The captain of S/S Blidösund. 

S/S Blidösund.

View towards the Stadskajen and the Old town of Stockholm with the Royal castle to the right. 

The Machine engineer and the Chief.

Part of the steam engine.

The Machine engineer, Axel, shovelling charcoal into the coal boilers.

Views over the calm waters around Yxlan and Granö.

Contemplating over the tranquil views of the firths of Stockholm. 

View from the Aft of S/S Blidösund.

"Af Chapman", nowadays a permanent hostel at Skeppsholmen in Stockholm. 

S/S Blidösund at Stadskajen in Stockholm. 

Sunday 2024-12-22:

Had a nice breakfast before leaving with the airport bus into Stockholm and the Best Western hotel Time in Vasastan. We are staying there until midday of Christmas Eve, when we take a Bus4you to Norrköping.

Henry writing in the travel logbook at the breakfast in Sky city, Arlanda Airport. 

Saturday 2024-12-21:

On the Friday we went for a walk to Alimos Marina to look on boats, as we start to get some abstinensen after leaving Alma two days ago... 

Very few boats left at the charter jetties, most of them probably hauled out in different shipyard. Found one older man in the corner of the Marina where the private Yacht club is located. He had a Maxi 100PS (Power Sail), which he has owned for 32 years! 

Went for lunch at the Taverna Porto Spyros, which Britta had recommended. Very good small fish! By some reason we have never observed that taverna before...

Saturday, last day in Athens before going home to Sweden.  Left the apartment at 10.00 in the morning,  but we could leave our luggage until we should take the airport bus to the airport at 14.00. Took a walk by the sea against Flisvos Marina,  but the sky didn't look very promising so we walked back to the apartment, where we had a small meal of left overs from our Thursday dinner.

When we left to take the airport bus, the sky opened and a heavy rain started!

Arrived in the Arlanda Airport on schedule and could check in the Sky City hotel just after midnight.

Collecting a stone at the beach of Palaio Faliro.

Early Spring flowers in the public garden of Palaio Faliro. 

Thursday 2024-12-19:

Went by tram into the Syntagma square and the we took a stroll up to one of our favourite goats, Lycabettus Hill.

Two of the big hotels at the Syntagma square  King Georg and Athens Plaza.

The Christmas tree at the Syntagma square in Athens.

Views over parts of Athens from the Lycabettus Hill.

One of the guards outside the Parliament at the Syntagma in Athens. 

Wednesday 2024-12-18:

Today we left Alma and went to Athens by train. Christos from Microyachts gave us a ride to the train station in Agii Theodoroi. Went by train to Pireaus, where we had to walk about a kilometer to the Tram station and went bybthebtram to Palaio Falirou, where we have rent a small apartment until Saturday, when we go home to Sweden. 

Sunset at the beach of Palaio Faliro.

View from the train station against Salamis.

Alma on her own for one and a half month at Almira Shipyard. 

Christos from Microyachts,  who is taking care of the polishing, anti-fouling and getting quotation for some other works on Alma. 

The cats outside the Laundry shack. 

Sunday 2024-12-15:

Today we got a visit from Britta, a friend from the Navigare Yachting time in Agios Kosmas marina. She has her own apartment/house in Kalithea/Athens since a few years and is parting her time between Athens and Stockholm. Her sail boat, Belle Epoque, is still in the Navigare Fleet.

Saturday 2024-12-14:

Got a ride into Agioi Theodoroi with one of the technicians. We had to go to an ATM to get some cash. On the way back we stopped at a very nice bakery, Katavatis, to by some extra bread and a cake. 

Cleaned out and rinsed all sewages, toilets and the holding tanks (they were already rinsed when we were in the water but got a final clean now before the winter rest). 

Traditional Greek sourdough bread (3 kg) bought at the Katavatis bakery.

The forrest of masts around us.

Sunrise over the Corinthos bay.

Wednesday 2024-12-11:

Haul out day. At 08.t0 we were called in from the buoy. There was nearly no wind, as Poseidon had called it in, so it was a perfect time to back into the dock for hauling out. 

Tuesday 2024-12-10:

Went off by motor to Almira Shipyard in the morning and arrived to the buoy outside around 14.30. Grey and dull weather. 

Some tankers on anchor in the sunset.

Almira shipyard view from the buoy.

Sunday 2024-12-08:

Today, second Advent, we are still wearing shorts when having our morning coffee in the cockpit.

Our main sail is down and is packed on deck. Now it is definately autumn, but still it is 18 degrees C! The wind has also slowed down to a minimum which makes it feel like early summer in Sweden... The sun has been shining forbthe main part of the day.

Our main sail is down and packed on deck. The jib is already under deck since yesterday. 

Second Advent. Beautiful morning, no wind.

Saturday 2024-12-07:

Between the rain showers we try to dry up our sails before they are brought down. Today we brought the jib down. Then it started to rain again, so we will bring down the Main sail tomorrow, if the weather is permitting.

Also cleaned out all under floorboard bilges.

Autumn has arrived... our jib is brought down between the rain showers.

Wednesday 2024-12-04:

Woke up to a wonderful peaceful and sunny morning at Rosikou bay. We had breakfast and then we headed up to Korfos on Peloponessos. We will stay there until Monday or Tuesday,  when we leave for Almira Shipyard, where we will haul out Alma for winter works.

We had a very nice sailing with winds of 4-8 m/s with beam reach. The forecast was actually winds of max 2-4 m/s. The sails which were wet since earlier rains were drying during the sailing, but...when we arrived in the Ormos Korfou it started to rain heavily and everything was all wet again.

Breakfast fruits.

Views over the peaceful Ormos Rosikou (Russian bay).

Monday 2024-12-02:

The Rainy season has finally come upon us... Today it has been constantly raining nearly the whole day. It will go on tomorrow and more or less for a week onwards. Only some pauses now and then. We hope there will be some drying up days as we need to have dry sails to pack before we haul out next week. 

Gloomy day in Ormos Vidi.

The Clock tower in Poros town.

Tuesday 2024-11-26:

We have been moored here in the pretty bay of Roskou a couple of days now. It has become colder the last days but hopefully it gets a little warmer in the end of this week. We are doing some small maintenance.

This Tuesday morning we got a visit from a beautiful bird, a Kingfisher. It was sitting 1,5 m away, just outside the pantry window, so it was a very good opportunity to take some pictures!

The Kingfisher glistening in the morning sun.

Friday 2024-11-22:

On Friday made some final provisioning before we left and went to the Ormos Rosikou to get some shelter for the upcoming strong winds on Saturday and Sunday. Very pretty bay.

In the darkness a German boat came in and went far too close to us  so we asked them to move away for safety reasons.  They went then to Ormos Dhaskali, the bay just beside and which has a nice view to the chapel on Nisos Dhaskali.

Evening picture over Ormos Vidhi.

Goats.

Views of the chapel on Nisos Dhaskali.

Views of the Ormos Rosikou.

Thursday 2024-11-21:

Came in to Poros town from the Vidi bay on the Tuesday and went alongside the northern quay as the water was closed for the season on the other quays and the wind should come from southwest.

Went out for dinner on the Rota Taverna on Tuesday evening, very quite, only three more tables with guests.

On the Thursday morning quite strong winds blowed on our side for about 45 minutes, then it died down again. Had to adjust the fenders and support Alma from the quay. 

Low season in Poros... empty quays.

Friday 2024-11-15:

First half of the day was quite nice with sun and 21 deg C. In the afternoon some rain and thunder in the distance over the mountains.

Made some cleaning of windows (wiping off the salt residues with white vinegar disolved in water) and emptying water from the sailbag of the boom. Cleaning of the water drain in the cockpit.

Morning pictures over the Vidi bay and the shipwreck of Rodini.

Morning pictures over a calm Vidi bay.

Thursday 2024-11-14:

Went out from Poros just before 14.00 after we had been to Pavlou Chandlery to see if the Whale water tap had arrived or not, it hadn't. We decided to go out and anchor in the Vidi bay, as there will be a rainy day tomorrow and windy during the weekend. We will probably go back to pick up the Whale watertap and hinges for the garbage door in the pantry on Monday.

There was a beautiful sunset over the mountains of Peloponnesos!

Sunset over Peloponnesos. 

Nisis Dhaskalio with it's chapel.

View of Poros town, when leaving for this time. 

Monday 2024-11-11:

Today we had a busy day!

In the morning I went off to bring our laundry to the laundry shop. Half an hour later the technician from Vikos Marine came to check why our generator doesn't want to start. It showed up to be a bad connection at the solenoid and also the impeller had to be changed again plus the waterpump was leaking. In the end after a couple of hours the generator is working again, a big relief! Then we can tick that off from the list of winterworks.

When we were working with troubleshooting earlier two weeks ago, we lost one part which connects the socket wrench with the socket to be used. Today I digged it up from the goo in the sump underneath the generator, yeah!

Today we also got hold of a new TMC waterpump for the saltwater in the pantry, a connection with ball valve for the water hose (for water filling in the boat) an oil pump (for emptying of oil sumps), a fresh water cleaning filter and a water cleaning agent for the holding tanks of fresh water. Also ordered a Whale water pump for the pantry and new deck shoes for Pia... The Pavlou Chandler here in Poros really has a wide range of necessary parts for a sail boat!

Here in Poros they have some good fish market and butcher in the same site on the south quay, so I bought some small Tuna and Sea bream together with some goat chops. Earlier provisioning of fresh vegetables  milk and cheese from the Supermarket nearby.

View from our cockpit against part of the Poros town.

Sunday 2024-11-10:

Left Kapari bay outside Ermioni and went up Hydra Strait to Poros.

We have been waiting for nice winds for a week and finally seemed to get a window. We are going to Poros to get some spare parts, a foot pump and possibly some help with our generator,  which doesn't want to start!

