We are back in New Zealand. We returned early because the heat wave that gripped Southern Europe was too much for us. 47 degrees was too much to bear, even when we could jump from the side of the boat into the sea. We looked at each other one day and said: “Is this really enjoyable?”
We decided it wasn’t and booked our flights home.
We had a good time in Greece and the boat performed well after overcoming teething problems that resulted from being on the hard for two years. While out of the water, I had fitted a Side Power SP155 Bow Thruster. The objective was to overcome problems Antares II has when maneuvering stern to into harbours and marinas to berth ‘Mediterranean’ style. Unfortunately, the Side Power thruster turned out to be the worst piece of equipment on the yacht.
Background to the problems
The SP155 Bow Thruster was installed in Antares II in Turkey in September, 2006. It was installed by a reputable boat builder/electrician. The installation was in accordance with instructions in the manual provided with the thruster. Throughout the installation process, the installers were skeptical about the ability of the electronic box to convert 12 volt power to 24 volt. They believed it would not work and that two 12 volt batteries should be installed next to the thruster motor at the bow.
I insisted that installation should be undertaken as per the manual and, despite the installer’s unease, this was done. An extra new 200 amp hour deep cycle gel battery was bought and installed as per the manual. The battery was chosen to be compatible with other batteries already on the yacht.
At the completion of installation, the thruster was tested for a split second to confirm it worked.
The boat remained on the hardstand at Marmaris over winter and was launched in May, 2007.
When launched, it was apparent the thruster did not work satisfactorily. It would run for only a second or two before cutting out.
The installers were summoned. They reiterated that the electronic box that converted 12 volt to 24 volt was inadequate and that two batteries should be installed in the bow.
I decided to wait until the boat arrived in Greece where an authorized Sleipner Motor AS (manufacturers of Side Power) agent could address the problem.
Greece Agents
In Greece, I contacted the agents, Amaltheia Marine. I dealt with a man called Stavros who referred me to the Side Power technician Mr Alexandros Tsirigacis at Corfu. Stavros made the introduction by telephone to Mr Tsirigacis who came to the boat and removed the Side Power motor for testing at his workshop. As a result of those tests, he replaced a relay inside the bow thruster. This did not make it work. He then replaced the solenoid which gives the order for turning right or left. This also did not make any difference.
Installation, batteries and cabling were inspected and tested on the first visit. Mr. Tsirigacis said all were adequate and were not causing the problems. This was confirmed twice by Stavros in subsequent telephone conversations whilst tradesmen were on the yacht.
.
Mr Tsirigacis removed the electronic panel (isolator) in order to stabilize the power. This did not improve performance.
An electronics specialist was brought to the boat. After several hours of testing components, he pronounced the new battery (installed nine months previously specifically for the bow thruster) was unsuitable and low in power. He installed an inverter that converts 12 volt to 24 volt. The thruster now operates until power drains from the battery, which is only briefly. The thruster continues to perform the functions for which it was installed.
Batteries
Although Side Power’s representatives continually gave assurances about the state of the batteries over the eight days they tried to solve the problem, the conclusion by them was that the SP 155 will not run on gel batteries and that the whole battery system will have to be replaced with asbestos batteries. If this is not done, the problem will persist.
After completion of the work (eight days later) Stavros told me three other boats from Turkey had experienced this problem with gel batteries being “destroyed” by the bow thruster by the time they had reached Greece. He agreed that the SP155 manual does not warn against using the thruster with gel batteries. It is of concern that at no stage while the investigative work was carried out by Mr Tsirigacis, was this issue of gel batteries raised. Had this been done upfront, many days of work (and expense) would have been avoided.
Had I been made aware about the incompatibility of Side Power and gel batteries prior to purchase, I would not have installed an SP 155. It is ridiculous that I am now looking at replacing my battery bank to make them perform the way they should.
Sleipner’s Silence
Via the agent we had bought the Side Power Thruster from in Australia, we wrote to Sleipner Motor AS, the manufacturers, in mid-July and raised the following issues:
why, if the problem is as widespread as Stavros says, Sleipner has not warned purchasers about shortcomings of the SP155 with gel batteries;
since there had been three similar experiences, why didn’t Stavros and the technicians immediately identify this problem when they knew Antares II has gel batteries;
how can any boat owner have confidence in Sleipner Motor AS products when this vital information is kept from them?
because the manufacturers and their agents have not acted professionally in this transaction, I requested that:
(a) reimbursement be made for the considerable costs incurred
(b) Sleipner’s resolve the long term issue of batteries and installation to ensure satisfactory performance of the bow thruster, at their cost
(c) the current warranty for the equipment of two years be extended for an additional year whilst these issues are being resolved.
