www.yachtdolphins.com

Starting out - Corfu

"Dad" was in Denver picking up winter clothes and the Calvert school system for Grade 3, 2 and Kindergarten. - American but, cheap and very very good. Mum picked him up from Heathrow at 10am after the finishing touches of packing the remaining house into the attic.

After an afternoon at Fairing finishing things like rental agreements and posting the SSR application, we finally set off for Gatwick at 5:30pm. Checking in was eventless and Gatwick airport was our last call for final bits and pieces such as batteries, AC plug adapters and tixilix for the cold-ridden children.
A 10:15 flight to Corfu was cramped but straight forward. Sophie vowed to stay awake the whole time but eventually fell asleep 20 mins before landing. With 5 carry on bags and Jack (with the pushchair in the hold) we woke Emma and Louisa, but could not wake Sophie. With the plane now empty Sophie finally woke enough to hobble to the airport, were we waited for about 2 hours before our boxes and bags were on the belt. All the children were now asleep on the airport floor along with a stray dog. Helen was getting irritable with the smoking, the people and the stray dog snuggling a little too close to the children. (Im sure he was just protecting them).

2 taxis took us to Gouvia Marina at 5am for 15E each, and while Helen waited with the bags at the end of the quay, I took the girls to the boat and got them tucked into their beds. They were too tired to be excited. WE found 2 shopping trolleys joined by the Coin chain, back to back. we piled the boxes and bags in them and precariously wheeled them to the boat. WE left them in the cockpit and went to bed.

10th

Awaking at 11am, we checked out the boat. and apart from a 6 week old dried banana and 20 gallons of water collected in the bimini cover (slightly bending the frame), the boat was exactly as the "delivery crew" left it.

The day (well afternoon) was spent unpacking, storing, organising and cleaning the boat, Mum was a star. Dad emptied and retied the Bimini (including re-bending the frame). Emptied the dingy of another 20 gallons of Water and cleaned the green scum left over on the bimini and in the dingy. Then instead of walking the length of the pontoon Dad took the girls for a spin in the Dingy to the office and the swimming pool. Arranged to move the boat to the Charter "B" Quay ready for the impending arrival of the boxes from the shippers. (hopefully tomorrow). A quick swim and back for a play and clean the decks. We all walked ashore and had dinner at "Harry's" Taverna. The kids didn’t eat it so we boxed it up ready for the following days lunch.

11th
An easy day spent playing, tidying and more playing. We moved the boat to the charter quay doing a quick "round the buoys" for 30 mins first.

Dad bought a 75cm s/s 22m diameter rod for Jacks cot to hold the middle of the netting up so he didn’t summersault over the netting. Bought Louisa a folding scooter so she could be the same as her older sisters scooting on the quay side. Dad did Jacks cot and put in cup hooks behind doors and everywhere to hold netting for stowing toys and stuff. Helen bought provisions for dinner. So after an evening walk along the quay looking at the boat and playing "what’s the time Mr wolf" - Well that’s what Helen calls it!. A super of Greek yogurt and all in bed by 9pm (but still awake at 10:30!) Mum and Dad relaxed. Boxes look like arriving Friday.

12th
Cleaned the decks in the morning in the rain and watched thunderstorms all day. Played card games and dominos. Did a big shop in the evening buying, food, plates, saucepans, toilet roll etc, spent 250 E. Helen and Sophie had a haircut in the local Hairdressers and had another evening meal out. Everything got a little wet today !.

13th Gouvia -> Petriti 23m Variable 2/3 -> NW 4/5

Up and cast off at 11am Sophie learning how to "cast off", coil and stow the ropes. Motor sailed due East to 2 miles off Albania Coast as wind was SW. then thunderstorms headed in and changed the wind around to N and headed us south towards petriti (perfect planning). In winds 4/5 we put one reef in the main and broad reached all the way to Petriti.
On the way Sophie learned how to coil ropes and winch the Mainsail car on the track. Kids did some art inside and we entered Petriti in 18 knots of wind and moored at 1530 alongside an old German Steel sailing/fishing boat. We had Dinner and then went ashore for an ice cream for supper - It rained !

14th Petriti -> Gouvia 18m

Set off early (9am) to go pack to Gouvia (Maybe the boxes will turn up today). We mopor-sailed back in excellent time (ave 7 knots). we got back for lunch. We were told we had to move the boat off the quay as the charters were coming back later today. As Sophie cast off after lunch, one of the quays mooring lines wrapped around the prop. A good throw from Sophie and the bow was secured back to the quay. (The stern wasn’t going anywhere as it was stuck fast to the mooring line 3 feet from the securing point on the quay. Dad then got on his facemask and with the newly bought (and very sharp) bread knife in his teeth, went over the side to free the rope. The water was full of marina excrement, sludge and general marina goo - not a very pleasant job. a new line hanked onto the mooring line, and 5 minutes of hacking below the boat the rope became clear. A shower off and we cast off again.

We moored up back on the outer pontoon and the got on a bus to Corfu town. looked around the castle and T in a cafe then wandered around Corfu old town (well we discovered it by accident). Mum broke a trinket while walking around a shop and had to pay the man 5E - The shop keeper was very rude ! Back home on a bus with sleepy children and in bed by 9pm.

15th
Rained all day, games - when it finished Dad took the kids to an Aladdin "Jungle Gym" for
a play, dinner on board and then bed.

Mon 16th
Started school today. Moored on the quay again and the boxes finally arrived at 1400. We unpacked them all afternoon, went swimming in the swimming pool, had meat pies in the local cafe and back for bed. The cost of delivery for 1.2m cubed of our stuff was 450E. As we unpacked we realized we brought tooooo much. Packed extra clothes and toys into boxes and bags and stowed them underneath the berths.