Had various winds from the beginning starting with 14-16 knots which died down to 6 knots, but later increased to 14-22 knots. Alma made a good pace in the end with 7-8 knots depending which leg as there seemed to be a current decreasing the speed on the northerly leg. 

When arriving at the northern quay of Poros, there were only five boats in the whole harbour. During the evening two catamarans and two monohulls arrived (two were only transport sailings for hauling out for the winter). Out in the bay there were about ten monohulls anchored.

Hydra in the background. It was a cold day today, so there was a need of jackets and trousers for the first time in nearly six months!

Tuesday 2024-11-05:

After the last provisioning but without top up of the water, we left Ermioni in a hurry, as a hoard of Romanian catamarans were invading the quay! (First 12 catamarans and then 15 monohulls) What a madhouse! The first one tried to use us as a bumper with heavy side wind and leaned, without their fenders in the right position (the fenders were too high up), against us and no mooring lines ready to jump ashore, but they were showed off by Henry when they leaned heavily against Alma. A 48 feet catamaran! Next trial they made without letting the anchor go! Henry told them to leave immediately to make a new trial... They shouted no problem, and made a third trial that ended three meters before the quay. After that we set off before more catamarans came in and went out to our former mooring place in the Kapari bay. What a relief! The French boat, Maserval II, was still in their place in the bay as well. 

Evening pictures over the Kapari bay outside Ermioni and the Frenchman.

Monday 2024-11-04:

Our very friendly harbour captain, Maria, who always had some time to sit down for a small talk in the afternoons. 

Nektarios, the owner of the Millennium Bar & Cafe, which is our favourite place to moor outside in Ermioni. He has provided us with fresh olive oil a couple of times and is always helping incoming boats with their lines and is always very friendly to everybody!

A Dragonfish just beneath our gangway. Another one was hiding under the quay. These fish are normally living in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, but the fishermen here say they have become more and more common in the Mediterranean as well.

(The small fish are called Marides and are very good to eat in the tavernas.)

Sunday 2024-11-03:

Cleaning day of Alma to get rid of all caking of sand and salt from the long windy stay in Milos and the journey over the Myrtos sea and also an additional inside cleaning.

Went out for a short walk in the village of Ermioni. Now it seems like the tourist season is coming to an end and everything is being very quite. Restaurants are moving away their outdoor chairs and tables. Hotels are closed. Very few boats in the harbour.

Sundowner at the Millennium Cafe'.

Views from Ermioni. 

Saturday 2024-11-02:

Came in to the south quay of Ermioni on the Saturday. We anchored outside the Millenium Cafe as usual. Only us and an English couple in a charterboat left on the quay. In the afternoon a couple from Netherlands came in. They shall haul out in Kilada on Monday.

The only neighbours in the Saturday morning.

Deserted south quay of Ermioni. 

View to the Millennium Cafe'.

Friday 2024-11-01:

Have been staying on anchor outside Ermioni since Sunday. It has been windy a few days and we just moved a bit in the Kapari bay as the waves coming in from the Hydra Strait into our bay were quite choppy.

We saw a big flottilla coming in to Ermioni on the Tuesday, about 34 boats, so we were happy that we weren't there in the madhouse that day! Otherwise it has been quite in the bay, only us and a French couple and their dog some distance apart.

View over the windy Ormos Kapari.

View against Ermioni, Peloponnesos. 

Sunday 2024-10-27:

We payed finally for our fourteenth night in Adamas marina and went out on anchor for our last night in Milos before leaving on the Sunday for Ermioni on Peloponessos. We have had a pleasant time here and met a lot of friendly people and jettycats.

We have been working with our generator for a week. First it was a problem with no cooling water making the generator to switch off, and then when we found the source of the restriction and cleaned that away. When we attempted to restart the generator it didn't start... New problem, why doesn't it start? Still haven't found the answer. 

Another problem has been increasing over time with the lifting of our bathplatform. The motor for the lifting doesn't have the power to lift it anymore, so Henry had to make a solution with manual lifting with pulley blocks. 

Today we decided to make the move over to the Saronic islands as the weather is getting more windy and cold in the Cyclades. Also the Greek locals tell it's time to leave.

We arrived in Ormos Kapari, south of Ermioni on Peloponessos, around 19.30 after 74,1 NM and about 7,5 hour sailing in varying winds and waves. Wind starting at 18 knots rising to 27 knots and then slowly decreasing and ending around 3 knots, when reaching the outskirts of Hydra. The waves were about 1,5-2,5 m. Alma was keeping a very good pace on the main part, average 7,1 knots but in the end we motored to get to Ermioni in decent time as the wind died and the light went out.

Sunset over Spetses and Peloponnesos (in the background).

Henry at the wheel in the middle of Myrtous Pelagio, increasing wind and waves.

Kalliroi, the nice lady in the Milos marina office. Offering us eggs from her own chickens and a handmade purse when we left after 14 days in the port! We will be back next year!

Our troublesome Paguro generator, also stopped working...

Bathplatform with new hauling device, pulley blocks. The lift arm is played to rest until a new motor is installed. 

Bathplatform which has chosen to stop working.

The playful and charming jetty cat...

Wednesday 2024-10-16:

On the Tuesday we took the bus to Trypiti to have a look to the Amphitheatre. Very interesting visit. It is only about a fifth of the original Amphitheatre which is excavated and restored, the rest is probably buried or just used for construction material in other houses.

In the vicinity of the theatre it's believed to be the place where Aphrodite, or Venus, of Milo was found. Nowadays there is a plaster replica of the statue, which in original may be found in the Louvre in Paris.

Walked back up to the village of Trypiti and took a Greek coffee below the church of Agios Nikolaos. After that we took a walkabout in the little village and had a refreshment at Restaurant Okto  before taking the bus back to Adamas.

Today, Wednesday, the wind has increased up to about 30 knots. We are expecting more wind during the coming days so we will stay in Adamas for a while... Had a laundry day today while Henry was finishing the oiling of the teak in the cockpit. 

We got a visit onboard from the very friendly jetty cat. She had a short nap before exploring Alma and then she både farewell and left slowly via the plank gangway after a last sharpening of her claws to the carpet.

Our Bulgarian neighbours in the Bavaria SineCausa, came with icecream. Very nice!

The friendly "jetty cat".

Views from the Restaurant Okto in Trypiti.

We had a Greek coffee at the Monk coffee under the church Agios Nikolaos in Trypiti.

The Amphitheatre of Milos. This is just a fifth of the size it was in original, the rest is buried in the earth or just gone as building material.

Aphrodite (Venus) of Milos. Plaster copy of the original statue, which is on display in the Louvre in Paris. This statue is standing close to the place where she was believed to have been discovered.

Modern bus serving on Milos today.

All buses which have served on Milos until today.

Sunday 2024-10-12:

In the Saturday evening the southwest/west wind turned to north, so we could move to the floating quay. When the south to west winds are blowing it's very choppy on the south side of the quay. 

Sunday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY HENRY! 😁 It's Henry's birthday today, so we will celebrate in a taverna. And the taverna was the same as last visit, Trapatselis. We had Saganaki cheese, Zucchini balls, Grilled Sardines and fried Anchovies, very tasty! Afterwards we got a lemon yoghurt with Digestive breadcrumbs on the house (as of old Greek tradition).

We were the only boat on the south quay during Saturday night and Sunday. Haven't seen such empty quay in years... Out in the bay there are only two visiting sailboats...

Evening view over Ormos Milou. We have got company of two local charter catamarans on our side of the quay. 

Birthday child who is expectantly looking forward to the food!

Old equipment outside the Mine museum used to transport the minerals in the mineral mines here on Milos.

Papikinou beach just outside Adamas.

Instructions for how to use the handicap bathing equipment. It's charged by solar cells on top.

Handicap bathing elevator/transport. Have never seen an installation like this  but it seems to be a great idea for other swimming areas to install! Magnify the picture for a closer look to the track and handles further out in the water. There is also a changing room and a handicap toilet in connection. 

Alma, the only boat on the south/outer side of the quay. All boats on the north/inner side are local boats.

Friday 2024-10-11:

From Despotiko bay we sailed to Ormos Milou, outside Adamas in Milos. We passed many of the typical rock formations, looking like the Swedish so called "rauks" you may find on the island of Gotland. The rocks have plenty of differing colours, red, green, blue, purple, yellow... 

"Rauks" outside Ormos Milou. 

The Lizzard rauk...

The Bear rauk...

Entrance to Ormos Milou.

Thursday 2024-10-10:

On Thursday morning we moved from Plastira bay in Paros to one of our new favourite bays, Despotiko bay, which is located between Antiparos and Despotiko. Plastira bay on Paros is a wide bay with plenty of room for many boats, but there were only 5 boats including us. In the Despotiko bay it was only very few boats as well, 7 boats all in all, where it use to be more than 20.

Akra Mermingas north of Poros.

Henry taking a swim in the crystal clear waters in Plastira bay and preparing to clean off some barnacles.

Crystal clear waters in the Plastira bay. You see the bottom at 10 meters depth very clearly!

Wednesday 2024-10-09:

When we left Syros on the Tuesday morning there was a promising wind of about 14 knots, so we started off with good speed. After half an hour or so the wind left... Had to motor nearly the whole way to Paros, as we wanted to be there before the sunset.

During the way over we saw a dead Sea turtle, rather big. Very sad. Hopefully it had died due to high age and not by colliding with a boat!

Today, Wednesday, Henry finished the oiling of the teak deck (except for some parts in the cockpit). Looks very nice!

We have used the "Starbrite Teak Oil", which is a mix of Sealer and oil. At home we used "Golden Teak Sealer 3", but it wasn't possible to get on Malta where we bought this produkt.

Finished oiled teak deck.

Henry in action oiling the teak deck.

