Ionian Ambassador
Jul 18, 2019 12:33:08 GMT
Post by alenka on Jul 18, 2019 12:33:08 GMT
Glad to volunteer as ambassador for Greek Ionian waters if my services are wanted but confess at the outset that my contact list for Gouvia Marina area is a bit sketchy.
Started sailing these waters in charter boats around 2001 and brought 'Fair Game' our 2004 SO 43 DS down in 2013. Our winter base is ashore at Cleopatra Marina (Preveza) and, like most others, our summer is spent in no fixed abode but cruising wherever the wind cares to blow us.
The Ionian can be a fantastic cruising ground or a very frustrating experience depending if you are constantly clashing with flotilla operations who can completely take over some of the smaller harbours on certain nights. This is not a criticism of flots which, 9 times out of 10, are very professional and minimise their impact as best they can. In fact I have also lost track how many times a lead crew have come over and untangled crossed anchors without even been asked. A few months in the area and it is easy to work out where they will be on any given night and go elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the real downside to the area is the need that many feel to get up early and dash to the next harbour to secure a place on the quayside. In doing so they not only miss out on the best winds, which generally kick-in mid afternoon, but cause a level of unnecessary congestion.
This year we made a fast passage through the Gulf of Corinth and canal to Athens; Onwards into the Cyclades as far as Mykinos before a mini Meltemi drove us down into Peloponnese before heading back to Ionian waters. Just short of a 1,000 nms in 45 days.
Greece offers a vast and diverse experiences with many contrasts between the various cruising areas. Hopefully someone else will pick up the challenge for the other regions and share their experiences.
Started sailing these waters in charter boats around 2001 and brought 'Fair Game' our 2004 SO 43 DS down in 2013. Our winter base is ashore at Cleopatra Marina (Preveza) and, like most others, our summer is spent in no fixed abode but cruising wherever the wind cares to blow us.
The Ionian can be a fantastic cruising ground or a very frustrating experience depending if you are constantly clashing with flotilla operations who can completely take over some of the smaller harbours on certain nights. This is not a criticism of flots which, 9 times out of 10, are very professional and minimise their impact as best they can. In fact I have also lost track how many times a lead crew have come over and untangled crossed anchors without even been asked. A few months in the area and it is easy to work out where they will be on any given night and go elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the real downside to the area is the need that many feel to get up early and dash to the next harbour to secure a place on the quayside. In doing so they not only miss out on the best winds, which generally kick-in mid afternoon, but cause a level of unnecessary congestion.
This year we made a fast passage through the Gulf of Corinth and canal to Athens; Onwards into the Cyclades as far as Mykinos before a mini Meltemi drove us down into Peloponnese before heading back to Ionian waters. Just short of a 1,000 nms in 45 days.
Greece offers a vast and diverse experiences with many contrasts between the various cruising areas. Hopefully someone else will pick up the challenge for the other regions and share their experiences.