To date, a month later, I haven’t had the courtesy of a reply from Sleipner Motor AS. They apparently don’t care about their reputation, customer service, or the safety problems their substandard equipment can cause to customers and other boat owners.
Cracked Fly Wheel
I should have been alerted to the sub-standard nature of the equipment and the company’s contemptuous attitude to its customers earlier. During installation, it was discovered that the flywheel was cracked. I returned it to the sales agent and requested a replacement, fearing the damaged one could blow apart during operation.
When the replacement arrived it too was cracked in exactly the same place. I suggested the agent had returned the original one to me. He assured me the original was on his desk. When he inspected other fly wheels inside six other Side Power Thrusters he found they too had cracks.
I was eventually supplied with an undamaged flywheel. However, I never received any communication from Sleipner Motor AS about the problem. I am unaware whether they instituted a product recall or alerted other Side Power owners about the cracks in flywheels. Judging by the lack of customer service with me to date, I doubt whether they did.
This issue of the malfunctioning bow thruster together with the cracked flywheel which was included in the initial pack has left me with grave concerns about the equipment’s durability and reliability.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Skorpios 38 41 487N 20 44 901 E
Another beautiful day in the Ioanian.
We left the south bay anchorage on Levkas at 9am and meandered up the channel to the island of Skorpios. The island is still owned by the Onassis family and guaging by the hordes of charter yachts that visited throughout the day, it still holds a fascination to the world. We had to keep shooing away all the charter boats trying to anchor over the top of ours.
It was unbelievable how stupid they were dropping their lines. Of course, they were all only in for short periods - we wanted to make sure we were secure as we are staying the night. At sunset, when all the yachts had gone, we put on Maria Callas singing opera (she was Onassis girl friend) had a good bottle of red wine and watched a magnificent pink sunset which bathed the mainland out to the east in a beautiful warm glow and the water around us turned turquoise. As the sun set the Onassis family came down to the water\'s edge to bathe and enjoy the tranquility of the early evening.
Margarita came over to say goodbye - they are leaving early tomorrow and heading north to Corfu and then Croatia - it was sad to say goodbye. Tomorrow we head into the main port on Levkas and then the following day up the channel between the island and the mainland and around into Preveza to check out the marina. Plans may change if a forecast big blow comes through.
Antares2
We left the south bay anchorage on Levkas at 9am and meandered up the channel to the island of Skorpios. The island is still owned by the Onassis family and guaging by the hordes of charter yachts that visited throughout the day, it still holds a fascination to the world. We had to keep shooing away all the charter boats trying to anchor over the top of ours.
It was unbelievable how stupid they were dropping their lines. Of course, they were all only in for short periods - we wanted to make sure we were secure as we are staying the night. At sunset, when all the yachts had gone, we put on Maria Callas singing opera (she was Onassis girl friend) had a good bottle of red wine and watched a magnificent pink sunset which bathed the mainland out to the east in a beautiful warm glow and the water around us turned turquoise. As the sun set the Onassis family came down to the water\'s edge to bathe and enjoy the tranquility of the early evening.
Margarita came over to say goodbye - they are leaving early tomorrow and heading north to Corfu and then Croatia - it was sad to say goodbye. Tomorrow we head into the main port on Levkas and then the following day up the channel between the island and the mainland and around into Preveza to check out the marina. Plans may change if a forecast big blow comes through.
Antares2
Friday, July 6, 2007
Lettter from Gran Dan
Dear Eloise
Dear Ashy
Dear Abi
When we arrived at the Island of Poros in Greece, a big brown dog lay at the foot of the gangway at the back of the boat. We walk over the gangway to get to shore.
He looked a mean dog. He had scars on his back from fighting.
He lay on the footpath enjoying the warmth in the concrete. He lay right where Gran’dad wanted to get off his boat. He growled when Gran’dad walked down the gangway. Gran’dad was frightened the big brown dog might bite him.
The big brown dog snapped and snarled and grizzled and growled.
“Growl! Snarl! Snap! Woof!” The big brown dog called as Gran’dad neared. He wouldn’t move out of the way to let him pass.
Gingerly, he stepped over the dog.
“Grrrr!” The big brown dog threatened. Then he flopped over on his side, stretched his legs, and went back to sleep.
Although he was asleep, the big brown dog was still very alert. If another dog crept nearby, he growled and barked and chased him away.