Day views of Plastira bay. 

Evening views over Plastira bay outside Naousa on Paros.

Monday 2024-10-07:

Went out from Posidonia quay to anchor off Voulgari bay in the afternoon, when Henry had oiled the first part of the teak deck. The rest of the teak deck will hopefully be treated on Wednesday, when on anchor in Plastira bay outside Naousa on Paros. 

Nice and peaceful to stay on anchor and have possibility to take a swim from the boat!

First part of the teak deck is oiled.

Views to Voulgari and Posidonia on Syros.

Saturday 2024-10-05:

Since last Saturday we sailed to Schinousa, where we stayed on anchor until Wednesday, due to the Meltemi winds. Then we left for Despotiko bay on the Wednesday. 

We arrived in Finikas in Syros on Thursday afternoon and moored at the North quay of Finikas. It was very bumpy during the night as the Southwest winds made their way directly onto the quay and may have been increased by the boats on each side reflecting the waves. We moved to the South quay, in Posidonia, on the Friday after we got the delivery of our provisions from AB Vassilopoulos, and got much better lee from the Southerlies.

Today, Saturday,  we went by the bus to Ermoupolis to wash our laundry. While I waited for the washing machine to be ready,  Henry went to one of the chandlery shops to find a new fresh water foot pump to the pantry, as the old one gave up a few days ago. He succeeded in getting one and it will be changed tomorrow hopefully! On the way back to the bus we had "Beef in red sauce" as dinner at Street food etnicitet. Very tasty!

View from the south quay at Posidonia. 

The new foot pump.

Saturday 2024-09-28:

Today we took the bus and made a visit to the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Chozoviotissa. It is the second most important Monastery in Greece.  It was erected in 800 BC and renovated in 1088. It is the Sister Monastery to the Monastery of the Agios Ioannis Theologos of Patmos.

It is very peaceful place and the views of the "Big blue" are fantastic! The people in the Monastery were all very kind and helpful people and could tell a lot about the history of the Monastery. We were all offered water, herbs liquor and loukoumi (a traditional Greek sweet) in a very peaceful room with all former patriarcs looking at you from the walls and with a fantastic view of the Big Blue Aegean sea beneath us. Everybody felt actually a "vibration free" atmosphere in there...

We walked back the 300 steps from the Monastery down to the road and then took the foot path up to the Chora, as I had misinterpreted the bus time table with one hour. The foot path was a bit more challenging than the 300 steps up to the Monastery, but good exercise for two lazy sailers! Got a Greek coffee in the main square, where it was quite still. Not many tourists left on the island as mentioned before. Walked through the small alleys back to the bus square and took a last refreshment before taking the bus back to Katapola.

Garbage warden cat at the Chora.

Monastery gate warden cat. Very friendly. 

Is the sun ray in the picture showing were they started to build the Monastery, but didn't suit the icon of Virgin Mary...?

View from the lookout of the Monastery.

Monastery warden cats in spe.

Impressive walls!

Footpath to heaven.

The Monastery of Virgin Mary of Chozoviotissa.

The Virgin Mary of Chozoviotissa at the Monastery gate.

View of the "Big blue" at Agia Anna.

View over the peaceful Katapola bay in the Saturday morning.

Friday 2024-09-27:

Arrived in Amorgos on the Thursday and went to the north quay, as we don't want any hazzle with the Small Cyclades ferry on Sunday, when we calculate to leave. Not many boats in the harbour this time of year. Much calmer with visitors compared with our visit in August. 

Friday we spent on cleaning inside and outside of Alma and provisioning of food etc.

Sunset over the Katapola bay.

View over the fishing harbour behind us at the northern quay at Xilokeratidi.

Wednesday 2024-09-25:

We stayed in Pothia port in Kalymnos since Friday until Tuesday. It was a little windy, so we preferred to stay in the  port of Pothia until the Tuesday when winds were much less (too less as we had to use the engine to reach Levitha in a reasonable time). 

It was a very nice stay in Pothia as we had very nice and friendly neighbours on both sides of us. One Catamaran, Mana, with a young family Laura and Robin and their two children. They sold everything in their home town Sydney in Australia and bought this Catamaran in France to live aboard. We will probably see each others later on.The other neighbour boat, Supernova, had also Australian owners but from Melbourne, Andrew and Stefanie. They are going to haul out their boat for the winter in Artemis Boatyard, Leros, in the end of September and then go home to Australia. Coming back in the end of July 2025. See you then!

We got a very nice visit from a Swedish couple on the Monday, Anders and Helen Hermansson from Hermanssons Marintjänst in Henån on Orust, Sweden. They happened to be on vacation on Kalymnos and just passed by on the quay (as many water damaged people do...) and saw what type of sailboat Alma is.They have manufactured a lot of the stainless steel special fitting parts on Alma, like the lifting arm for the bathplatform. Many thanks to them for a very interesting conversation about special fittings on the Sweden Yachts sailboats and more! 

On the Tuesday we went to Levitha and stayed in Ormos Smyrla. 

The sailing to Amorgos on the Wednesday was very bumpy. When leaving the Nisos Kinaros, the sea was very confused and waves came from all directions and were sometimes very choppy and short. There was also a current running southeast, which was straight in our snout making us sail in unusual slow pace. It also seems like the waves retracts from very steep parts of the islands, as out side Amorgos and Kinaros.

Evening view of Katapola from our mooring place just outside.

Arriving in Amorgos after a night in the west bay, Smyrli, on Nisos Levitha.

Last view of Kalymnos for this year. 

Andy, Stefanie and their Supernova, leaving Pothia, Kalymnos.

Andys wife Stefanie and her friend.

Andy and his two sisters.

Thursday 2024-09-19:

Went from Ormos Meloi on the Tuesday in very nice winds, around 12-17 knots more or less side wind, which makes Alma sail in 6-7,5 knots. We arrived in Ormos Xirokambos.

Wednesday we used for boatcare. Henry cleaning deck and I using a toothbrush to polish some metal fasteners in the aft part of the cockpit.

Thursday Henry polished some parts on the deck and I had a reading book day... 

View from the channel between Lipsos and Leros backwards to Patmos. 

Monday 2024-09-16:

Back in the Ormos Meloi in Patmos. We spent Saturday, Sunday and half Monday in Skala on Patmos. On the Saturday when we came in, it was time to fill water. Went across the street and bought some fish from the Fish market for dinner. The fish in the Dodecanese is somewhat more expensive than in the Cyclades, but easier to find places where to buy it from. 

Sunday we made a walkabout in the alleys of Skala. Walked over to the bay on the west side of Skala, where it was more wind and waves than in the Skala marina. Took a Greek coffee in one of the many Coffee shops.

Today, Monday, it was bunkering day at AB. They deliver for free to the boats, as mentioned before, which is very convenient. Today the delivery was done just before we came back to Alma, superfast service!

When we went out from the quay, we had the anchor of our Polish neighbour boat hooked on ours. We suspected that they crossed our chain when they went in yesterday but as usual people deny it and the "she" captain was sure it wasn't...but it went off quite smoothly as we had the "Anchor thief" on hand.

Clouds in the sky today!

Anchor thief.

View down to the sailboats from the restaurant "Votris", where we had a very tasty "Lamb Kleftiko".

Almas mast is near the middle of the picture.

Church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos.

Paralia Skala Patmou. Windy and beautiful. 

View of the entrance to Ormos Skala from the mini pebble beach in Skala harbour.

Friday 2024-09-13:

We left Ormos Lipsou on Thursday and went to one of our favourite bays, Ormos Meloi, in Patmos. This to avoid getting too close to the Turkish mainland, were it seems to come most rain and thunderstorms. 

Had a boat cleaning day on the Friday otherwise just relaxing.

View to Paralia Meloi'.

Wednesday 2024-09-11: 

On the Tuesday we left Ormos Poros to seek lee from the coming rain and thunderstorms, which the weather reports had warned for. The winds should come from the south so we had a look to the bays of the northern side of Agathonisi,  but they were very deep and the bottom full of thick seaweed so we went out again and headed to Nisos Lipsos instead. We had a good sailing in various winds, and in a good pace. 

First bay to check was on the northwestern part of Lipsos. There was a German boat in the middle bay and the others were too deep and narrow,  so we went in and got our anchor in after the second attempt, here was also thick beds of seaweed. After just a few minutes à Bulgarian sailboat came in and casted their anchor beside us, too close. We already told them before not to let their anchor go so close to us, as it would be thunderstorms during the night, with winds you cant predict. But by some reason men from some cultures in Europe choose not to listen to other peoples opinion! We raised our anchor and left!!

In the Ormos Lipsou we found a place, but it was too close to the ferry turning radius, a fisherman showed us. The next place was on the northern side of the bay, with the southerly winds right in our snout, but at the second attempt the anchor found a good place beside the seaweed and has hold during the night.

During the night we got some rain and their was a lot of lightning in especially the northern distance, but also some in the south of us.

Kambos beach, Lipsos, in our aft.

Leaving Agathonisi (in the background).

Monday 2024-09-09:

Left Ormos Maloi in Patmos on Saturday and went to Nisos Agathonisi. There is a very nice archipelago around the  northern Dodecanese islands and we were passing through it in a good pace with very nice winds giving a speed of 6-8 knots.

We went in to two of the sothern main bays on Agathonisi,  but they were too narrow and in one of them there seemed to be a cable or some piping on the bottom. Finally we came to Ormos Poros, which was a very pretty bay with turqouis clear water and a lot of fish swimming around the boat, waiting for food. 

We had the bay to ourselves for two nights and the third night there were two other boats coming in.

The internet connection has been more or less non-existing, as we have noticed at some other remote areas in the Greek archipelago. 

On the Monday a dolphin was in shortly to take a breath just around thirty meters from Alma. Other animals around the bay were of course goats and sheep, a few cows and birds.