Lakka Paxos - Meeting "Ocean Breezes"

Tues 17th
Gouvia -> Lakka/Paxos V0/1 35m

Although we had another week paid for in Gouvia, it was starting to annoy us - very impersonal, dirty and boring. So we set off for a rendezvous with Ocean Breezes who said they were in Lakka. we set off and I noticed that the port engine cooling water was taking 2 or 3 minutes to exit from the exhaust pipe. Also there was no log reading. I showed Sophie and Emma the hole in the bottom of the boat by taking out the log impellor. The impellor was caked in weed and goo. Dads toothbrush served as a handy cleaning implement for it. We motored all the way - trying to get the cruising chute up to no avail. half way across the port hand engine overheated. I suspected a broken sea water pump impellor, so we continued on with one engine (oh how I love cats!). We anchored in the bay in 4m and was met by Chris from Oceanbreezes. Our outboard didn’t start. Ill take a look at the engine and outboard tomorrow ! - Note to self: must get new toothbrush.

Weds 18th Lakka
Up all night worrying about anchor drag and swing. Got to sleep at 2am. Then awoke at 4am with a thunderstorm and 10-15knot winds turning the boats around in the bay. We swung at different times to monohulls and at one time we were 5 feet from the stern of a 25 foot monohull. I was plotting the position with the GPS at 1/1000 of a minute and tried to plot the swing and any drag. Everything checked out fine.

Bad morning Dad was very tired, He looked after Jack in the morning while Mum did school. Did nothing all day except lift the outboard engine off the dingy onto the boat ready for looking at tomorrow (!). Ocean breezes came over for a beer and went to bed after remembering to put the anchor chain harness on.

Thurs 19th
Slept very well. Fixed the engine (it was just a loose belt on impellor pump). Created 5 CD's from Miss Cathy’s "children’s Raffi sing along" CD collection which Dad had captured months ago.. We swam in the sea then moved the boat to Lakka quay. smelt a bit, but we could walk ashore rather than having to row the dingy. Went to a cafe checked internet and had a quick drink.

Fri 20th Sept

Dad took Jack ashore with the Dingy fuel tank and walked 8km to the local fuel station. The pushchair being an excellent carriage for the 10 gallon tank.
Anchored back in the bay with a stern line to the shore around a rock to stop swinging.
played around in the dingy, Dad and Jack zipping under the bridge deck. Sophie and Emma ferrying the dingy on the stern rope to the rock and back. and Mum fell over (the stern rope) badly. Crying stopped play, and Mum had to be seen to to check for broken bones, slipped disks, mislodged contact lens, or hair slightly ruffled. she checked out fine and play started up again.

Sat 21st Sept

spent the afternoon playing with Ocean Breezes, dragging surfboard behind our 10hp outboard and trying to water ski. Chris stood up, Dad had problems getting up further than Knees. The kids did being dragged behind on the surfboard. Lots of fun. Weather great.

moved the boat back stern to the quay.
Hundreds of flys (little thunder flies) bigger than UK thunder flies - they collected on the decks and anything white. little buggers.
A bruise has appeared on Helens behind.

Back to Gouvia Marina

Sun 22nd Sept

Awoke with plans to go South and see a bit more of the Ionian before our trip to Italy and Beyond. The Handy Navtex was consulted and the terms SE, 5-6 locally 7 later, changed the mood a bit. We talked it over and felt that we wanted to move on so we would brave the elements and poke our noses out. If it was too bad, we could always come back. We went over to Ocean Breezes and said our goodbyes - expectant to meet up again in Malta in 4 weeks or so. (OceanB - was to Winter in Malta).thew our stern lines, weighed the anchor and motored off to Lakka's coved entrance.
12:30 Left Lakka - Lunch was served on the way out.

When we left the headland (with fog horn blasts from the OceanBreezes crew, now on the cliff path, waving goodbye) we ploughed into the Sea, half meter in height, white horses formed. winds SE 18 knots;- not bad. but we didn’t fancy the trip South so we headed North back to Petri - a 3 hour trip, should be there by 3:30 for a wash down and Tea.

Foresail up, engines on to recharge the batteries, we motor sailed North, with the wind30 degrees of the starboard quarter. The seas started to increase, and the winds picked up to the predicted 6 - around 22 knots. We were surfing on the waves and with both forms of power we were cruising at around 8 knots. This speed was short of the wave speed and the boat lollopped (as Cats do) in its erratic motion. Every effort was made to save Sophie and Emma from falling asleep ("I feel sea-sick"), horizon staring, looking out for boats, counting the white horses etc, but one by one they fell asleep and were laid to rest in their cabins, One with a frying pan the other with a saucepan. Louisa was fine (although nodding off now) and Jack was strapped into his pushchair in the cabin to go to sleep, as we could not watch him in his cot with the rough wave motion.

So with all kids asleep we turned the headland for a broad reach/motorsail to Petri. We could see another boat closing in on Petri and we arrived in front of it. There was only one space at the quay, as all the fishing boats were taking all the available space. Sail in, We motored in slowly with Stern ropes laid, fenders out. The tandem anchor was untied, but woudnt drop, I pressed the "down anchor" but still didnt drop - It was jammed. The sea in the harbour was not the best, and the wind was not as sheltered as it could have been, blowing side on into the space. I tried to free it, but no luck, we motored back out for some space, and after many banging, pulling, heaving and swearing, the anchor came free. In the meantime the other boat slipped ungracefully into the slot, I noticed that he wasnt making eye contact!.