“Woof! Woof! Woof! Get off my patch!” He demanded as he chased them away.
Sometimes, the big brown dog even growled and barked and chased people away, if he didn’t like the look of them. He was a truly nasty brown dog.
When Gran’dad returned to the boat from shopping, he thought: “I’m lucky. I’ve got my very own guard dog at the bottom of my gangway at the back of my boat.”
Cautiously, Gran’dad patted the big brown dog’s head. Suddenly, the dog rolled onto his back, his paws in the air, inviting Gran’dad to rub his tummy.
He loved Gran’dad rubbing his tummy. No one had done that to him for a long long time.
While he patted the big brown dog, Gran’dad told him a story about Hairy McCleary. However, the big brown dog didn’t understand a word Gran’dad said because he was a Greek dog – he couldn’t understand English, even though he barked exactly the same as dogs in Australia and New Zealand.
That night, Gran’dad had a BBQ on the back of his boat. He gave the big brown dog bones and scraps of meat. The big brown dog loved them. When he finished eating, the big brown dog lay at the foot of the gangway, his chin on his paws, as if he was part of the crew.
He lay there remembering how once he had actually been crew on a boat. But his wicked owners had sailed away without him. That’s why he lay near the boats day after day, hoping that one day they would return for him. But they never did.
Gran’dad felt so sorry for that big brown dog, waiting for someone to love him. He said to Gor Gor” “We should take the big brown dog on our boat.”
Gor Gor said no, because there was not enough room on the boat. There was no bunk for a dog.
“We only have bunks for Eloise, Ashy and Abi,” she said. “There’s no where on board for a dog. Not even Hine or Nelson.”
I love you lots and lots,
Gran’dad
Dear Ashy
Dear Abi
When we arrived at the Island of Poros in Greece, a big brown dog lay at the foot of the gangway at the back of the boat. We walk over the gangway to get to shore.
He looked a mean dog. He had scars on his back from fighting.
He lay on the footpath enjoying the warmth in the concrete. He lay right where Gran’dad wanted to get off his boat. He growled when Gran’dad walked down the gangway. Gran’dad was frightened the big brown dog might bite him.
The big brown dog snapped and snarled and grizzled and growled.
“Growl! Snarl! Snap! Woof!” The big brown dog called as Gran’dad neared. He wouldn’t move out of the way to let him pass.
Gingerly, he stepped over the dog.
“Grrrr!” The big brown dog threatened. Then he flopped over on his side, stretched his legs, and went back to sleep.
Although he was asleep, the big brown dog was still very alert. If another dog crept nearby, he growled and barked and chased him away.
“Woof! Woof! Woof! Get off my patch!” He demanded as he chased them away.
Sometimes, the big brown dog even growled and barked and chased people away, if he didn’t like the look of them. He was a truly nasty brown dog.
When Gran’dad returned to the boat from shopping, he thought: “I’m lucky. I’ve got my very own guard dog at the bottom of my gangway at the back of my boat.”
Cautiously, Gran’dad patted the big brown dog’s head. Suddenly, the dog rolled onto his back, his paws in the air, inviting Gran’dad to rub his tummy.
He loved Gran’dad rubbing his tummy. No one had done that to him for a long long time.
While he patted the big brown dog, Gran’dad told him a story about Hairy McCleary. However, the big brown dog didn’t understand a word Gran’dad said because he was a Greek dog – he couldn’t understand English, even though he barked exactly the same as dogs in Australia and New Zealand.
That night, Gran’dad had a BBQ on the back of his boat. He gave the big brown dog bones and scraps of meat. The big brown dog loved them. When he finished eating, the big brown dog lay at the foot of the gangway, his chin on his paws, as if he was part of the crew.
He lay there remembering how once he had actually been crew on a boat. But his wicked owners had sailed away without him. That’s why he lay near the boats day after day, hoping that one day they would return for him. But they never did.
Gran’dad felt so sorry for that big brown dog, waiting for someone to love him. He said to Gor Gor” “We should take the big brown dog on our boat.”
Gor Gor said no, because there was not enough room on the boat. There was no bunk for a dog.
“We only have bunks for Eloise, Ashy and Abi,” she said. “There’s no where on board for a dog. Not even Hine or Nelson.”
I love you lots and lots,
Gran’dad
Levkas Poros 38.38.278N 20.41.766E
We are anchored in a lovely big bay of Poros 38.38.278N 20.41.766E on the island of Levkas, just north of Ithica. We had three wonderful days on Ithica and set out to sail around the island. Unfortunately, the first bay we anchored in we dragged three times. The bottom was sand and weed and we just wouldn't take. Unusual, because we usually anchor easily and well.