Some nibbles (on a table cloth we got from our Australian friends): Feta cheese in olive oil and herbs and small pieces of bread to the water.

Views of Ormos Poros. To the beach and to the entrance. 

Friday 2024-09-06:

On the Thursday we filled up water, rinsed the boat with fresh water and made provisioning at AB, who always so far has delivered all our provisioning to Alma without any charge! Really a good service! A big plus to them!

On Friday we checked out from Skala and went out to Ormos Meloi again! Here are three other boats today, so far...

Terrible moped/car accident happened in the street behind us in the morning. Wish the moped driver is surviving the front collision! Always wear a helmet when driving a moped or motorcycle!

Nice little FIAT 500 with ratten seats! Maybe not allowed in Sweden... but looks very nice! (It was not involved in the collision.)

Wednesday 2024-09-04:

Took the local bus up to Patmos Chora to take a look at the Monastery of St John the Theolog. Last time we made a visit here we were locked in for a while before we were found by some employees! Obviously we had passed any gate which we shouldn't have passed or something... This time we made it without being left in the backyard!

The museum was very interesting with a lot of handwritten and handcoloured books and also many beautiful handicraft works with embroideries and jewellery.

We took a walk around the abandoned alleys, as this is the time for closing shops and coffee shops for siesta. The Chora is more like the Cycladic islands architecture than the Dodecanese type.

Via Dolorosa...? (Old main road.) Short cut down to Skala.

Nice view down to the harbour from the only opened coffee shop (at least for a cold refreshment). 

Some views from the Chora alleys.

Views from the Monastery of St John the Theolog. 

Tuesday 2024-09-03:

Today we arrived in Skala, Patmos. 14 years since we visited last time, at that time with a Sun Odyssey 36 from Kavas Yachting in Kos.

In the harbour we met again the Australians, Dierk and Sabrina in Stella Mia. We met first time in Milos and now they are on their way to Leros, where they are going to haul out their boat and go back to Australia for a couple of months.

Otherwise a laundry day again.

Monday 2024-09-02:

On the Sunday we left Xirokambos bay and tacked in very good winds to Nisos Patmos. Anchored in a bay called Ormos Meloi, outside Skala. The bay is very beautiful with a view to the Monastery of John the Theolog in the Chora of Patmos and a small quiet village. There are many donkeys in this village, at least you hear them... and hens, goats, sheep, dogs... you name it.

Ormos Meloi, Patmos. 

View from Ormos Meloi with the Monastery in the Chora of Patmos in the background. 

There are many donkeys in the fields surrounding the bay and you hear them as well...

Nisos Telendos outside Kalymnos. 

Friday 2024-08-30:

We have stayed three nights in Pothia, as we got some more things to do. Henry took an unintended swim with his mobile phone, so it has to be left in an electronics shop to see if it is possible to get alive again. 

We have finally had the opportunity to buy fish. It has not been easy to get any fish, except when going to a restaurant in the Cyclades, so now we have had fish for four days!

We went up to Xirokambos bay again, as it is a very nice bay, but to get a good holding for the anchor it is necessary to go quite far into the bay, as the bottom is full of thick week with big roots.

Tuesday 2024-08-27:

We decided to go and visit Pothia, the "capital" of Nisos Kalymnos. There was not much wind today so "Old Bettan" had to work for a long time (good for the batteries though).

We passed Nisos Telendos a big hump of rock outside the villages Myrties and Missouri, where we were on vacation many, many years ago. Beautiful passage.

When we arrived in the Pothia harbour, we saw a very nice contour of a boat,  which seemed very familiar... Another Sweden Yachts 45, Älskling, was moored at the town quay,  so we moored beside her! First time we meet a Sister boat to Alma. Very nice couple onboard, Aelis and Paul. 

We had the opportunity to have a look where their watermaker is installed, as ours was removed from Alma by the former owner (very stupid)! We will install one during the winter to be more or less independent when it comes to fresh water.

Town Square of Pothia.

Aelis and Paul leaving Pothia for Nisos Pserimos.

Aelis and Paul on Älskling, a Sweden Yachts 45 as well. 

Sunday 2024-08-25:

On the Friday we arrived in the Dodecanese islands and first island Kalymnos. It is 14 years since we sailed here with a charter boat, Sun Odyssey 36, Kos 2, from Kavas. We will see what has happened here since then.

We are anchored in Ormos Emborios in the west corner. In the east corner are a lot of buoys for guests to the tavernas ashore.

We have had cleaning and maintenance days of Alma, inside and outside.

Emborios village.

View to Ormos Arginontas.

Nisos Telendos.

Thursday 2024-08-22:

Left Katapola in the morning and went for Levitha. Wind and waves were quite strong at the mouth of the bay and it was a bit bumpy before we got open winds again. 24-26 knots went down to 6 knots and then 3 knots from various directions when we approached the north cape of Amorgos, very strange! And the waves were coming from different directions as well. We had to start the engine to get out to more open winds and we came back to 20-24 knots. 

We arrived to Levitha at 16.00 and went to the west bay, Ormos Smyrli. In the east bay there are buoys to be picked up when visiting any of the two tavernas ashore.

Wednesday 2024-08-21:

Today we had another lazy day in Katapola. Went for a walk around the harbour and made some provisioning before our departure on Thursday morning. 

Had some arguing with neighbour boats coming in and crossing our anchor chain, which was very common at this time in Katapola. 

Sunset.

Village street at the beach.

Lazy cat.

Refreshment with a view.

Tuesday 2024-08-20:

We came to Katapola in Amorgos on the Monday and moored at the new fishermen's quay on the north side of the town bay, Xilokeratidi. We were only allowed to stay one night as a big ship was coming in, so on Tuesday morning we went over to the Katapola side. 

We went by bus to the Chora of Amorgos. Usually we have always taken a walk up to the Chora, but this town we thought it was nice to take the bus as we were a bit late as well.

The Chora is a really beautiful site to visit. This time it was many more people in the village than it has ever been before when we have visit, but still very peaceful. We have only been there in the early spring or late autumn, not the touristic periods.

View over the Grand Bleu with Agia Anna below.

Sweet kittens in the alleys around the Kastellorizo.

Knocking on the gate of Saint Peter at the Kastellorizo of Amorgos. 

View to the Kastellorizo of Amorgos and Mrs Leousa chapel.

Views from the Chora.

View over the square above the bus square of the Chora.

View to the windmills of the Chora.

Waiting for refreshments after the exhausting bus trip to the Chora...

View over Katapola.

Mule in Chora. 

Donkey.

Views from the fishing harbour of Xilokeratidi with the new mole.

Approaching Katapola.

The old lighthouse of Katapola.

Thursday 2024-08-15:

The day started with low winds when we left the Despotiko bay. Soon the wind picked up round the southern cape of Antiparos. We took the first reef after an hour and the second after half an hour more. When we had passed three quarters of the Strait of Naxou-Parou the wind went up to 44 knots and then we took down the sails as we were going in to a narrow passage between Nisos Iraklia and Nisos Schinoussa, we wanted to have free space in case the wind should be even stronger when approaching. The wind actually went down to 24-26 knots when getting some lee under Nisos Naxos and between Iraklia and Schinoussa. 

When we had moored in the Ormos Gagvavi in the south of Schinoussa, we discovered that the port side lantern had loosen by a wave and was hanging in the cable. Checked if it was still working, but it was dead. Opened the lamp case and found after a while that it had been dragged apart at the contacts between the LED bulb and the holder. Everyone happy again!

The wind died out during the evening and went to the South... not expected, but that's the nature of things here in Greece.

The lamp is alight again (see to the left in the picture the LED bulb is glowing).

Wednesday 2024-08-14:

We sailed in smooth winds to Ormos Despotiko. Tried to catch some fish, but had no success as usual... It's not easy to get fresh fish by buying in the islands if you don't go to a taverna to have a meal.

Tuesday 2024-08-13:

Left Adamas and went to the bay of Kalamitsi on Kimolos for an overnight stay.

Sunset over Kimolos.

Monday 2024-08-12:

We came in to Adamas marina early Friday morning beside an Australian sail boat, Stella Mia, with a very nice couple onboard, Dirk and Sabrina. 

We had a laundry day and cleaning of the boat day on the Friday, which was needed after all the salty splashes during the sailing from Syros.

Saturday we went to Plaka with the local bus. Very clean and tidy buses without graffiti and slashed seats on the Greek islands.

It was a very nice walk uphills to the Kastellorizo Plaka and the church Panagia Sikiniotisa on the top. The views over nearly the whole Milos were fantastic! On the way down to Plaka we stopped for a refreshment in one of the small alleys, white wine and a gyros wrapped in a Tortilla bread, very fresh and tasty actually!

Sunday was a windy day so we stayed onboard and did as little as possible...

This is how the buses are looking on the Cyclades islands! Not graffiti and slashed seats. Very tidy and comfortable!

We first thought this was a dead cat as it was lying on its back with four paws spread, fortunately it wasn't... it went alive and moved a bit when we talked with it.

Views from "Kastellorizo Plaka" and the church Panagia Sikiniotis.

Harbour view in Adamas.

Our neighbour sailboat, Stella Mia, was from Melbourne,  Australia.

A fishing boat called Agia Anna (Sankt Anna in Swedish as our old charter boat was called).

Banana trees in a garden in Adamas village.

Thursday 2024-08-08:

Went to Ormos Milou outside Adamas. A very nice and smooth sailing also with a fresh breeze and high waves. On Friday we hope to have the opportunity to get into the marina.

Sun set over Kalamitsi beach, Kimolos.

