Fai Tira leaves Santorini for Ios 36:39.44N 25:22.11E

24^th June 2011

We woke at 6am to set off.  No problem leaving the quay.  It was a very windy crossing blowing about 25knots and this was early in the day.  I opted to go around the edge of Santorini island as this was partly sheltered from the northerly wind. The views of Thira were stunning from below the cliffs.

We actually sailed for a short while on a beam reach until the wind died under the cliffs. 

The cruise ships started to arrive.  So we carried on to the village of Oia where we had watched the sunset a couple of nights before.

The village looked fantastic with its houses and art galleries hanging onto the cliff face.

We headed to the north end of the island and set course for Ios a course of zero degrees and straight into wind with big seas. We were bashing into the waves with just the main reefed.  At times we were only doing 2knots and it seemed to take an age to get to Ios.  I had decided enough was enough so I headed for a bay at the south of the island.  When we got into the lee of the island, the seas and wind subsided, and we motored into a lovely anchorage which was a nice open bay with sandy beach and one or two other yachts anchored. 

Judy happy to be in calmer waters.

We dropped anchor and we were pleased that it had caught well.  Had a little lunch then Judy went for her first swim in the Med and I joined her.  It was little cool but refreshing and enjoyable.  The day before I had downloaded the Grib (wind info) files that indicated the very strong northerly wind called the “Meltemi” was building and would be at its strongest in two days time.   We made plans for heading to Ios town quay early the following morning. Whilst doing the planning the wind increased and started to get stronger, our anchor held so all is well.  The highest gust I saw was 45knots and the anchor held well dug into sand.  Before it became dark dinner was the next thing on the agenda.  Chicken breast cooked with onion and peppers, served with tinned potatoes fried in oil.  When working down below the wind was less invasive and suddenly the night ahead didn't seem so daunting.  We enjoyed our meal, washed up then started to play cards.  By 10.30pm we decided to call it a night.  We both slept well.  Fai Tira rode the waves and ignored the wind.  The anchor held and when the winds died during the night and both Judy and I popped our heads out, Judy was surprised that the stars were so bright and said it was the best night of her holiday!  Back to bed and slept until 7.00am with the alarm.

25^th June 2011

We woke to lighter winds pulled the anchor up and set off for the town quay about ten miles north.  Left the bay in calm seas, managed to put up main sail but again motored into wind.  I had tried to work out whether it was worth heading to the next island but as some severe weather due, thought it better to stick to our original plan and moor in the harbour for a couple of days to weather the coming Meltemi. 

 The harbour was a little way into the bay and unfortunately on entering did not appear to have any one with responsibility sorting out the boats, eventually I decided to go for it and try for a mooring with lazy line, we managed to moor up with the help of yachties and we felt settled and comfortable. Judy managed to do some washing and I caught up on a few needed jobs. 

We were invited aboard the yacht next door.  A lovely couple, Ann and Jim, who we found out were friends of Steve and Katrin from Island Kia.  Another couple Colin and Margaret were invited too.  We probably outstayed our welcome before Judy dragged me away for dinner at the Enigma Restaurant.  Judy had mousaka and I had pizza.  Lovely evening, although the local bar (set on an old galleon) sounded to be the place of fun.  Perhaps tomorrow.