PeloponneseFrom Ormos Sarakiniko Bay – Monemvasia – Spetses The Cyclades (Kynthnos – Naxos) The Dodecanese (Leros) end of season
Embracing the Meltemi wind. Sailing back to Leros from the Peloponnese
Briefly
When the winds and waves turned against us, we swiftly swapped our course for the charming coast of Peloponnese instead of risking a bumpy ride to Mylos Island. Our unexpected detour led us to the enchanting Monemvasia, where we meandered through ancient streets and pedaled our way to the stunning fortress. Although Mylos was our original plan, we ended up choosing Spetses Island to escape the brunt of the Meltemi wind. Traveling to Kynthnos Island is another option to avoid storms and strong waves.We had to speed up the trip to Naxos Island and Leros Island before reaching the Meltami period for tens of days.
Continuing the Journey from the Previous Post Record book
At 5:30 a.m., we started the engine, taking advantage of the 6-knots wind while four other boats arrived, and we used the mainsail to steady our boat as we left the beach. As we navigated the waves, we faced a crucial choice: should we set sail for the island of Milos or follow the scenic northern coast of the Peloponnese? We want to visit Milos Island, but with our slow speed of 2-3 knots, we’ll take over ten hours to get there and arrive at night, unsure if Adamantas harbor has a safe place for us to moor against the strong winds.Feeling uneasy from the choppy waves, we quickly chose to head to the next harbor in the Peloponnese, Monemvasia.. {remembering how s/y Wild Passion had described it as “gorgeous.”}
As we approached the giant rock, we were relieved to find quay dock space in the Gefyra marina to secure our boat by 2 p.m.
{Gefyra Marina, from the 2nd – 12th November 2024}
Free docking in November. There are no power outlets. Water supply must walk to the back. You must inform the officer in charge. However, most of the incoming boats in this month will come to avoid strong winds and waves before continuing their journey.
Monemvasia is a town and municipality in Laconia, Greece. The town is located in mainland Greece on a tied island off the east coast of the Peloponnese, surrounded by the Myrtoan Sea. Monemvasia is connected to the rest of the mainland by a tombolo 400 metres in length. Wikipedia
Monemvasia new town (Gefyra)
“Gefyra” in Greek means “bridge,” and in the context of marinas, it likely refers to a marina or harbor area that is located near a bridge or a place where a bridge is a prominent feature.
Built in the shadow of the rock on which the medieval fortress town stands, the new town of Monemvasia has become a lively tourist destination in its own right. A large variety of hotels, restaurants and cafe bars attract thousands of visitors year round.
The fortress is just a short distance away and is served by a regular bus service from Gefyra.
In the town itself is the beach of Kakavos and a little futher out are Pori and the beaches of Nomia.
Gefyra’s stores sell the region’s traditional delicacies, the most famous being its almond sweets.
12th In the evening, we visited the (Friendly) port police to get our cruising log stamped for the journey ahead.
13th We departed Gefyra marina at 8:20 a.m., with a gentle breeze and a cloudy sky above.Despite the windy.com app forecasting calm conditions, the wind unexpectedly hit 24 knots by Monemvasia castle, leading to a bumpy ride to Spetses Island and bringing on a fresh rainstorm. As we arrived at the old port of Spetses island around 3:30 p.m., we struggled to find a place to dock until a helpful English couple guided us to squeeze in next to a fisherman’s boat & a catamaran at the entrance.
14th On our second day at the dock, we met Nicholas, the friendly harbour master, who kindly arranged diesel for us and took me on his motorbike to see the stunning street lined with fragrant flowers and private houses, including his own farm perched on the mountain, while he also offered his phone number for any help we might need.
Spetses island
{Old port, from 13th – 14th November 2024}
No docking fee in November. Power and water supply is not in service.
Cars are prohibited on the Greek island of Spetses, with the exception of a few taxis and residents with permits, and visitors can explore the island by foot, bicycle, motorbike, bus, horse carriage, or by boat.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
No Cars Allowed:Private cars are not permitted within Spetses town, and the use of cars on the island is generally restricted.