Monday 2024-08-05:

We have tried to visit Ermoupolis many times before when we have moored in Finikas. Now finally we took the bus in to the city. The harbour captain, Nikos, told us earlier that it's better to take the bus from Finikas than moor at the town quay in Ermoupolis, as there is always a heavy swell from all ferries going in and out. 

We succeeded in buying two of three missing sea charts over Greece. Shop owners are very customer friendly here and this guy had his main store in another village and he was lacking one of the charts we needed, so he called his son in the other store and the son came on his moped with that chart in five minutes! We had the same experience in Pylos, when we needed two pad eyes for the bath platform. The shop owner ordered them Monday afternoon and we got them early Wednesday morning!

Ermoupolis is worth more visits than this one! There is much to see with its charming narrow alleys and due to the heat, we didn't climbed the alleys up to the top of the old city this time. The time flied and it was soon time to take the bus back to Finikas via the Paralia.

Syros Town hall.

National Resistance Monument.

Pictures from the Boardwalk in Ermoupolis.

Fishing harbour in Ermoupolis.

Refreshment time at the Plateia Iroois.

Sunday 2024-08-04:

Arrived in Ormos Finikas in Syros on the Saturday after a half motoring half sailing day on the Saturday. Sunday morning we moved into the Finikas marina, as there were spaces available after some boats left earlier in the morning. Henry started with washing away all salt from Alma and I made the interior cleaning.

Tried to get some fresh bread from the very good bakery in Finikas but was too late. That bakery make more or less the best bread in the Greek archipelago, I would say. It also don't get full of mold after a few days, but stays Ok up to 3 weeks! (Just gets a bit hard...)

Henry washing Alma from all salt spray. In Syros we get enough water to have possibility to wash in a decent way as water is scarce and we don't have a watermaker.

Friday 2024-08-02:

We have decided to skip Amorgos and the Dodecanese islands until the Meltemi cools down a bit, so we go back upwards against Langkeri and then to Syros again.

It was a good tacking upwind in the ParouNaxou strait as the wind make you go in a bow so there are not many tacking as expected. 

View of Paros when sailing upwind in the ParouNaxou Strait.

Thursday 2024-08-01:

Today we were finally hoisting our anchor and set sail towards Amorgos!

Unfortunately we didn't make it to Amorgos, but had to return to the bay at Schinoussa... It started with very low winds or no wind at all and then it was a very light wind turning against us. When coming closer to Nisos Keros the wind suddenly started to blow around 24-25 knots and we decided to take in one reef. It didn't take very long before there came down a very fierce wind from Nisos Keros and increased very fast until 36-38 knots. We decided to go back to Schinoussa as two of the batten pockets in the jib had gone loose. We went downwinds in 8 knots on only the jib but went down to only 2 knots just before we rounded the cape of Schinoussa.

When we had anchored we took down the jib and started to mend the batten pockets. It took 3 hours for us two to hand stitch it. The sail is made in 2021 and very little used, but still the stitching is looking very bad and it has only been the glue which have hold the pockets... just wonder about the quality of workmanship here...the sewing thread must have been of the wrong material as it is just more or less dust!

Wednesday 2024-07-31:

We have been on the same spot in Ormos Gagvavi, Schinoussa, since Saturday as the Meltemi has been blowing and we want a wider weather window to have the opportunity to visit Amorgos before heading for the Dodecanese islands.

Below some pictures from our bay in Schinoussa.

Saturday 2024-07-27:

We decided to go to Schinoussa (which is located in the so called Small Cyclades) today. First we had Paros and the Langkeri bay as a choice, but when looking at the weather forecast we thought it would be better to go to Schinoussa for better lee.

The wind was as usual increasing in the Naxou-Parou Strait and was between 18-30 knots. Alma was speeding in 7-9 knots in the slight sidewind.

When we came closer Nisos Iraklia, I saw something yellow brownish in the water, it was a Seaturtle, but it looked different from the ones we have seen earlier in the Ionian sea. This one looked more like landliving species. Unfortunately there was no time for a photo, usually they disappear very quickly down in the water. 

Schinoussa with the chora on top.

Naxos.

Friday 2024-07-26:

Left Ormos Kalamitsi yesterday and went to the lagoon between Nisos Antiparos and Nisos Despotiko. It was rather windy as usual in this passage between Sifnos and the Paros islands. Our average speed was 7 knots on that leg. In this lagoon, which is rather wide, there are a lot of Superyachts and normal Multihulls and Catamarans. During yesterday evening the main part of all boats left so we were only about 20 boats left. Now it starts to fill up again. We stay here today as well, just to take it easy. The temperature has fallen about 8 degrees C the last few days, now it's only 27 degrees C. 

The lagoon between Despotiko and Antiporos.

Approaching Nisos Despotiko.

The village and port Psathi on Nisos Kimolos.

Tuesday 2024-07-23:

Left Adamas to go to Kalamitsi beach on Kimolos, the neighbour island of Milos. Very beautiful areas around here. Saw a lot of the multi-coloured rocks on both islands. 

Multi-coloured rocks.

Leaving Adamas, Milos for Nisos Kimolos.

Monday 2024-07-22:

On the Sunday we took off to Milos island in a very slow breeze. After an hour or so the wind picked up and we could sail in good wind for a while and then the wind slowed down again. This was the same pattern the whole day, but eventually we reached Milos in the afternoon around 17. Found a space in the outside end of the jetty. The inside part is mainly for local trip boats or pre-booked boats (mainly motor boats).

On the Monday we had a boat cleaning day to get rid of all salt, which has built up. We left nearly four weeks of laundry at a good laundry shop (in three hours the laundry was washed, dried and stored in the boat!). Also provisioning was done to get some fresh vegetables, bread and wine (delivered to our boat).

Milos has a very different nature compared with other islands here, the land is more flat but stillhave some high mountains. There are a lot of different colours of the rocks and soil (white, grey, yellow, red, green...).

They seem to like painting window sills, doors and window hatches in bright colours like red, green, blue, the rest of the house is in typical cyclades white.

Klima, a fishing village with the carracteristic multi-coloured houses, just below Milos chora on the mountain top.

Oddly coloured rock at the approaches to Adamas, Milos.

Nisides Akradia.

See the window in the rock...

Approaching Milos.

Friday 2024-07-19:

Yesterday we went from Ormos Langkeri in Paros island to Ormos Livadhi in Serifos island. We should have gone to Paroikira in Paros to fill up water, food and make some laundry, but made up our mind and took a longer leg. We realised after a while that the weather forecasts were updated and the wind went stronger than was expected. We started in about 20 knots halfwind, had some downs to 9, but the wind increased and ended up in 36 knots. We had only one reef the whole distance, but Alma behaves very very good and is not heavy on the wheel and rudder!

We observed some dolphins close to the boat in between Paros and Serifos, maybe the dolphins which got Henrys sunglasses many years ago...

The wind was very strong the whole way into the Ormos Livadhi and kept on more or less the whole night and also today. One Catamaran left in the early morning before daylight as his anchor lost its grip and they choose to move somewhere else. Today the winds have increased up to 38 knots, but is calming down a bit after lunch time. Picked up again after 15. Now its about 30 knots again. A few Italian boats has arrived in the bay and as usual they come up too close and goes in a too fast pace to have the chance to get their anchor well in before they reverse in 7 knots... one boat blamed their anchor to be bad, we have the same type and think our anchor is the best we have ever had! They seemed to have put only 10 meters of chain in when its 10 meters deep...its like fishing!

View to the old Chora of Serifos on top of the hill.

View to the village Livadhi, main port on the Serifos island. A lot of ferries are coming in here carrying people, cars and cargo.

18/7-24

Crew at helm in fresh breeze and moderate sea. Just as I took over i got my heart in the throat. I was going to run over a herd of dolphins!

But the bastards tricked me and came up after us. Looking as they were laughting. And then they were gone.

Approaching Serifos it were no fresh breeze or moderate sea no more. The wind increased to 34 knots or more in the gusts, and gave a very confused sea in the inlet to Ormos Livadhi. Then some trouble to get the anchor to hold when we anchord up in the gusts. But when our anchor is in - it holds!

38 nautical miles this day in less than five hours.

Over and out.

Wednesday 2024-07-17:

We saw a Sea turtle very close to the boat in the morning! It seems like they are getting more common, which is very nice!!

Went from Syros to Paros in a fresh breeze, 24-34 knots on the Tuesday. Used only the main sail with one reef as the wind was coming more or less straight in the back. Good speed 6,5 to 8 kn. When the sea opened after passing south of Nisos Syros ridge, the sea and wind became calmer and the jib came out. No leeward coast under Syros this time. Nice sailing in running to half wind 19 to 30 knots.

We saw a beginning of a fire in the woodlands of Syros, but it was obviously handled and put out after half an hour!

The wind decreased when approaching Paros but the waves were still the same, so it was quite sloppy now and then.

We anchored in the Ormos Langkeri. We have calculated with staying here until Thursday and then go into the Naousa marina. Today we found out that the Naousa marina is not a real marina anymore... there is no water and no electricity and the anchoring is on your own risk! You may anchor at no fee. We are very disappointed as this marina has been very nice to visit before and we wanted to fill water, provisions and make some laundry.

Tomorrow we will see if we may enter the Paroikia marina instead (main port of Paros), if it's not too windy. There it is possible to get both water and laundry and make some provisioning of food.

Sunset over Ormos Naousis.

16/7 -24

Lighthouse Akrotiri Korakas at the approach to Naousa on Paros. Strong powerful and elegant. You feel protected and safe when approching in a northerly gale. Not the strong powerful and elegant piece of driftwood that the Lundarnas lighthouse is, when approaching Arkösund in Sankt Anna archipelago in our home waters in a northerly gale. 

Over and out

Approaching Paros.

Smoke from a fire on Syros.

Sunset view from Ormos Fikiada, Syros.