Because a big blow was forecast, we decided to make a dash late in the day for Levkas. The first bay we went into was full. There must have been over 100 boats there and not a space shallow enough to anchor. So, we came around to the next bay and found a wonderful anchorage in front of a beautiful beach. Today, it will be swimming and sunbathing before we move on tomorrow.
We are well and having a good relaxing time.
Es has just announced that the other five boats have left the bay, leaving only us and a few hundred people on the beach.
Hope you are all well.
Love
DAD
Because a big blow was forecast, we decided to make a dash late in the day for Levkas. The first bay we went into was full. There must have been over 100 boats there and not a space shallow enough to anchor. So, we came around to the next bay and found a wonderful anchorage in front of a beautiful beach. Today, it will be swimming and sunbathing before we move on tomorrow.
We are well and having a good relaxing time.
Es has just announced that the other five boats have left the bay, leaving only us and a few hundred people on the beach.
Hope you are all well.
Love
DAD
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Ithaki 38 22 040N 20 43 139E
Hi
Had a lovely three days here in the Port of Vathi - the harbour has a special magic - touches of Simi, Panormitis, Poros. Great shopping for Margaret and I - we needed to get a good fix.
Beautiful hand embroidered sheets, tablecloths and napkins which we couldn;t pass by.
Unfortunately, it is a popular place for charter yachts so they're all juggling for space in the early evening. Nerve racking watching some trying to anchor. We sit watching and hoping they won;t disturb our anchors.
We're leaving this morning before a force 6-7 comes in this afternoon. Don;t fancy our chances amidst all these holiday makers on a lee shore. We'll move up to the next bay for a day and then around the top of Ithaki.
All well and enjoying the cooler climate,swimming and taverna eating.
Love to all
MUM
Had a lovely three days here in the Port of Vathi - the harbour has a special magic - touches of Simi, Panormitis, Poros. Great shopping for Margaret and I - we needed to get a good fix.
Beautiful hand embroidered sheets, tablecloths and napkins which we couldn;t pass by.
Unfortunately, it is a popular place for charter yachts so they're all juggling for space in the early evening. Nerve racking watching some trying to anchor. We sit watching and hoping they won;t disturb our anchors.
We're leaving this morning before a force 6-7 comes in this afternoon. Don;t fancy our chances amidst all these holiday makers on a lee shore. We'll move up to the next bay for a day and then around the top of Ithaki.
All well and enjoying the cooler climate,swimming and taverna eating.
Love to all
MUM
Friday, June 29, 2007
38.22.06N 22.04.54E Trazonia
Hi Harv
Back at the island of Trazonia, 38.22.06N 22.04.54E, waiting for wind to stop and weather to improve. Have tv here, so will be able to watch Americas cup and ABs.
What time is the AB match -- can you calculate it for here?
We're all well and safe. Hope you are.
Love
DAD
Back at the island of Trazonia, 38.22.06N 22.04.54E, waiting for wind to stop and weather to improve. Have tv here, so will be able to watch Americas cup and ABs.
What time is the AB match -- can you calculate it for here?
We're all well and safe. Hope you are.
Love
DAD
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
38 25.796N 22 25.294S Itea Port Greece
Tuesday, June 26
Hi
The past 12 days since we arrived in the Gulf of Corinth have been busy. We toured the north-eastern part of the Peloponese with our friends on Margarita; first stop was the ruins of Ancient Corinth then on to the Mycean Ruins – this Bronze Age hilltop palace with its sophisticated architecture was incredible. We then motored down through the wine valley to the coastal town of Nafplio where we enjoyed the Venetian architecture of its buildings and hunted out Zorbas Taverna for his grilled octopus.
Much to Margaret’s delight we found a Lidels supermarket and filled the car with imported white and red wines – none over Euro 3.00 a bottle – even for good Oz chardonnay.
Sunday we discovered our exhaust on the generator had disintegrated so we headed by train into Piraues on two consecutive days to find a new one and source a new high pressure water pump for the water maker. Many of the islands here do not have potable water so we need to be able to make our own all the time.
Finally we were shipshape again and threw the lines at Corinth and made our way east to a cute little seaside resort that for some unknown reason does not attract yachts. We enjoyed the local hospitality until we realized they didn’t have a TV with the Sports Channel. So, with some misgivings since it was Friday, we hauled anchor and headed further along the Gulf of Corinth to the island of Trizonia where Margaret assured us we would find a Sports Bar to watch the Rugby – NZ V SA -- and the America’s Cup.