Ok plan B or C - anchor in the bay of Petriti ( and risk the swing and the drag in a possibly F7) or soldier on and make a rush for Corfu Town or Gouvia Marina. Water, shelter, Hot showers, laundry, Oil changes, and Emmas Birthday Present were all calling, We went for Gouvia. 1 reef in the Main - after much hassle getting it up, the cover caught in the Main sheet Block, Reefing lines wrapped around the Radar. Jib out full, we turned the engines off and Goosewinged WNW. now with peak wind gusts at 33 knots and a rolling sea from behind we managed 12.2 knots on the log for a split second. The whole journey covering 40 miles took 5 hours (assuming 30 mins messing around in Petriti). Averaging 8knots. The p[land for getting the main down was to wait until the shelter from Gouvia, It worked a treat, we hammered all the way up the channel turned into te Marina, the wind dropped, dead into wind, the main flopped peacefully into its bag, ropes ready, lot of fenders, we came even more peacefully along side the (Charter) Quay, where Helen had got a Great Hotpot and Rice served up, perfect timing. The decks were washed down in clean water, and all the Lakka mess was cleared off - dead flies, muddy footprints etc etc.

A bit of TV and then to bed.
The bruise seems to be getting bigger.

Monday 23rd
Well the prediction of Force 7's and thunderstorms was right (Navtex seems to be pretty good). The whole day was torrential rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. School was a success, and "playschool with Jack" was spent in Dads cabin playing farms, jigsaws and shape toys. Jack, fell asleep exhausted at 11am. Left over HotPot for Tea and a movie (or 2 for the kids), and off to bed to the symphony of thunder and Lightening. The sky was constantly alight with lightening all around, jumping in the clouds and striking land, wind shift of 180 degrees, gusting about 30, torrential rain, and thunder after thunder.
The bruise seems to be turning all shades of the rainbow.

Tuesday 24th 700 E
A quiet morning of weather, School Again with the usual brisk "Grace CD" warm up music during breakfast. Dad and Jack went for a mammoth 3 hour Shop spending 200E on lots of everything including 10 tins of emergency spam!. 500E OF CASH, extracted (as CCards tend to invite a 5-8% surcharge.
Dragging the Shopping Trolley packed full of food back to the boat. The customary "Chain Gang" of all hands on deck to pass the food bags from shore to Galley for stowage was usual fun of quotes like "Eggs in this one, watch out, pass it on" and "this ones heavy, glass, be careful, pass it on". Helen stayed to stow the food and tidy up school, while Dad and the kids headed off to the local Cafe for a sausage Roll and a coke. Helen joined later. 5 litres of 50/40 Oil (and another 5 for spare, some rust remover and Dad was ready for an afternoon of 2 oil changes and some rust-spots-on-the-deck-removing. The Pella pump that was to be a mess-free oil change wonder, looked good. Except one thing the little plastic widget to connect the pipe to the tank was broken when opened. hmmmm, not to worry, Dad managed to heat up the plastic pipe and squeeze it over the plastic flange, and with the vacuum in the Pump the tube stayed on very nicely - ok so after lots of pumping, it seems that the recommended 10-20 pumps isnt enough to lift the full 2.3 litres of dud oil.a total of about 50 or so was required over a period of about 30 mins managed to suck all the oil out. as the last remaining drops of oil are sucked out the vacuum is released and...... the pipe plops off and spurts the last remaining drops over the "immaculately clean" engine room and Dad. So another 30 mins spent manhandling the now oily pella pump and pipes out across the boat to the quay, and cleaning said items, cleaning up the engine room, and Dad. Thank god for super glue. a dab on the pipe and the flange and the tube was now stuck in place for good - perfect. The 2nd engine was a doddle. After reading the instructions and this time turning the engine over for 5 minutes to warm the oil, the job went smoother. Still lots more pumping, but it was a smooth and clean job. New Oil in both engines and 2 good jobs done. To top it all, the rust spots were cleaned easily while the oil was pumping, so extra boat brownie points all round and a successful afternoon.

In the meantime, Helen was setting of for "Jungle Jims" but found it was closed, so went to the park instead. They arrived back just as Dad locked the boat up to join them. Dad and the kids played on deck on the trampolines while Mum got Dinner of Pasta, Parmesan Cheese sauce on Spam and broccoli.
In the evening and the night, the same thunderstorms hit us and the boat got a good soaking.
I have never seen a bruise like it, the largest, most colorful bruise in the world. "Mum why is your bruise Green - no blue, purple, red..." I think be the size of it Mum was allowed to cry after the fall after all.

Weds 25th
Another school morning after the Singalong 1/2 hour with Dad and breakfast. Dad and Jack took a walk and had a coffee a cake and a paper at the local cafe, at 11am Jack started snoozing so was put back to the boat for a sleep. Dad zipped off on the Scooter to check out the Main port, Corfu Sailing club and NAOK harbour for Town moorings during the in-law visit. The main port was awful, very busy, very dirty. Corfu SC was very nice, set in the grounds of the fort, which is now, museums, art and music colleges. The harbour was a bit of a walk, 24E a night. NAOK was great, 20E a stones throw away from the Old town, shops etc. Showers, potable water and great views. I think we'll try them out. Parked the scooter in town and walked around trying to find 1. Music shop - for Emmas Bday present (Keyboard), 2. The dreaded Douvet for Helens cold tootsies. 3. DVD software for the laptop. Failed on all three counts. Headed out past the airport to the Trade centres hoping to find more there. Still no sign of a music shop.

Arrived back aT 3PM at the same timer as Mum and the kids returned from the swimming pool in their swimming costumes. ( mums bruise is looking bigger than ever - almost taking over the whole right thigh and buttock - I wonder if it will develop into an all-over bruise). Dad took Jack for a quay side walk/toddle, had tea in the cockpit (at last the rain looks like it s over) tasty chicken and rice, and then Dad took all the kids to the Park while Mum tidied up and joined at the park (first time on the skooter). Back on board Dad gave Jack a bath on deck in the new bought "baby bath"/oversized-square-laundry-bucket. Helen washed Sophie’s hair in the B-bath, then Supper and Bed.