Saturday 2024-07-13:

On the Friday we moved into the Finikas marina to get new supplies with water and food. In the evening we went to the taverna Filomila, where we got some Sardines and Smelt (small fish) very good. We still miss the taverna "To Limenaki", which closed down in the end of the Corona times, autumn 2021. 

We ordered food on the internet from AB Vassilos supermarket to be delivered on Saturday free of charge! Very convenient when you can order goods which are bulky or heavy or both and have it carried to your door step or plank.

Saturday was meant that we should take the bus into Ermoupolis, the Capital of the Cyclades, when we had got our provisions delivered, but it was rather windy and I didn't feel comfortable to leave the boat (even if the Ultra anchor we use has shown astonishing good holding). 

Later in the evening we ordered Gyros and grilled Feta cheese, which was delivered to the boat from the village further 1,5 km up the road. First time with home delivery...

View from Finikas Main square towards the Finikas bay.

View from Alma towards Finikas.

View from Alma towards Posidonia.

Thursday 2024-07-11:

The Meltemi is still blowing but we had to move before Alma has been tied to the ground in Kythnos. We had a first reef from the start and run down south with the wind in the aft in eight knots with just that reefed sail. But after passing the south cape of Kythnos we took the second reef as the wind gusts reached 35 knots and we were close to tacking. The jib came out. Alma was doing very good, steady and light on the wheel as always in 6.5 to 7.5 knots in the breaking seas. After less than an hour the wind went down to 20 to 30 knots . The last hour before reaching Syros we could use the full main sail again and it was nice ro take a sandwich. We went to our favourite anchorage just outside the Military zone of Posidonia village.

Piperi, one of the "Sentries".

Last sight of Kythnos island in the background. 

Henry pleased with the sailing and Serifos island in the background. 

Piperi and Serifopoula, the two "Sentries" to the Cyclades, as we call them (after "the Lord of the Ring").

Wednesday 2024-07-10:

We went to Ormos Apokriosi on Monday. The Meltemi has been blowing since Friday so we stayed here a few days to get reasonable winds to go over to Syros. We think tomorrow will be an ok day.

We have dome some cleaning and maintenance of Alma. Found out that there was a leak from the level sensor of the Aft watertank (there has been a leakage every time we filled the water tanks, but didn't see where it came from before we removed the cushions over the Aft water tank), Today we glued with Liquisol (Rubber fix).

Night view of the Taverna.

Night view from our cockpit, against the nearest taverna.

Sunday 2024-07-07:

Saturday was a windy day, so we stayed mainly in the boat, as it was very choppy in the port and we wanted to have control of the mooring. It's not always very good holding in the port here.

Sunday started with very low winds, but picked up after 19 in the evening. Had some filling of water and cleaning of the boat. Went for a walk and some provisioning, but got no brown bread, the bakery was closed. Have to buy it tomorrow. 

Took a stroll around the village bay.

Grapes on a house roof.

Views over the Merikhas bay.

Lazy cats at one of the tavernas.

Friday 2024-07-05:

On the Thursday we went to the bay, Ormos Apokriosi, in Kythnos (which is one of the islands in the Cyclades). As its Thursday, there is a lot of charter boats in all three bays here, Ormos Kolona, Ormos Fikiada and Ormos Apokriosi. The charter boats have usually to be back in their Base on Friday afternoon.

Friday we went in to Merikhas harbour on Kythnos to get a berth during the weekend, as it shall be rather windy. We got one and had a nice stroll around the village in the afternoon and had some refreshments a seaside cafe'.

This is a living fishing village and they land a good amount of fish here, just behind our aft. They delivered four big lobsters to the restaurant Ostria, behind us, where we also had a lobster once.

The restaurant Ostria, in the middle of the picture.

Nice view for a refreshment.

Fishermen's cleaning stand.

Fishingboats at the quay. 

Wednesday 2024-07-03:

Had a very good sailing to Cape Sounio. Was also trying to get some fish, but I think the hook I have is too big for the small Tunas, Bonitos. Had probably 7 bites but all escape.

Cape Sounio with the Temple of Poseidon.

Tuesday 2024-07-02:

Monday we just went out from Ermioni into the bay, Ormos Kapari and anchored. Piece and quiet. 

On the Tuesday we sailed up to Poros, or to the bay, Ormos Vidhi. We passed Poros in the channel and went by the chapel on the small island Nisis Dhaskalio, where a working mate of mine, Freddie, was on a Greek wedding with 200 guests about a year ago.  

Later in the afternoon when we were anchored a fisherman and his wife came by and asked if we could move a little closer to the shore, but we preferred not to as we then come to close to other boats and the shore. It was OK anyhow when we told where our anchor was, so they knew where to lay their nets. I asked if they would sell some fish to us in the morning, but they had already taken them up when I woke up in the morning at 7...

Poros by night.

The fisherman and his wife.

The wedding chapel on Nisis Dhaskalio. 200 people on this tiny island... they had to stand outside the chapel during the wedding as it's much too small to have room for everybody. 

Poros town from the west side.

On top of the hill, Poros clock tower.

Poros channel.

Approaching Poros from Southeast.

Sunday 2024-06-30:

On Friday we got some good winds and started to tack in the Spetses Strait, then we got some sidewind when heading for Ermioni south quay, which is one of our favourites in the Saronic. We got a good spot between an English and a French yacht. Nice guys.

Saturday was as expected very windy with Northwesterly winds of app 38 knots. Had a laundry day, leaving the laundry at a laundry shop and could pick it up one and a half hour later and hang it on the guardrails to dry. Very fast drying today... after 2 hours everything was ready to pack.

Also went to AB, which is a super market chain in Greece, to make provisions of food. This chain offers free delivery to your yacht, which is very convenient when making a big provisioning. This time I was also offered a ride with the delivery van, very nice!

The afternoon was crazy with all rental catamarans and monohulls crawling into the harbour. A lot of shouting and mislayed anchors as usual.

Incredible amounts of catamarans in all harbours nowadays. Probably people not used to sailing need the extra "wheel" as toddlers use when learning to bicycle...

Alma at the south quay of Ermioni.

Typical street view with blooming Bougainvilleas.

Fishing quay in Ermioni.

Waiting for some refreshments.

Stroll around the peninsula of Ermioni, Akra Kastri. Really beautiful views!

Thursday 2024-06-27:

The day started with nearly no wind, later the wind picked up and we could sail with reasonable speed of 5-6 knots. We went into the northwestern bay of Spetses, Zogerias bay. Here it starts to be the motorway from Athens, when it comes to rental boats and Super Motor and Sail yachts... You have to be careful when choosing your place to lower your anchor. At this time there was still reasonable distances between the yachts in the bay.

Spetses town pictures.

South side of Spetses Island. Very bold rock formations.

Wednesday 2024-06-26:

Today we woke up at 06.00 by the wind rattling in the rig. After an hour when the sun had risen some more, the wind picked up even more and we had gusts of 38 knots. None of the weather reports had mentioned these high winds, but we were lucky to have chosen this anchorage, as it probably has given more lee than outside the mole of Monemvasia. If one is superstitious, we say thanks to the monks advising us to go here instead...

View to the small fishing village Old Monemvasia.

View to the beach of Ormos Palaias Monemvasias.

Tuesday 2024-06-25:

Our goal today was meant to be Kythera, but we changed our mind when reading the updated weather reports and sat course to Monemvasia, which is located on the Southwest part of the third finger of Peloponnesos.

The Cape Maleas is known to be a very unstable place when it comes to winds and current. We had a reasonable passing this time, with winds from variable directions and forces, but it took some time...

When passing the monasteries on the Cape Maleas, it is of old claim to wave to the monks to get a good passing of the cape and Elafonisos Strait. 

When we came to Monemvasia later in the evening,  there were many boats and it is rather deep outside the mole as well, so we decided to go to the bays north of Monemvasia instead, as the wind should be more northeast and increase slightly. Maybe we got a hint from the monks, we realised the next day...

Monemvasia rock from the rear side with the old abandoned church on the top.

Approaching the Monemvasia rock, where there is an old fortress on top and the old town beneath. 

Strange kind of ship... (her name was Wind Surf, as the AIS told us).

Cape Maleas.

Monday 2024-06-24:

Had a nice sailing to Elafonisos, where we choose the western bay, as the eastern bay was already occupied by a lot of other boats.

There is a sand strip like a bridge between the two bays and therefore very scenic, especially from the eastern bay. We choose the other bay as there was a lot of space and no other boats.

The water in here has a fantastic turqouis colour, as may be seen in the picture below. A lot of water sports available on the wide beach so it is very attractive to many people.

Sunday 2024-06-23:

Left Limeni in no wind and had "sea breakfast". Later the wind picked up so we could hoist the sails and switch off the engine. 

We went into Porto Cagio, where only one sailboat was anchored. Later on there were 9 more coming in. 

Faros Ak. Tainaron.

View to the opening of the Limeni bay and the high mountains of the middle Peloponnesos finger.

Looking out from the Limeni bay with calm waters.

Saturday 2024-06-22 (Midsummer day):

We moved to Limeni app 20 Nm (tacking distance) south of Kalamitsi. A wide bay with a lot of space for boats, but we were only 5 sail boats and one big motor yacht.

I tested  a new fishing tackle and there were 7 bites, but probably the hook was too big and the fish could escape, but I'm afraid they have ripped their months. Will change the hook when I have found a replacement.

Friday 2024-06-21 (Swedish Midsummer eve):

Came to Porto Kalamitsi, about 10 Nm from Kalamata. A really scenic and beautiful anchorage with turqouis and totally transparent waters. We were in company with some other boats Thursday night and one of them was Gitana IV, a wooden sailing yacht from Malta. That yacht we have been looking at from the quay every visit to Malta since 20 years!

We didn't celebrate Midsummer as in Sweden this year, but we had fried Seabream at least,  but no pickled herring. No flat smoked eel! 