Well, it wasn’t easy; the Bar had gone. Tony had to comb the small village until he found a small restaurant that would let us watch so long as we had dinner there each night. The arrangement worked well and we even got to enjoy a Greek wedding with 220 guests that was catered for by the same restaurant.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t get to Delphi from Trizonia so yesterday we said goodbye to Margarita and they kept going east while we headed 30nm back west to Itea to tour Delphi. We left by bus at 7.30am today and walked the ruins before the heat of the morning made it impossible. By the time we got back to the yacht at 2.30pm a strong westerly was blowing and the heat was unbearable – in the early 40s. We swam but it did nothing to drop our body temps. The hatches were wide open but the heat blowing in was so bad we shut them while we tried to have a siesta. I wrapped myself in a chilled wet sarong – it worked for ½ hour. It’s now 6-30pm and there’s no respite. We’re drinking everything in the fridge and downing electrolytes to prevent headaches – it’s too hot to sit, stand or sleep – not looking forward to the night.
As soon as the heatwave breaks we will head east again. If it doesn’t, we may just take a bus over to the mountains in the Peloponese and do some sightseeing where hopefully it will be a little cooler.
Love to all
Esmae & Tony
Hi
The past 12 days since we arrived in the Gulf of Corinth have been busy. We toured the north-eastern part of the Peloponese with our friends on Margarita; first stop was the ruins of Ancient Corinth then on to the Mycean Ruins – this Bronze Age hilltop palace with its sophisticated architecture was incredible. We then motored down through the wine valley to the coastal town of Nafplio where we enjoyed the Venetian architecture of its buildings and hunted out Zorbas Taverna for his grilled octopus.
Much to Margaret’s delight we found a Lidels supermarket and filled the car with imported white and red wines – none over Euro 3.00 a bottle – even for good Oz chardonnay.
Sunday we discovered our exhaust on the generator had disintegrated so we headed by train into Piraues on two consecutive days to find a new one and source a new high pressure water pump for the water maker. Many of the islands here do not have potable water so we need to be able to make our own all the time.
Finally we were shipshape again and threw the lines at Corinth and made our way east to a cute little seaside resort that for some unknown reason does not attract yachts. We enjoyed the local hospitality until we realized they didn’t have a TV with the Sports Channel. So, with some misgivings since it was Friday, we hauled anchor and headed further along the Gulf of Corinth to the island of Trizonia where Margaret assured us we would find a Sports Bar to watch the Rugby – NZ V SA -- and the America’s Cup.
Well, it wasn’t easy; the Bar had gone. Tony had to comb the small village until he found a small restaurant that would let us watch so long as we had dinner there each night. The arrangement worked well and we even got to enjoy a Greek wedding with 220 guests that was catered for by the same restaurant.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t get to Delphi from Trizonia so yesterday we said goodbye to Margarita and they kept going east while we headed 30nm back west to Itea to tour Delphi. We left by bus at 7.30am today and walked the ruins before the heat of the morning made it impossible. By the time we got back to the yacht at 2.30pm a strong westerly was blowing and the heat was unbearable – in the early 40s. We swam but it did nothing to drop our body temps. The hatches were wide open but the heat blowing in was so bad we shut them while we tried to have a siesta. I wrapped myself in a chilled wet sarong – it worked for ½ hour. It’s now 6-30pm and there’s no respite. We’re drinking everything in the fridge and downing electrolytes to prevent headaches – it’s too hot to sit, stand or sleep – not looking forward to the night.
As soon as the heatwave breaks we will head east again. If it doesn’t, we may just take a bus over to the mountains in the Peloponese and do some sightseeing where hopefully it will be a little cooler.
Love to all
Esmae & Tony
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
37 56 516N 22 56 085E Corinth Port Greece
14 June 2007
Hi
At 7am on Thursday 14 June, we lifted anchor in the small harbour of Korfos and motored all the way to the Corinth Canal. The wind came up to 15knots but it was right on the nose and pointless to try and tack up the gulf with islands and fish farms and bouys to dodge. We arrived at midday but waited an hour for the Canal Master to collect the dues from a westbound motor yacht which couldn’t tie up to the jetty. We didn’t mind the wait; the Germans behind us got very impatient and ranted and raved about the Greeks and their chaotic marine management.