Gouvia Marina is starting to wear thin on me. for 33E a night, the staff are unhelpful. The so called Internet room is always closed. The swimming pool opens when it likes, the safety chains on the swings for infants are missing and when I enquired at 4pm about what time we must leave to not have to pay for tonight - the answer was "2pm" and they wouldn’t budge. So we decided to stay the night and leave around noon tomorrow for a few days anchoring before Helens Parents turn up (We want to be in NAOK- near town for that).

Cruising Corfu

thurs 26th Gouvia -> Kalami 8 miles
An easy day to get out of the damn Marina. Gouvia proved me right again;... Yesterday the Office staff told me that Drinkable water was available only at the Fuel station at the entrance to Gouvia. So I paid at the office in the morning with Jack (after an expresso and read of yesterdays british papers). And we emptied the water tanks of the 20% salt - brakish disgusting marina free water. The fueling jetty told me that they didnt have any water but the Marina office has some "energy cards" which can be used for drinking water.... Grrr - Im getting right ticked off now. I called the office on Ch69 and asked them about the water - "ahh yes we have that", "OK" I enquired; "and were is this water?" - " Oh you can go back to where you were". I didnt feel convinced but went back thinking there was some secret pipe somewhere that I hadnt seen. moored up amongst the charter boats were we were. I borrowed the kids skooter and nipped back to the office.... 3 cards for 300 litres of drinkable water; 3.51 Euros - how on earth someone invented 1.17E for 100 liters of water, Ill never no. Any way, after waiting 10 minutes while they insisted on printing me out an invoice for 3.51 before they would give me my change, they told me that the water was only available on D, E and F pontoons (which seemed private pontoons) only. So - I moved the boat again and, yes, we made it, there was the "energy" water outlet. I poked the hose in and turned the tap - lo and behold water - without having to put the energy card in. A nearby German told me that it has been broken for ages and is the only one "free" in the marina - sounds like a well kept secret. Just as well as I discovered my water tank holds 600 litres not 300 I estimated !.

So we eventual got going by 4pm (Helen even had time to make and back some scones - ahem, well what turned out to be biscuits). Wind W (5-6knots), I hoisted the "Genoeka" and the full mainsail. with 5 knots of wind we managed between 3-4.5 knots through the water. Infact there were times when we went faster than the wind and the Gen backed., On average we did just under 4 knots and got to the anchorage at 6pm intime for Helens serving of "Nice-Rice bacon". Anchored in 5 metre a stones through from the beach. S,E, and mum swam to the beach and back. Very nice anchorage, shared it with one other yacht - a 60 footer, I suspect its a busy resort in the height of summer. Sophie did a bit of homework with Mum and the others watched Willy Wonker choclate factory. and so to bed.

Fri 27th Kalami
School morning - Review day. Dad spent the morning in "Jacks" room working out the material requirements for Italy, Malta and Tunisa courtesy flags. Dad and Jack then went ashore and walked the road - very touristy. checked Email at a Hotel reception, and found Scooby Doo, Spy Kids II on VideoCD.... Went back to the boat for lunch, Jack had and afternoon sleep and then while Helen explored the bay in the dingy (1st time practice on the outboard!) Dad rigged out the boom and we swung from the deck into the water. Emma joined Mum in the dingy, then it was Dads turn and explored the next 3 bays Northwards. Dad cooked Dinner (Tuna Lasagna) and afterwards we all played on the beach while mum tidied up. We then watched Spykids II before bed.

Sat 28th
Awoke with a weather forecast of rain and thunderstorms. So we decided to Hire a car and go exploring. By the time we got a break in the weather and got ashore we got to the hire place at noon. Helen and kids went to get some lunch while Dad and Sophie waited to get the car sorted out. 12:30 we arrived at the taverna for lunch and noticed that the boat had swung now onto a onshore swing about 20 metres of the shore. The shore didnt shallow until 2 metres off the beach so things were not bad, but just incase, Dad went to the dingy to more the stern of the boat onto one of the mooring bouys for added holding. As he got into the dingy the heavens opened the lightning hit and torrential Rain ensued. by the time he got to the boat (after a flap over the outboard safety starting cable) he was drenched right through. engine on, maneuvered the boat and secured up. The Rain continued to pelt down so Dad had lunch aboard while the others ate in the taverna on the beach. When the rain stopped Dad joined them and we all pilled in the Suzuki swift toy car. We left the mobile number with the Taverna and asked if there was any problems with the boat to call us.

We set off and toured around the NE-N coast of corfu looking at the bays, harbours, and towns. Everywhere seemed to be extremely Touristy, beyond belief touristy, almost like the towns where designed for nothing but british tourists. the anchorages were looking untenable in the North winds. We couldnt decide to get dinner here and head back after dark with sleepy children or head back soon foir dinner on the beach. We were then called by the Taverna and he said he didnt like the boat it was 10 metres from the beach, no wind little waves. So I said it would be ok, as I knew the lay of the anchor and new that it would go no further than 10 metres from the beach. I reassured him it would be ok, as we had 2 anchors down 5x scope of chain and also secured the stern to a mooring bouy.
We carried on exploring, more tourist nightmares. Then Another phone call, he was still concerned and said we should come back. Not wanting to risk fate, and realizing that our decision had been made for us, we headed straight back to the boat and while Mum got the kids dinner sorted in the Taverna, Dad headed back to the boat (no rain this time) and anchored further out (deeper water - more scope) and moored stern to the mooring bouy with a stern rope. We were now 50 metres from the shore, and everyone was happy. After Dinner at 8pm, we all piled into the dingy from the beach (with hardly any surf at all) and got back to the boat. Jack wwnt straight to bed and we all settled down to nother night at the movies with the Scooby DOo Movie VideoCD. (btw.. both movies were pirate copies of videocameras at the back of the cinema.)

Note: Bought huge candles a few days ago - 2 big blocks with 5 wicks in each. These serve as very adequate lights for the saloon at night. (5 wicks for dim, 10 for reading).