Kalamitsi anchorage with a lot of beautiful houses. In the background Profitis Elias highest mountain in Peloponnesos, 2405 m in the Taigetos ridge.

Fried Seabream.

Gitana IV in the afternoon and early morning. 

Wednesday 2024-06-19:

Came in to Kalamata marina on Monday. It's not built for the modern sized boats, but they have tried the best they can to dredge the depth in the marina to app 2-3 m. It's also not so much space between the pier fingers so it's easy to get too close to the mooring lines...

We picked the warmest days, so far, to go here, 41 °C. A lot of water was consumed. Kalamata is a very nice little town. They have a nice old town, but we didn't visit this time as it was a little hot to take longer walks. We went to Lidl, where we bought 5 chocolate bars (300 g each), this is one of our favourites as it is not so sweet. After that we went into the central square/park to get some refreshment and had a look to the "train park" with their old train, not in use anymore, but used as activity center for youths and other arrangements.

We visited a taverna called Argo, just above the marina, where they had very good food, Sardelles and Gavros, Zucchini balls and Saganaki cheese. 

Kitten at Taverna Argo.

Railway park in Kalamata.

Crazy cat playing with our ropes for the wooden gangway. (Actually a very nice and friendly cat.)

Kalamata marina. 

16/6 24

The crew was anxious to get rid of the Brittish sign in the main sail. She climbed the mast and went out on the boom to tear away the GBR letters on the sail despite waves and swell from high speed motor yachts who increased their speed to avoid the dangerous sulphur smell that came out loud and clear from the lazy jacks bag. After a couple of hours the sail was clean as a baby bottom. (Some dirt still remain .. the English register number.)

A typical Sunday entertainment onboard Alma. 

Over and out.

Work in progress.

Happy crew after well done work.

Tsipora, Orata, Seabream, Dorada, Goldsparid.

Tasty fish with many names..

My Crew.... s

Saturday 2024-06-15:

Left Methoni bay in a fresh breeze of 18 knots, which increased to 28 knots after a while. Alma was sailing very steady with a max speed reaching 12,3 knots in the surfs! When we passed the cape, Kavo Gallo, the wind slowed down to only a few knots after a Nm or two. The wind picked up to about 12 knots later and we had a lazy halfwind up to Petalidi, where we let our anchor go. I saw a Sea turtle diving just when we were about to anchor. 

The sea is much calmer here compared with the bumpy bay at Methoni!

Friday 2024-06-14:

Went from Navarino bay down here to Methoni yesterday. The bay where we are anchored is very open to the Southwest, so there are many waves coming in and makes the boat roll a lot, even if the wind is a strong Northwest, not very comfortable. Weather has been a little cloudy today and in the morning we had a few drips of rain.

The view is very nice with the old Venetian castle sitting on the cape, where Bourtzi of Methoni castle is sitting as a big wedding cake at the very end of the cape.

Wednesday 2024-06-12:

Picked up the ordered Pad eyes for the bath platform at the Mares Marine shop and bought a few other necessary things. Very fast delivery! And we got another bottle of the olive oil from the owners olive farm!

Made some final provisioning with fresh fish and bread before returning to our earlier berth in the Navarino bay outside Gialova village.

Yesterday we had a bad experience from the Harbour master in Pylos... we  were filing fresh water and at the same time we washed Alma for the first time in two months to get rid of all salt in winches and canvas etc. The guy got mad about us using water to clean the boat! The same day a neighbouring Catamaran had used water for an hour or more to clean the Catamaran and the day before a motor boat was also cleaning his boat with the fresh water, but it was us who got the full strike if his rage and he switched off the water while we were filling our tanks! I went up to him and told him a couple of things and then he switched on the water again so we could fill. Usually we are not close to use the amount of water you pay for and this time was not an exception, even if we rinsed the boat. Stupid people are present everywhere...

Henry and Bernt, a Norwegian guy from our neighbour boat Isosceles (US flag), saw a huge Sea turtle about one meter wide at the quay when helping another boat berthing.

We went for a walk out to the castle at the seaside later in the afternoon. Beautiful views.

The house where Kostis Tsiklitiras was born. He was a Gold medalist of Standing long jump and also got a Bronze medal in Standing high jump in the Olympic games in Stockholm 1912.

Views from the castle. 

Monday 2024-06-10:

Have been moored in the beautiful Navarino bay since Thursday, doing as little as possible.

Today we went in to the Pylos town quay to visit the nice little town and have some laundry done. Provisioning of vegetables and fruit as well.

Here is a Marine store  Mares, which is open nearly around the clock and we found one of the Sea charts needed for the Greek waters and a new Greek Waters Pilot, the one onboard is as old as the one we have home (from 2007 or something).

Had a gyros and some Retsina under the Platan trees in the Pylos central square.

Pylos town from the town quay.

Thursday 2024-06-06:

Went from Katakolon early and had "sea breakfast" to save time as we had quite a long distance to go today and the winds were not promising. It was 54 NM. In the end the wind picked up and we could sail instead of halfways motoring. 

We didn't see many other sailboats. Two were going in the same direction as us and we met two going in the other direction and one cruising ship from the disastreous Costa family of ships.

It was an impressive entrance to the Navarino bay, where the town of Pylos is set. We visited Pylos around Christmas time in 2022 by car and wanted to visit also by the sea, aswell liked the town a lot. We will see which day it suits to visit, today we stay on anchor in the bay.

Nisis Proti opposite Marathopolis town.

Nisis Sfaktiria and Nisis Pylos.

The arch in the Nisis Pylos.

New Castle of Pylos.

Oros Agrilies in the background on top of the castle.

The day of the Swedish flag (Swedish National day) today. Pylos town in the background.

Night view over Nisis Sfaktiria.

Night view over Gialova beach.

Night view over Pylos town.

Wednesday 2024-06-05:

Had a fantastic sailing over to Katakolon on Peloponessos! 7-8 knots in 10-11m/s Northerly sidewind.

It was a bit cloudy during the day and we got maybe 30 drips of rain when we had anchored, but now the sun comes out again and the temp is about 30 deg C°.

Katakolon with MSC Opera cruising ship (tourists visiting  ancient Olympia from here).

Sea Bream for dinner today.

Sea Bream left overs after dinner... (Henrys fish).

Tuesday 2024-06-04:

Left Zakynthos town and went to Kieri bay again. This was the first stop in Greece when arriving in Greece and now we stay over night before heading for Peloponnesos and going around to the other side, Saronic, Cyclades, Sporades, Dodecanese ....

Not much wind, just around 14 knots for a while and then it was motoring.

More boats in the bay this time, warmer in the air (+32 C), water is warmer as well!

Haven't seen any Sea turtles yet. Maybe they have gone to the sea again after nesting?

Jasons bite.

Nisis Marathonisis.

Friday-Tuesday 2024-05-31 - 06-04:

Returned to Zakynthos town to make provisioning laundry and find a few parts for the boat.

Not so many boats in the port this time but maybe the weather is better than last time so they are out bathing instead.

Obviously we were cheated by the "Blue shirts" in the port last time as we were told by our German neighbour. We should go to the Harbour police and pay instead of paying to the "Blue shirts". Instead of 35 EUR per night it is app 8 EUR per night...

Soon there will be more cats on the island...

Andreas Vesalius, famous anatomist, stripped as a statue in Zakynthos, where he died.

A bit foggy around the south coast of Kefallonia in the evening.

Wednesday 2024-05-29:

Back in the Ormos Moulos/Aeti. Very nice place. This time we had company of 5 more sailboats and one of the largest Motor yachts in the world, Carinthia VII. 

Monday 2024-05-27:

Went out for provisioning and some Greek coffee in the village square of Vathi. Took a walkabout in the small back streets streets as well. There are a lot of very nice houses here! 

Ithakas famous man, Odysseus, standing on the Main square of Vathi.

Saturday 2024-05-25:

Went into the South quay of Vathi. Realised that we only have 60 m of chain and the rest is rope... (it should have been 70 m of chain and 30 m rope according to the spec of the boat!) 2 m of rope out and it got stucked! We had to fiddle with the chain and rope for one and a half hour before we got the chain on the windlass again. Realised that one part of the chain stripper was broken and has to be replaced. Not so easy, so we have to live with it for a while (if possible) until we can get the spare part.

Went out for a walk to find some vegetables and wine for dinner, goat stew. Found some cats in the fridge...

Cat in the fridge and another one waiting for a cool shelf.

Friday 2024-05-24:

Went from Marmaga bay after lunch and headed for Vathi, Ithaka. Had very good winds and made around 7 knots all the way, so it became a very short sailing time.

We motored into the Lazareto bay in Vathi to check how the winds were blowing in there. We thought it be better to go here on the Saturday morning instead as the wind was blowing a bit fiercely into the harbour sideways.

Went out and let the anchor go in the Southwest corner of Ormos Aitou(Molou). Very nice area, but the winds were crazy and we were wirling around the whole evening and night. There were very slow winds and suddenly a roar... but the anchor was as before behaving very good and had a very good holding!

Thursday 2024-05-23:

Left Kamari bay to sail to Ithaka. We had very good winds and Alma went off in above 7 knots, so we reached Ithaka in no time, as the distance is very short. We were heading for Frikes, but when we took a look in there, we thought there would be too crowded so we went on to Kioni, which we had heard should be a beautiful place. It was very nice but the harbour was already full! Can't understand there are so many boats here already! Just wonder how it looks during high season...

We decided to go back to a bay we saw earlier, Marmaga bay. Here the anchor didn't go in at the first attempt, got a whole sea garden on the hook... Next hit got a very good grip!

A day trip boat came in to the bay and made a very funny mooring to the beach... just sent down a ladder/gangway for the guests to climb down onto the beach from. The boat/ferry itself must have been partly put onto the beach as she was able to stand the side gusts coming down from the mountains.

