On the 16^th July we lifted anchor from Rouda bay on the south tip of Levkas at 11.15hrs. and motored out of the bay. The wind was unusually coming from the south on our nose so we continued in the hope of the normal NW wind kicking in between the Islands of Levkas and Kefalonia. Eventually it did and in 10/12 knots true wind and full sail we were sailing along on a beam reach. We were passed by a Grimaldi Italian ferry probably heading for Patras in the Gulf of Patras/Corinth. 

We sailed across to the tip of the north of Ithaka and were passed by another local ferry the ‘Ionian Pelagos’ which goes into Sami on Kefalonia.

The wind dropped and we motored into Port Polis a nice bay on the west tip of Ithaka. The bay is deep and it’s necessary to drop anchor and go stern to the rocks. Two lovely huge superyachts had beaten us to it and filled the space, so at around 15.00 hrs. we decided to continue to motor south to Ayios Eufimia on Kefalonia. The forecast was for a force 5 on the evening and so we wanted to be tucked in somewhere with some shelter.

We arrived at Ayios Eufimia at 16.00 and the waterfront still had space surprisingly. Tony decided we would anchor in the bay instead as the quay can be a little crazy if yachts start arriving late in strong cross winds.

The switch went on and by 16.30hrs the wind was 15-17 knots true but gusting 25 knots. Yachts started arriving, some looking a little panicky. It seems some charter companies here are advertising for families to charter yachts without any sailing experience, only a day’s tuition for sailing, anchoring and mooring.

The new waterfront mooring guy was very good helping yachts on to the quay, pushing heavily on their beam/sides with a powerful dinghy whilst the yachts steered backwards in the strong cross winds.. onto the dock. He sorted crossed anchors and potential collisions and all was well. I was pleased we had decided to stay well away at anchor.

The gusts continued touching 27knots true and Tioram bobbed about on anchor, happily dug into the mud…….. I was less relaxed as yachts always come close to bigger yachts, I think to wait to see what to do in the harbour, not realising we were anchored and anchor ball up……..perhaps they feel safer.   We were the biggest yacht.

By 20.18, I made a log entry, the wind was 2.8 knots true, and you guessed it………….. the entire quay was full and everyone was in !!! The wind seems to peak at peak arrival times.

We enjoyed a lovely calm evening and night at anchor. The following morning we moved across to the empty spaces on the quay and enjoyed a very pleasant 2 further nights on the waterfront in light winds.

Ayios Eufimia is a pleasant place particularly on the evenings when crews, families and locals mingle together enjoying the warm evening air and lively holiday atmosphere.

Photos of………….

·         Sailing from Rouda bay, Levkas to the islands of Ithaka and Kefalonia.

·         Grimaldi ferry passes by

·         Ionian Pelagos passes by

·         Ayios Eufimia at anchor

·         A tiny 24ft metal yacht leaves Ayios Eufimia with 5 lads on board….. must have been really tight inside but they were laughing and having a great time……………….tiny yacht or superyacht…..everyone is doing the same thing.

Love to all

T and T x x x