Note: kalami suffers slightly from distant wash from ferries passing in the North Channel, 1 mile away, which causes some rocking (not bad in a cat, but I could imagine a single hull being thrown about a bit)

Sun 29th Kalami -> Ay Stefanou 1m V0/1
An adventurous day planning to go 1m up the coast to a new anchorage!. The rain stopped Mum and Sophie wanting to go Pedelo'ing. Dad went ashore to take the DVD's back - they were pirate copies and wasnt prepared to pay the 15E for each!. after tidying up and having a snooze, we set off for Ay Stefanou at 3pm. We anchored in 3.5m of water and Dad went ashore with sophie and Emma to have a few stiff vodka and cokes, ice cream and personal space!. An evening meal and a candle lit story time of "The Lion the Witch and the wardrobe" before bedtime.

Mon 30th Ay Stefanou. weather picking up. sunny all day with the odd shower.
Another morning of successful school, while Dad and Jack went shopping for the odd provision and hung the washing out. After another lunch of salami, cheese and biscuits and fruit. Mum and the kids adventured on land and the dinghy while Dad got to grips with the computers to try to enable the ease of writing emails on the boat to transfer to floppy disk to send via an Internet cafe. - success! Dad also organised and tidied the office files and boat manuals. a lazy dinner of chicken and rice. Followed by Mum, Sophie and Louisa going ashore for some tomatoes to try to make tomato soup tomorow....... we shall see.

Tuesday 1st Oct. Ay Stefanou -> N. Erikoussa 20 miles weather: NNW 5/6.
ANother morning of school while Dad and Jack got the boat prep'ed and ready for sail. We set off at 10:30am during break time, where I taught Emma how to raise the anchor, including safety aspects and scope of chain markings. Sophie actually demonstrated the weighing of the anchor. The wind was barely registering 2 knots True as we motored on both engines through the North Channel onto the North coast of Corfu. Where was the 5 and 6's they forcast. Dad tuned into the VHF broadcast weather forecast at noon and - yes, they were still forecasting 5/6 NNw. OK, if the forcast is true its going to be on the nose for the last houir or 2 to Erkoussa. The plan is to check out the island for shelter and provisions to use it as the spring board for our Italian crossing. 1 pm and still a flat calm, we cut the engines (as the sea was picking up a swell) and ate the home made tomato soup Mum had made in the morning. (The swell had stopped school early, So Mum made soup!). after lunch the wind picked up a little, enough to get the sails up and push us at 2knots. then at 2pm it hit us! The line of white horses could be seen approaching. I must learn from this..... after it hit us I put a reef in the main - It would have been easier in th 6knot winds rather than the 16 knot winds!. With the wind whipping the boat forward at a good 8 knots we were soon getting apparent wind of 24+knots. The wind then picked up to 20 knots - apparent wind 28+. 1 Reef and half the Jib out we were making about 45 degrees to out apparent wind, or about 60 degrees to the true (NW) wind. This extra bit of West in the wind wasnt favorable for making the Island, and the waves being a good 3-4 feet, stopped any form of heading direct to the Island - with or without the engines helping. We tacked on 260' and 2 miles from the Island changed onto a 100" tack North with the engines on to take us into the South Bay. Helen and the kids by this time were down below sitting around (standing/walking was not doable) Jack was strapped in his chair eating bananas. The girls lounged around listening to tapes while Jack had a turn being seasick. Mum caught the Banana spew in her hands and grabbed a bowel for the rest of it. Mum and Jack went to bed and the next 30 minutes we made the bay and the swell stopped in the Lee of the land. It was then I noticed that one of the reefing lines was caught around the radar rig. It had bent the bracket and one of the bolts. I was able to lash it upright with a tie to a stanchion. Main sail down and we headed for 3 metres of water just off the beach and anchored. The wind was still blowing in the bay but no waves or swell. We sorted ourselves out on anchor and I prepared the boat for coming alongside the Ferry quay. Lazy Spring, bow and Stern ropes, and all the fenders out. we then motored along side, Helen stepped off the bow (we were being blown off) and managed to get the lazy spring (secured bow and midships) around the forward post. with the boat attached I was able to sing the boat back to secure a stern rope. with lots of maneuvering and every rope onboard used to truse the boat up, we were able to stop and get Dinner down our necks. After dinner Dad and the kids went for a walk while Mum cleaned up Dinner, Sick and Mess. A treat od DVD - "TOy Story", 2 chapters of Lion/Wardrobe by Candle light and in bed at 9:30 with the wind still blowing and the ropes and rigging creaking. The locals on the Island (I think I counted all 8 of them) say we have a week of light Southly winds and calm seas - Ill belive it when I see it. !

Weds 2nd - Erikoussa -> Kassiopi. 23 miles.

Well what a night - The winds lightened over night and came around to the south - They blew right into the harbour and although the winds wernt much the swell was about 2 feet and continually pounded us into the quay all night. With every fender out and our "trampoline" carpet as a fender-protector from the concrete quay, we bounced and creaked through the night. I got up in the night and rigged some fenders horizontal to change the scrapping, lurching, popping and banging into a quieter rolling. We awoke. Jack tumbled out of his cot while playing with Louisa and landed on his head!. We monitored for concussion during the day and a quick phone call to PPP, he was actually alright, and was less concerned than we were. Dad took a turn at school today, and learnt the art of juggling three syllabus' - a fine art which Helen is getting very goof at. Helen and Jack came back from a walk ashore at 11am with news that a 100 passenger ferry was to arrive in 15 minutes for the local restaurant, and the owner said and we had to vacate the Quay. The wind (10knots) and Swell was holding us fast to the concrete quay. Getting off was going to be difficult. I took aff most of the lines and repositioned the fenders and got the end of the jetty at midships. we then cast off the lines and the boat pivoted on the corner of the jetty with way on the engines to brush us clear. A fender misplaced it self and a swell took us and we lightly brushed with a kissing of concrete on Gelcoat and puff of white dust had Helen cringing. We continued the maneuver and escaped the harbour. And to cap it all- The Ferry went stern-to on the other side of the harbour! - The restaurant owner needs to be shot!