Exceptions:A limited number of taxis and vehicles belonging to residents with permits are allowed, but these are restricted to certain areas outside of town.
Alternative Transportation:Visitors can explore the island by:
Walking: Spetses is a small island, making it easy to explore on foot.
Bicycles and Motorbikes: You can rent bikes or motorbikes to get around.
Buses: There is a bus service that operates throughout the island.
Horse Carriages: Traditional horse carriages are a unique and memorable way to travel, especially along the coastal road.
Taxis: Taxis are available, but their number is limited.
Sea Taxis and Traditional Boats: You can use sea taxis or traditional boats to visit beaches and other areas.
Parking:If you arrive by car, you can park it in Kosta, a few miles east of Porto Heli, and then take a ferry or hydrofoil to Spetses.
Motorbike Restriction:During the tourist season, there is a restriction on motorbike traffic from 7 pm to 2 am.
15th We left Spetses Old Port at 6:40 AM for Merichas marina, Kythnos island and docked our boat at 3:30 PM, just as the storm approached, finding only one catamaran already tied up at the pier.
Kynthnos Island
{Μerichas Marina, from 15th – 18th November 2024}
No docking fee in November, water and electrical outlets are available to use. This is the worst docking place of the year (for strong wind from SW or NW) worse than Risan quay dock in Montenegro. Crazy swell came both in front of the boat and back of the boat. We could not anchor either. Need more jumbo fenders to protected side of the boat.!
16th As the storm intensified, The wisely local man urged us to move the boat forward near the gas transport ship to avoid the crashing swells forward and backwards which soon made the jumbo fenders scrape harshly against the concrete wall. We should get 2 to 4 more jumbo fenders to be fully prepared 18th We started the engine at 6:30 AM to rush to Naxos and we only had one night before needing to reach Leros the next day. Before the Meltemi winds would blow continuously for at least a week!. With calm wind, we arrived at Naxos government dock and tied up the boat in Med style at 3:30 AM without any help.
Naxos (only one night) Free docking, can use electric power and water, must self service while docking. Due to a strong wind is coming and is not a good idea to hang out too long..
19th Leaving Naxos At 6:30 a.m., we started the engine and untied the boat, facing unpredicted winds and waves nerim the North of the peninsula and after a brief hesitation. After one hour of strong gusts, the intensity began to diminish. we set sail towards Leros, reaching the marina at 4:30 p.m. which is almost dark. We surprised that Kiriakos dinghy to guide us to Lakki marina dock. Thankful for the help from Angeliki in ensuring our safe arrival back to the island we had long anticipated.
Leros Island Lakki Marina dock fees charge in November (Moor - Dock customer will get discount) and extra charge for water and power
Reunite with Captain Ron&The Gang
We rent a motorcycle to get to Patheni. When we arrived at Moor-Dock, the boatyard was full of boats, squeezing together tightly. Angeliki told us most were from Türkiye. Apparently, Türkiye had raised its marina fees. For Kos island, with its new charter-focused policy. We were speechless. The thought reminded me of the Abaroa boatyard in La Paz, Mexico, where Victor, the Travel Lift operator, parked the boats just one centimeter apart. We imagined here can be the same sooner or later.
As I wandered through the maze of boats and searching for my favorite cat. It had been over six months since I last saw him. Even though we had taken our boat to Montenegro to return to Leros Island. Captain Ron inspired me with his courage as we sailed back to Leros despite strong meltemi wind.
I walked slowly among the boats, feeling tired and start to lost hope. Suddenly, I heard a soft sound, “Meow, meow. ” My heart raced as I turned to see Captain Ron running towards me. He looked thinner than I remembered, but he was alive. I knelt down, calling him softly, “captain Ron, I knew. I missed you too”.
29th of November 2024 Motoring to Moor – Dock boatyard.
Never feel lonely in the company of the cats. Hey guys, Ya Chef is back! Gotta spoiled you all.
Till then,
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