39:14.14N 20.08.02

Saturday 27th September

Another lovely day, but the girls needed to go 'shopping' don't you know, so we did not get off until 12.30 am!

Not a whole lot of wind, but we had decided to head for Lakka on the North of the island and also to use the Hydrovane wind self-steering system as it has not had much use so far. Quite a lot of work done trying to balance the sails and steering so that the Hydrovane could take over. They say that it teaches you to balance the boat and trim the sails better and it is very true and worthwhile as the boat quickly performs even better when well balanced. Before long we were 'in the groove' and really amazed at how well the vane held the course.

We beat up against the prevailing wind and had to put in around 5 tacks, all of which was useful practice in resetting the vane steering, and eventually arrived at Lakka at 3.00pm.

Very few boats here as well and so we were able to pick a nice spot to anchor that meant we did not have too far to row to get ashore in the evening. Sarah and Jo went off for another long swim over to one of the beaches and we all showered off the back of the boat at 4.00pm which was around the time the sun dropped behind the hills surrounding the bay and it suddenly got decidedly cooler. Nice enough to then sit out and enjoy the view and relax, but certainly it is obviously getting towards the end of the season in so many ways.

Rowed ashore and had a wander round Lakka before having supper in one of the tavernas.

Slight swell running all night, but not enough to spoil anyone's sleep patterns!