We waited anxiously to find out how much we would be levied. In the past the fees have been calculated on tonnage (and we are a heavy slow 29 ton boat). We smiled with relief when it was done on our length since the Corinth is the most expensive canal in the world to transit.
After refueling at 1 euro per litre we threw our lines and led the fleet of just four yachts through the canal following closely behind our pilot boat. Fortunately, there were no ships ahead to churn up the water like a washing machine and the nor-westerly that had blown all morning had not created even a ripple in this 3.2mile stretch of narrow water.
Its width of just 25 meters and tall sheer rock faces took our breath away. It is incredulous that this waterway was carved out by 6000 Jewish prisoners under Nero’s direction but was only finished by the French and Greeks in the late 1800s. Apparently the Ancients used to drag their ships across the Isthmus on a paved road.
We exited at the western end and headed around into Corinth Harbour where we found Margarita, our Australian friends who we have sailed with since 1996 tied up alongside the visitors berth. Both Howard and Margaret and their crew looked rather ashen. The harbour master had just advised them that for their two crew to depart and fly out of Athens would require a payment of Euro2,000 – NZ$4,000. It seems there are different rules applying to crew and passengers taken on in the Aegean islands and those that are enforced in the mainland harbours. 24hours has now past and the two crew have discretely absconded to catch their plane. We are staying close by Margarita to ensure they don’t end up with a confiscated yacht, or worse, in jail.
At 7am on Thursday 14 June, we lifted anchor in the small harbour of Korfos and motored all the way to the Corinth Canal. The wind came up to 15knots but it was right on the nose and pointless to try and tack up the gulf with islands and fish farms and bouys to dodge. We arrived at midday but waited an hour for the Canal Master to collect the dues from a westbound motor yacht which couldn’t tie up to the jetty. We didn’t mind the wait; the Germans behind us got very impatient and ranted and raved about the Greeks and their chaotic marine management.
We waited anxiously to find out how much we would be levied. In the past the fees have been calculated on tonnage (and we are a heavy slow 29 ton boat). We smiled with relief when it was done on our length since the Corinth is the most expensive canal in the world to transit.
After refueling at 1 euro per litre we threw our lines and led the fleet of just four yachts through the canal following closely behind our pilot boat. Fortunately, there were no ships ahead to churn up the water like a washing machine and the nor-westerly that had blown all morning had not created even a ripple in this 3.2mile stretch of narrow water.
Its width of just 25 meters and tall sheer rock faces took our breath away. It is incredulous that this waterway was carved out by 6000 Jewish prisoners under Nero’s direction but was only finished by the French and Greeks in the late 1800s. Apparently the Ancients used to drag their ships across the Isthmus on a paved road.
We exited at the western end and headed around into Corinth Harbour where we found Margarita, our Australian friends who we have sailed with since 1996 tied up alongside the visitors berth. Both Howard and Margaret and their crew looked rather ashen. The harbour master had just advised them that for their two crew to depart and fly out of Athens would require a payment of Euro2,000 – NZ$4,000. It seems there are different rules applying to crew and passengers taken on in the Aegean islands and those that are enforced in the mainland harbours. 24hours has now past and the two crew have discretely absconded to catch their plane. We are staying close by Margarita to ensure they don’t end up with a confiscated yacht, or worse, in jail.
Last evening we had a traditional Greek dinner for their departing crew; Greek Mezes; sardines, saganaki, sea bass and Greek salads and carafes of local wine.
Today we had an easy day – finding a rental car firm to go exploring tomorrow – more provisioning and browsing the designer shops . Tony had his first experience of being robbed – Euro 200 – so quick and not even in a crowded place. It was a good lesson to be more vigilant in locking our outboard motors and dinghy and ensuring our hatches and portholes are closed at night so we don’t wake up to find laptops and cameras have disappeared overnight. Amazing, that we have been through the Red Sea and all the poverty stricken countries where you would expect this to happen and here in Greece in what appears to be a prosperous port and hey presto the money has flown out of the back pocket and the backpack has also been raided.
Tonight we enjoyed a quiet pasta dinner on board Antares with Margarita. We’ll be early to bed so we can leave at 7am tomorrow for our inland exploring of the Peloponese.
Then, we head west for new adventures in the Gulfs of Corinth and Patras.
Warmest to all
Esmae
Tonight we enjoyed a quiet pasta dinner on board Antares with Margarita. We’ll be early to bed so we can leave at 7am tomorrow for our inland exploring of the Peloponese.
Then, we head west for new adventures in the Gulfs of Corinth and Patras.
Warmest to all
Esmae
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
