is my life’.

When the summer tourists and yachties leave this autumn, Gerassimus intends to complete his boat and launch it before the winter. He told us he intends to buy a bottle of champagne for the launch and will call the boat………..can you guess…..yes, his wife’s name.  He says only they will sail it.

His wife may never know just how expensive her name sake might have cost…… or perhaps she just chooses not to mention it as it is……….. ‘his life’.

Photos below of Gerassimus with his boat.

Love to all

Tina and Tony x x