Departure: Ydra, November 4, 7 am Arrival: Poseidon’s temple, November 4, 3 pm Nautical miles: 39
Poseidon, god of the sea and protector of seafarers. Following 7 months at sea sailing from Denmark to Greece it was only appropriate for us to pay a visit to Poseidon’s temple as we embarked on the very last stretch to our final destination for this sailing season, and thank him for a safe and successful voyage. Although we’re neither religious or particularly interested in archaeology, it was a bit emotional standing next to such a symbolic structure and reflecting on the months past. It was a long journey and yet it feels like it all happened in the blink of an eye – so many experience memories and new friendships gained on the way – and we felt both a bit nostalgic for the completed adventure, proud of having pushed our own boundaries and completed our mission as well as excited for the next chapter.
Departure: Poseidon’s temple, November 5, 9 am Arrival: Megalonisos, November 5, 3 pm Nautical miles: 28
During the last few days of our journey we were treated to some summery weather – despite being in the month of November. We shared some lovely days sailing with Leo’s dad and his partner. Megalonisos were one of our favourite anchorages on the way – lovely little islands and very private. In many ways it felt like our days sailing Sweden in May – beautiful weather yet we had it all so ourselves.
Departure: Megalonisos, November 6 Arrival: Yialtron, November 9 Nautical miles: 40+6+30+3+27
*Overnight stop in Osykies, Boufalo and then Nea Arttaki after passing the bridge in Chalkida at around 10 pm.
On the way to anchor in Yialtron, we made an afternoon stop in Loutia Adipsos for a much needed bath in the hot springs. It was amazing! For free, super warm and not crowded at all – just what the doctor ordered to finally let go of the the stress. Yes stress, although we’re happily unemployed, the last stretches across the Med had been followed by a constant nagging question of “will we make it all the way before the weather turns completely against or our engine does?”. Now that we were close enough to be towed the rest of the way of need be, we could finally start to relax and just enjoy those last days.
Departure: Yialtron, November 10, 10.50 am Arrival: Vathikelou, November 10, 5 pm Nautical miles: 27
On our second last day – it was time to race! The wind was up, and so was the competition between father and son. Who would be the victor? The big Hallberg Rassy helmed by newbs or the smaller Camper Nicholson captained by the great and experienced Aleko? Well, we’ll give you one guess.
Nevertheless it was a lot of fun, and frankly, you do learn a lot more from a few hours of racing than days at sea with the autopilot in charge. After 5000 nautical miles maybe we are finally getting the hang of this sailing thing.
Departure: Vathikelou, November 11, 8 am Arrival: Milina, November 11,3 pm Nautical miles: 27
*Stop on the way at Prasouda for lunch and some beach cleaningen.
On the last day we only had a small sail home, so we stopped for lunch and a beach clean at the bear monastery island of Prasouda, as we arrived in Leo’s hometown Milina we were greeted by Leo’s aunties and local friends. All in all the perfect homecoming for Leo.
After arriving in Miina, we decided quite literally to take some weight off Dory Man, we emptied most of our stuff – including clothes for all seasons, kite and wing foil equipment, surf skates, camping equipment, books, barbeque and food, lots of food, accumulated over the time and for no reason! Anyway, Dory appreciated it and the water line rose by about 3-4cm, quite amazing!
We’ve attached Dory Man to a Leo’s dad’s mooring as he had to take his boat out on the hard after more than 6 years – we can now use a hopefully solid mooring for the next couple of months. The views for Dory Man are spectacular and Leo’s aunties’ house is just next to the boat, so they can watch over her and keeping her company. As a bonus it’s just a 20 min walk away from our little house.
We now moved into a tiny house, enjoying some of the pros of living a stable land life. But we do miss the boat life already, planning some day sails and looking into an early start in spring when we’ll recommence life as #liveaboards and full-time sailors. ‘Till then lots of work needs to be done, both on land (as we’re in the middle of a bigger renovation project) and on Dory Man. Btw. Kai still loves the boat life and is always super excited to step aboard.
Stay tuned for the next adventure! 2022 we’re planning for you to be no less epic than 2021!
A Green Heading 