So we decided to head back to corfu! - The Navtex forcast was for NW 4/5 the fisherman said S 2/3. It was blowing a S2/3 so we decided to motor into wind and get back to corfu to shelter, a decent mooring and some R+R. As we motored to the mainland the wind died down to a nothing and we motored in a flat calm with the sun beating down to a bay 500 yards west of Kassoppi. we anchored in 3 meters just off a nice tourist beach in shelter from the S winds (when the appear). Then as the afternoon went on the NW winds appeared! only 2/3. It was actually OK in the bay. The winds died down in the evening and we dingyed ashore for a meal and a walk around. We got back on the boat at 9pm for the last three chapters of Lion/W/W by candlelight.

Maintenance list: Gel coat repair kit - Bolts and bracket bending to be done. Next week - get the boat ready for the Trans-Med Journey. ETD - after the in-laws leave, 10-12th October ish.

The Grandparents Visit and Emma's Stormy Birthday

Thursday 3rd October Kassopi -> Gouvia Marina 18 miles NE 2/3

Awoke to lovely sunny calm day. Helen did a great day at school, while Dad and Jack went to have a coffee, send some emails and buy some Bday presents for Emma. When we came back it was end of school so we all stripped off and jumped in the sea for a swim and cool off. We had chicken sandwiches with the chicken Helen cooked last night. We couldnt bring our selves to crack on back to NOAK ready for the Grandparents Maine who were arriving (tomorow) Friday morning as it was too nice in the bay. we lazed on the decks basking in the sun. Dad peeled off the old "TAO" name from the hull. We eventually felt we should go and as the wind picked up to a 2 (maybe a 3) at 4pm we hoisted full main and the Genoeka and trickled south Goosewinged at about 3- 4 knots in about 5-7 knot winds. The sun beat down, we played games, played the guitar, trimmed sales, and Helen did some email on the the computer. we couldnt bear to turn the engines on untill it really was getting too late. We called in at Gouvia Marina to check the post for Judiths Registered letter (A CMAP CD and the boat registration papers), fill up with water (from the "free" potable water tap), and do a big supermarket shop from the super market we knew well. By the time we got there, it was dusk. The office was closed and it took 20 mins to get the watchman to open up to check the post - It wasnt there. Sophie was left to fill up with water. Dad went to do the big shop - 240 Euroes CC and 480 cash from the ATM. buy the time he got back the kids had eaten (and Helen had) it was 9pm and although NOAK was only 30 mins away we decided to call it a day and stay (reluctantly) in GOuvia. WE put the shopping away, tidied away the water hose and turned in.

Friday 4th Gouvia -> NAOK (Kerkyra) 6 miles (S 1)

Set the alarm at 6am to do a runner from Gouvia (as the office dosnt open until 8am) - we felt we have paid them enough money already! - IT was still dark and on reflection,lying in bed, was too early, so went back to sleep awoke at 7.45 and uped and left. motored all the way. Arrived at NOAK settled in along side in easy conditions. Dad did school while Mum went off for somne last minute Bday shopping. Break time at 10:30 - It was time for the Plane to land. SO Mum took over (and stopped school to get everyone to tidy up, while Dad unloaded the Moped and shot off to the airport with the handheld VHF to meet G+G Maine. evrything went smoothly and they followed the moped back to the boat for lunch of salami and CHeese (again). G+G and Dad on moped went to check out the Villa in Pelekas. It turned out to be a last-minute.com bargin. a 4 bedroom villa with a swimming pool with a B class rental car for the week and flights, all for 300 quid per person - brilliant. back to the boat in the afternoon for Chilli. Grandad and Dad messed around with the Radar support trying to put it to rights, then we went for a wlak around the old town - absolutly beutiful, old buildings, mixed with tourist parafanaliar, and arts and crafts, with moody lighting, narrow streets - wonderful. An ice cream and some more little Bday presents and back home (the boat) to bed.

Saturday 5th NAOK
WOke up and Dad went off to find a piano Keyboard for Emma's Bday and to hire a car for the week (to be able to pile up to the Villa for some hot baths, sleep overs, Dinners, Swims etc. Managed to find a Fiat Punto for 150 Euros for the week. Found a keyboard (had to strap it to the side of the moped to get it back to the boat). The car was delivered to the boat at midday and we all went to the Villa for lunch. Swimmimg and games then A moussaka meal in the eveneing. Hygates all went back to the boat for bed, ready for Emmas Birthday the following morning. G+G were to come to the boat late morning. Dad tried to mend the computer but the multilayered mother board was impossible to repair. Gave in at 11:30. Check the Navtex and the latest weather report - Low over Italy moving East - ESE - 5/6 Soon E 7. hmmmm. The only thing between us and the East is the Stone Quay. The swell was starting to pick up. I put all the fenders out, re-lashed the boat to multiple springs, bow and stern ropes attached to the outer hull (using the 2 inch thick Quay side ropes). The problem with being along side is the protuding rings or staples in the quay for ropes that stuck out 5 inches, the fenders where keeping us off them but under extreme squashing may puncture the hull. Anyway the wind started to pick up and it was a good 5 at 1am, blowing the boat off the quay and away from the rings. The swell was surging in the harbour and we were thrown about abit, the springs held us in good position and the length of the springs dampened the lurching (and the creaking on the cleats). an hour of lying in bed listening to every creak, feeling every movement, up to check the fenders again, retighten the springs, then it poured!. Fell asleep around 2am. Helen awoke at 2:30 wandered around, came back and I awoke!. finally went bback off around 3am. then at 4am Emma and Louisa came into the room as they said their cabin was too noisy in the nearside forecabin. I went to their room and Helen E and L slept in the offside rear cabin. The noise was defening; The waves were crashing over the quay and landing on the boat with a thump then the remaining wave would cascade off the quay down the side of the Hull with a rushing noise. This would happen about every minute. I could peep through the window right onto the quay wall and see the fenders squahing and keeping us off the Rings. we were ok, wet and noisy but ok.

