Easterly Winds

Gillyb
Thu 26 May 2011 12:52
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Position:  38:22.16N 22:04.51E
 
After 4 very frustrating days of strong easterly winds (for non sailors that is wind FROM the East) we set off EAST BOUND at 0530 into another 25/30 kts of Easterly wind.  Two hours later and covered in salt spray we gave up and returned to Mesolongion to drop the anchor in the bay just outside the marina.  Better luck tomorrow!  The next day we set off at 0530 again, but this time it was calm.  Ho Ho the wind got up after an hour of plodding east and was again 25 kts on the nose.  This time we were not going to be beaten so we kept on going - slowly!  En route we passed under the Rion - Andirron bridge which is the longest cable supported bridge in the world.  (Or so the pilot book says)  It was impressive (hope the picture does it justice) and as we passed beneath it and through this narrow piece of water the wind started to ease and dropped to a mere 20kts. 
 
Pressing on a little quicker we arrived at the "marina" (yes it is a sort of marina, "but not as we know it Jim") on the island of Trizonia.  See picture of the sunken yacht - just what you need when trying to dock in a blow!  Gilly made a great meal on board, which we shared with Ron & Hazel on Naivasha, who having left with us arrived over 2 hours after we did.
 
Here we are again sitting out 25-30 kt winds from the East.  By the way the pilot books and all the locals tell you that the prevailing wind is Westerly!  Never mind, there seems to be a nice taverna just round the corner and the beer is quite good - who cares about the wind.
 
More as we stagger towards the Corinth Canal- only another 50 miles to go!
 
Gilly B

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