Working again!

Well were just back in Samos Marina after a week in Preveza carrying out two Insurance Surveys. We were busy marketing during the winter months and a few work enquiries are now starting to come in. Check out the new website www.yachtsurveysgreece.com

We also have another Yacht to survey next week in the marina, so all good news. 

On our way to Preveza on the west coast of Greece. We hired a car after flying to Athens, about a 6 hour drive over the Corinth canal.

Some drop! and some BUNGEE!!

Stayed in a lovely little family run hotel. Writing the report up by the pool! 

2nd inspection was this Caïque, a traditional fishing boat usually found among the waters of the Ionian or Aegean Sea. Traditionally a small wooden trading vessel and rigged with a sail. The caïque is also a typical case of positioning the widest beam far aft, with a long sharp bow.Today, this type of vessel, varying in size are popular for tourist charters.

Caïques were built on the foreshore in a shipyard from pine wood. The hull of the craft is built with sawn ribs and a timber keel, stem, etc. covered with carvel planking, terminated with the deck. In the stern of the caïque the predominant form is the tiller. (see pic).

Cleopatra Marine in Preveza holds 1000's of Yachts on the hard, made some good contacts with the local Yacht Brokers

1st assignment was this traditionally designed two-masted wooden sailing Gulet from the southwestern coast of Turkey, probably built in the coastal towns of either Bodrum or Marmaris, although similar vessels can be found all around the eastern Mediterranean. Today, this type of vessel, varying in size from 14 to 35 metres is popular for tourist charters. 

Corinth bridge - about 2 hours from Preveza

Today Preveza is a commercial harbour and tourist hub, with a marina, 4 Museums, two cinemas, an open theatre, a music Hall (OASIS), many clubs, taverns and cafes, benefiting from its proximity to the nearby Aktion National Airport and the nearby island of Lefkada, a major tourist destination.

For Survey information email me at info@yachtsurveysgreece.com

Return to Leipsoi

We set sail to the island of Agathonisi first which took us about 5 hours with the wind behind us. (see video last post). 

We thought we would venture out now springs here, away from Samos and further afield! The small island of Agathonisi was the first stop. Agathonísi, a gorgeous isolated place, A small Greek island about 4 hours from Samos and located at the northernmost point of the Dodecanese. It is surrounded by many smaller islands and is home to two villages, both inland; Megálo Chorió ("Big Village"), and Mikró Chorió ("Small Village"). Between them is the small settlement of Agios Georgios (Saint George), which forms the island's only harbor and consists of a few hotels and restaurants. The island is also locally known as Gaidaro ("Donkey"), or by its ancient name Tragea.

After a few days it was onto Arki another small island 4 hours motoring west. Weather was sunny but with a good swell especially around the head of the island where 'Christinas' heavy keel was tested!

The small population of Arki means that there is no real capital, but most inhabitants live close to the main harbour with the rest living scattered around the island on higher ground. The majority of the population find employment in fishing, goat herding or running one of the island's four tavernas.

Onto Lipsi, this time another 4 hours sailing south. We love this place, the small cobbled back streets are quinticentually Greek plus the people are so friendly and great fishing! We also met another British couple Dennis and Sandra who are lovely and have spent time sailing their Catamaran around the Med for many years so they were able to tell us a few tales  and places to look out for ! 

Yep.... I finally caught lunch!After the local guys gave me some tips !! About time. A perch type species and new to Greek waters apparently,  Made for a simple brunch ..... healthy and a good eater...

Lipsi Town is the main village and centre of activities for the island. It spreads along the port and has traditional architecture.

Wine oclock in Lipsi. Due to its small size and the long distance from Athens, this island has not developed much in tourism and remains very peaceful. This will be a favourite of ours !!

Christina did us proud once again getting us to our destinations safe and sound. What an amazing yacht ! She can handle any sea ! Everywhere we go people stop to look at her and ask about her history . All say how beautiful she is and she draws people to her because of this. We are so proud of this wonderful boat ! Thank-you Christina! We love you !!

Might be a very quiet and intimate wedding lol! 

Heading into Lipsi....

Had a slight accident in Lipsi!! Another boat caught our 'Dolphin' (wire at front of boat) and waiting for a new one to be made in Athens.... it'll be Greek time - so might be a while and will limit our sailing capabilities until its fitted! 

Errrr a little bent. Apologises all round from a group of Doctors who were driving a little to quick!!

Hmmmm! 

One of 20 odd churches you can see from the port. God knows how many on the whole island.
What an amazing and beautiful place ! Definitly  returning soon once this next spell of windy weather settles.
We have returned to Samos after a wonderful trip back on the crystal clear Agean and are looking forward to many more advenures visiting  these gorgeous islands  and beyond.

Two days away from Samos

We've now been travelling for about a week and have two days to go before we get to Samos our winter home.... Weathers still great but evenings cold (10th November 2015).