Sunday 6th NAOK EMMA's Bday.

I drifted in and out of sleep and awoke for Emma's birthday at 8am. The boat rocked and rolled and we had fun having breakfast and opening presents with the Waves crashing over the quay and the boat. The wind reached a steady 33 knots around 9am and the only problem was that there was no way we could walk on the quay - we would be swept straight off, and G+G could not come. So we called them and told them to leave it till later in the morning - would we be spending the whole day on the boat..... As the morning rolled on and we watched Monsters Inc. the waves crashed over the quay less frequently and the winds dropped to around 20 knots and started to come around to the SE, then the S. Dad ventured out and made it over the quay and met G+G and escourtted them back to the boat for a birthday lunch followed by Cake (Jelly and Icecream). AS the wind came to the South it became sheltered by the Island and the wind dropped and the waves became miraculusly flat. Even the local boat club lunched a bunch of kids in toppers for a race. Then the wind came around to the SW and started to blow the boat (very gently) ONTO the quay. this was enough to squash the fenders and and move them enough to become risky close to the boat touching the rings. I rigged up 2 fender boards with fenders inside and outide of the boards to double the distance of the fenders and also have the wooden board protecting the boat from the ring. - Perfect!. WE then jumped in the car and went to the Villa for Bday T of Roast CHicken. Emma made luvly Party Bags for everyone. She really enjoyed herself. THe girls had a sleep over and Mum Dad and Jack left back for the boat at 8:30 for bed.

Monday 7th NAOK.

Maintenance day. Helen and Jack left for school at G+G's Villa at 9am and Dad was left to do some maintenance jobs on the boat. The morning was spent trawling 4 or 5 chandleries down at the old port for bits and pieces. 100 Euros was spent on Stainless steel tubing and end atachments to triangulate the Radar support. Also a few handy torches, Life jacket refiller for Sophies lifejacket that went off in the middle of the night during the storm, sandpaper, and bits and pieces. I then fitted the structure and redid all the cables with tie wraps. It was a successful fitting, although it took till 2pm to finish the job. a spot of lunch and good strum on the guitar and Helen and the girls turned up. we all piled into the car and met G+G for a chilly dinner on the sea front. wrapped up in coats and leggings we watched the sunset (well the grey clouds set) and went back to a snug boat to bed. Still need to do more jobs ! - fill scratch, change the valves in the kids toilet (its not pumping too well), and fix intermintant pumping in the water pressure system. - Maybe tomorow.

Tuesday 8th NAOK -> Ak Kaloura -> CORFU Yacht Club. 18m Wind V-0/1

The weather looked good so we decided to have a sailing day with G+G. Dad and Sophie untied the mass of warps and springs and fenders from the boat (this took an hour) and we cast off at 10am when G+G turned up and had a luvly motor to the tiny anchorage of Kaloura. We trawled the three spinners behind the boat at 4 knots and SOphie caught a Macarel. We bagged it and saved it for lunch to have with all the others we would catch. The sky was blue the sun was hot and the sea a Dark blue mirror. We anchored up at noon. We all jumped in for a swim and Dad and Sophie cleaned the water line around the boat. Gdad broke the bottom rung of the boarding ladder (Im sure the step was aged and going brittle, rather than anything to do with Gdad's large frame). Poor Gdad Landed on his chest and his knee but bruises, grazes and a bit of blood didnt stop him from cracking on and helping Dad with the fish. (Gma and Helen had to be helped out with a carfully positioned rope and bowline). The boys then scaled, gutted and deboned the fish (we didnt cath any others). fried it in some Olive Oil and had it as a starter. As Mrs Beaver says in the Lion The witch and the Wadrobe "Fish are best cooked within 30 minutes of dying and eaten within 30 seconds of cooking". Evern sophie who has vowed never to eat fish since gagging on fish at 2 years old, thought it was delicous. Helen made lunch of more salami, CHeese, bread, tomato and Olive Oil and Gdad and Helen had a nap in the sun while Dad tidied up and washed up. After G+G took sophie and Emma for a buzz to the beach in the dingy we weighed anchor and took off south for the new harbour of the Corfu Yacht club (Which was in the grounds of the Old Fort about 1/2 mile from NAOK). Dad planned and hoped for the predictable 1pm winds to take us back, but it struggled to get above 3 knots so we ghosted along with the Genoeka up and full main dead down wind, trawling the fishing lines at about 1.5 knots - We caught nothing. We drifted and drifted and relaxed and at 4.30 had enough and put the engines on. then at 5pm as if the winds were tricking me into putting the engines on piped up to a nice force 3, 50 degrees off the bow (SW) we managed about 45 minutes of sailing taking us up to the entrance of CY club. The winds then dropped in the lee of the fort and with all sails away trickled into the harbour and went stern to the quay. We picked up the laid bow anchor lines and hauled them by hand onto the bow cleat and rigged stern lines and springs to the quay. Helen had cooked a curry ready for our arrival. we ate at 7pm (with a few too many mosquitoes than nessasry) and G+G walked back to their car. Helen washed up, tidyed up and went to bed for a read while Dad and the girls played "Old Maid" before bed.

