Sabbaticus Travel Log: Sicily to Greece

The trip from Sicily to Greece was our last big passage for the next few months. While we had hoped for some wind the forecast was not favourable for the next 10 days, and waiting a couple of weeks at anchor was not an option as we needed to be in Athens to meet family. The passage was easy as we motored for 50hrs and only sailed for 8hrs. While it was frustrating to motor at least nothing broke enroute and our trusty Yanmar engine chugged on. As we raised the Greek flag a pod of dolphins paid us a visit which we took as a 'local welcome'. About 60NM offshore we were visited by two sparrows for many hours as they rested, however during Leanne's watch one of them sat down beside her and died.Thankfully John was able to perform the appropriate sea burial during his watch. Another bright coloured bird joined us for several hours sitting on the aft
seat with and kept an eye on us.

After 2.5 days and 220NM we finally arrived on the island of Zakinthos in Greece. This was a picturesque bay with a local town quay for yachts, taverna's, bakery and mini-market. We decided to anchor out to enjoy the privacy (allowing us to shower on the swim platform) and solitude. During one walk we unfortunately confirmed there are snakes in Greece.

Local fishing boat at Zakinthos

Several days later we moved oto Patras, the third largest city in Greece, which was a port of entry and chance to clear customs. While this process was relatively easy it extended to five hours of Leanne's day as she waited for the personnel shift change to obtain the necessary transit log and stamps from Customs and the Port Police. Patras Marina was in the heart of the city, a bit smelly and noisy with the waterfront bars packed until the early hours of the morning with students. There was little civic pride evident with rubbish on the streets, overgrown weeds, broken pavements and buildings in dire need of repair. This was all part of the atmosphere that was relaxed with locals who were willing to assist.

With our jobs completed and the main tourist sites visited two days later we were departing Patras. The highlight on this short trip was passing under the Rion-Andirrioni suspension bridge to enter the Gulf of Cornith. The bridge was completed in 2004 and is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world at 2.25 miles long with an air height of 45mtrs. Next stop was a picturesque bay at Trizonia. This bay was a small fishing hamlet which was lush and green covered in vines and olives - a peaceful place to rest for a night. It was then onto Itea where we moored alongside the town quay and saw our first NZ yacht!

The stopover in Itea was solely to visit Delphi which is acknowledged as one of the most spectacular and beautiful classical sites in Greece set admist the ravines, rocky bluffs and sheer cliffs of Mt Parnassos. Delphi was regarded in as the religious and spiritual centre of the ancient Greek world and is best known for the oracle at the sanctuary that was dedicated to the god Apollo. It was during Apollo's time, starting in 586 BC, that athletes from all over the Greek world competed in the Pythian Games - a precursor of the Modern Olympics.

Our social lives are improving now that we are into the cruising areas. We are enjoying the multi-national community of sailing and meeting other liveaboard couples, hearing their stories and learning from their experiences while sharing meals out or drinks onboard. One inspirational Brit couple were still sailing in their 70's. We also are learning to avoid being next to French boats who seem to come into all areas at high speed and little regard to others. Our last French 'neighbour' hit our bow anchor on departure - just as well our anchor was bigger than his and did not sustain any damage as he hit his sides and stern into the concrete wall on departure.

Below are some photos from our anchorage in Zakinthos and Delphi.