Weds 9th CYC
ANother morning of school. Dad helped teach Louisa all about town planning and the community (Added coast guards to the example!). DId an intoduction to boat design (well more interior layout design) during breaktime. Then went off for a walk with Jack in search of I-cafe to download emails onto floppy disk. School finished and as we realxed after lunch a bit of a swell took us and bump..... Not a big bump but still a bump. The back of the boat hit the quay!. I was not happy with the anchor/mooring line tension so tried to get the tension up by hand, I loosend the stern ropes, put the engine on ahead, rigged a rope and shackle to the mooring chain and winched it in good and tight. Now the gang plank to get off the boat didnt reach. carefully loosened the mooring line enough to just reach and tightened everything up as tight as I could go. NAVTEX weathe came in ... SE 5 and 6, Later 7 !. That sounds like another midnight near gale again. At least CY CLub is sheltered from SE winds - we shall see. I think Ill let the lines off and winch us out away from the quay though. Off to G+G for a BBQ and the girls sleep over. Mum and Dad and Jack went back, Dad watched Joan of Arc (or was it Jean of Arc) on Greek TV (in English) and adjusted the ropes and into bed at 2am.

Thursday 10th CYC
The 3 of us awoke at 10:15! The night was ok anad free from troubles. We had a lazy breakfast and Helen swept the 2 hulls and tidied up. I then tried to get the boarding "plank" onto the quay and it took 30 minutes to readjust the ropes to get us off the boat.we decided to have a day to oursleves (Jack included) so we set off for a Greek cafe for lunch and decided the plan for the next 2 days. Helen had a pile of washing which in the recent wet weather was impossible to wash on the boat (and the Villa unfortuantely didnt have a washing machine) so we decided to drop it off at Gouvia wwere we would call in on the boat tomorow to provison.fuel and water ourselves up. We also decided to use the car tonight and drop the moped at Gouvia to so we could roll it back on from going along side the quay. So a nice lunch and off to Gouvia in the car. The package from Judith finanly arrived - The valuable SSR boat registration !. The boat is now up to scratch with all its paper work. We dropped of the washing and then called into an Internet cafe to check the weather. 40 knot gusts tonight! and clearing Saturday. then SE winds Saturday night backing Eastly, NE, then North through SUnday. A low was passing from the toe of Italy to the south of Corfu. Not a deep low and the winds were predicting to be between 10 and 20 knots Sat and SUnday. This seemed to be good winds for 24 hour trip to Crotone, Italy. but we need to be in Paxos (Lakka) to get the advantage, and we need to leave Saturday night. Im also worried about the sea state so soon after the strong winds, Also worried about the theory of "sling shotting" North around the low pressure system. There will probably be rain and thunderstorms..... But the prevailing winds are typically NW and we could be waiting for a long time be fore we get Easterly winds again to take us to Crotone, so this could be a good time to go.

We then drove up to the Villa for 4pm, played "sardines" and then headed out for dinner at the sunset Cafe at the top of the "mountain" on the west side. The view was spectacular, we could see West out to sea, and East towards the Town and the Sea and Albania. If it wasnt for the force 5/6 winds and the poor visibility the sunset would have been amazing. A very nice meal alround. The girls had milkshake, I had Coke and the rest had a caraffe of wine. I kept on looking out at the western seas looking for something - I didnt know what but looked anyway. we upped and left to return to the villa where the moped was and then Helen mentioned that she had forgotten about the car and moped trip to Gouvia tonight, and had 4 glasses of wine and wasnt safe to drive the car and the girls. Greece has a zero alcohol tolerance law. So we decided to leave the moped there and come and collect it in the morning - plan B. Said our goodbyes to G+G and then drove home. The wind was picking up and we managed to get everyone on baord and went to bed.

11th FRI CYC
The wind was swinging us all night and the morning was still awfull with strong winds and rain. Plan C was dicussed. I would take the car up to the Villa and try to get the moped in the back or if not leave the car there and get the hire company to pick it up from there. I drove up, took the baby seat out, folded the seats down and managed to get the moped in the back of the car. then headed to Gouvia, when I had plan D. I would drop the moped off at the local Port refuelling quay which was 5 miles from CYC. then pick up the washing in the car. WHich is what I did. then on the way back I called into the Car Hire office and said I wanted to return the car as we were going to leave in the next hour. They were happy to oblige by giving me alift back to CYC, when they noticed that the baby seat wasnt there. RATS - now the plan has changed again. OK so they have 20E deposit. They were happy to go and pick the car seat up from the Villa, but I didnt have the number. I headed back to CYC and I would call them with the number. Back on the boat we had lunch and then decided to get underway before a front was due through at 7pm with possibe force 9 winds. We could refuel and be in Lakka by 5pm. Dad and Sophie started to take the ropes off and not wanting to bump into the quay , put the engine into idle ahead. YEP - those silly laid mooring lines, around the prop, engine stalled. It started to rain. we went inside for a coffee. Infact we put 101 dalmations on and had a coffee. The plan to leave was scuppered.
At 3pm the swimming cstune went on and over the side went Dad. actually the water was pleasant ly warm. ther was not only a mooring line, bu t also a plastic back wrapped around ( I beleive from our fishing trip earlier, where we had noticed many plastic bags floating in the sea.). For about 30 mins I was down there trying to free the line and the plastic that had become wedged up the shaft of the prop. with everthing all back to normal I then got dressed and tried to put the starbaord stern line back on. I pulled the boat back to the quay and laid the "planK" and got ashore. then while I was there the winds picked up and seemed to blow the boat away from the quay such that I clouldnt pull it back. After lots of pulling and some choice words I manged to get back on and hauled the rope. Dinner was served and due to the now discgustingly awful weather and Dads inability to want do anything, watched Harry Potter and went to bed. BTW- The girls can recite most of the words to Harry Potter as they have read the book about 5 times, listened to the tapes about 365 times and seen the film about 10 times. !! They cant wait till the 2nd Harry potter film is out this CHristmas. WE all went to bed at 8:30. - Dad asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.