During the evening and night we had a few heavy gusts coming down the steep mountains but our anchor had a very good holding. Two others of our neighbouring boats were dragging and the closest one, a catamaran, left and the other one, a Bavaria found a good grip but left early in the morning. 

Wednesday 2024-05-22:

Hoisted the anchor and set sail against Fiskardo, Kefallonia. We realised that there were too many rental sailboats in the harbour and went out again. We choose another bay further south of Fiskardo called Kamini bay. No boats, only a few goats. The goats came down to the water and drank in the evening, have never seen that before. 

Monday 2024-05-20:

Left Argostoli with all sea turtles in the harbour and went to Assos, a small village nothwest of Kefallonia, but it was too crowded with boats tied up to the rocks and on anchor, so we choose a anchoring just outside the harbour instead. There was only a French boat this evening.

Lighthouse of Argostoli.

Entrance to Assos.

Ancient fortress of Assos.

Friday 2024-05-17

Came in to the abandoned marina on the opposite side of Argostoli in Kefallonia on Wednesday, as it should be rather windy on Thursday and it was. We had up to 40 knots in the gusts, but we had the leeward side of the quay, so it was quite good. It will be 

We have done a repair today, a weld done on the starbord aft locker gas piston rod (by a local guy). The same piston rod was repaired in Malta by the seller, but the installation was poor, so the other end fastening broke as well.

Henry has been fetching water from a cemetary up the hill some distance from here as there is no water or electricity on the quay here, long way to walk... good exercise. He need that ...!

We are in company of a few other boats on the same pier, a Swedish one (Tai-Pan) with the crew Jessica and Alf, an English (Alize') with the crew Paul and Angela (think this is the 6th English crew with a Paul onboard...), a German (Eira) and a Belgian (Kaoz) and a few others scattered over the marina harbour. 

Saturday 2024-05-11:

Sayed goodbye to our nice neigbours, Sylvie and Pierre-Yves, in Dune, a Beneteau 42CC, who left some time before us. The were heading for Peloponnesos.

We left Zakynthos town in the morning and had a good start of the sailing northwards against Kefallonia. The wind was dying after a while so the engine was started. The wind picked up again closer to Kefallonia, but died again when entering into the Ormos Sotiros. We moored in the North end of the bay at 19.30.

Rain over Kefallonia.

Clouds building up over Kefallonia in the last evening sun rays.

Friday 2024-05-10:

Stayed one more day as it was rather windy and we should have the wind just straight in our face and we are not in a hurry.

One more walkabout in town.

The Agios Nikolaos Molos church to the right on the picture was originally built in 1561 and the only building in the square surviving the earthquake in 1953.

Children practising traditional greek dancing in the square.

Thursday 2024-05-09:

Rainy day. Went to a marine shop around lunch, when it didn't rain so much. When we went back with our newly bought mooring lines it started to rain cat and dogs, so we were offered a ride in the shop owners car back to Alma. Very friendly!

Goats gracing beside the road to the marine shop. 

Wednesday 2024-05-08:

Laundry day. Left our laundry in a laundry shop, as there were no self service laundry, but the price was similar to the self service in Malta, 10 EUR per machine if drying by ourselves.

Made a small walkabout while waiting for the laundry. Beautiful town.

Tuesday 2024-05-07:

Lifted the anchor from the pretty Keri bay and went for Zakynthos town. 

A light breeze first which increased to between 14-16 knots just before going in to the port. 

When paying the harbour fee and showing the papers for the boat, it was only the E-TEPAI fee (Greek boat tax) they were interested to see that we have paid. We didn't need to go to the Harbour police! So after all we are in EU...

Jasons bite.

First view of Zakynthos town.

Alma in the harbour (sailboat with the four fenders).

Monday 2024-05-06:

Lazy day, we were supposed to go to Zakynthos town to clear in to Greece, but decided to stay one day more in this very pretty bay. 

Calm morning and saw one more Sea turtle in the morning, but it was to fast surfacing to have the time for a picture. 

Did some polishing of the steel on the aft of Alma and some other minor touch ups. 

Two other Swedish flagged sail boats anchored in the bay today! Seems like Swedes are overrepresented here...

Saturday 2024-05-04:

Woke up late, but... when looking out... the bay of Kieri,  Zakynthos, GREECE, that's how it looks in daytime! Fantastic!

Very close is the border to the Nature reserve for Sea turtles nests. No boats are allowed to be in the Zone A and B after 1 May until 30 October, but in Zone C it is allowed, if they are not speeding more than 6 knots. As usual there are anyhow boats where they shouldn't...

In late afternoon a sea turtle showed up just 50 m from our boat! Looked like an empty beer can at first sight, then the rest of the body was seen. Obviously the breeding may start soon and they lay their eggs on the beeches here. Had unfortunately no time to take a picture before it dived again

Nisis Marathonisi.

Zone A and B.

Zone C.

Friday 2024-05-03:

Henry came and woke me up with a nice birthday song. 

The wind was higher today and were steady on 20-24 knots during the day and first reef was taken. In the afternoon we took a second reef, when the wind increased to around 24-26 knots to make a more comfortable sailing. Alma lay steady on 6,5-9 knots.

More birds came by and took a rest during the day. First a Yellow earl and later a Collared dove. 

As Alma was speeding quite good we saw that we should reach Zakynthos at around midnight, so both of us stayed awake until then. At 02.00 the anchor was settled and we could take a late supper as it had been a bit too choppy sea out there earlier.

Waves.

Yellow earl on visit.

Collared dove on longer visit.

More waves.

Henry glowing in the star bright darkness.

3/5 - 24

Were woken up by the crew. The wind had increased to 20 to 22 knots and built up a high sea. Alma was not taking rudder in the white breaking seas. Took second reef. Alma reduced just a bit speed and rised. A nice ride through the seas. Breakfast in nearly normal time. 

More birds for the wife to be conserned of, no dolphines.

From afternoon 20 to over 24 knots. The sea came higher, but Alma ride them fine. Just before dusk a high breaking wave turned Alma in contra direction and the self stearing that was on turned off and the wheel was rotating wildly by it self before we could turn against Zakynthos again. I guess Mr Helmer did not know in what direction we wanted him to steer. Zakynthos high ridge had been seen a couple of hours. But we had still at least four hour more to sail. 

At midnight we passed Akra Ypsoulithron, the cape of Ypsoulithron. Still a few distances to go in to the bay of Keri. The sails were hauled and we motored into the bay. The main part of Ormos Laganas is restricted area due to breeding turtles. But not here. At 0200 we set anchor in seven meters deep. In distance of a few other boats and a bottle of chilled Frizzante came up in the cockpit. We, myself and the crew, Mr. Helmer and P celebrated my wifes birthday. Late lunch afterwards. 

Over and out.

Thursday 2024-05-02:

Henry had the night watch and Pia took over in the morning by 07.00 after breakfast, then Henry could go to bed. It was a beautiful morning with calm waters and not much wind.

Later during the day first two swallows came onboard to take a rest before flying on northwards. Another swallow came by and flew around the boat several times before it landed just beside me and started to take a nap. That bird stayed on the boat for a couple of hours during which time it flew downstairs into the boat a couple of times. It doesn't seem like it was in a very good shape and very sadly it passed away later in the day and it got it's sea funeral.

Exhausted swallow.

Passed away swallow.

Sunset.

2/5 - 24

Nice hard sleep in the sea bunk. The new day had became aftrenoon. Breakfast! Alma was doing nice speed. 5,5 - 7 knots in 12 - 17 knots wind from SW. P had company of some birds. Tried to rescue a swallov from fatigue. But she did'nt swallov the sausage and water she was offered. 

2200. The crew enters the bunk. A nice and rather warm night. Late night the wind nearly died. Picked up again just before dawn.

The wind increased to over 17 - 18 knots. Took first reef. Same nice speed. 6,5 knots, and more stabile boat movments. 

A new day. The crew have birtday. Tried to wake her smootly with a birthday song. I did not manage so well!

Over and out

Wednesday 2024-05-01:

Today we waved goodbye to Malta and started our journey over to Zakynthos. We calculated with approximately three full days at least, depending on the winds. 

Very light winds this day, so we just did about 2,5-3 knots.

Last sight of Valletta, Malta.

1/5-24-24

Cleared our bills at Camper & Nicholson Marina. (Grand Harbour Marina). Made Alma ready for the voyage to Greee / Zante. Passed the Grand Harbour pier and Fort Rinella 1400 after set the main sail. Met a high confused sea. Crew strike. I had to stowe the fenders my self in the anchor box. Nice southerly wind, but the sea reduced the speed. Seldom over thre knots.

A couple of dolphines followed us against the Malta Channel. 

Picked up the promised W- NW in the Malta Channel. The wind and sea decreased, but the speed increased to over five knots. 2200 the crew turned into the sea bunk and left me and Alma with a nice night sailing. A large amount of vessels in the Channel on their way between Gibraltar and Suez. AIS made it easier to locate them and their speed and direction. A giant tug made things complicated for us. It changed speed and direction towards us on its way against Sicily and I had to luff rather much. To go after is no alternative. You never know what they are towing. The tug was lit as a normal shoping mall and were clearly seen miles before and after. When their light was gone a large tanker in our course. That one you don't go before. Took a huge turn after it to avoid the swell in consern of the sleeping crew. All the way the sea fire was guiding us on our way. The dawn of new day. The crew slowly left the bunk. Sea breakfast and a nice shower in the front. Owners cabin is in the front, and the shower in front of it. Shower in sea swell is a new and heavy experiance. Especially in down waves.

Over and out.

Tuesday 2024-04-30:

Went over with the fast ferry to Valletta to the Immigration & Customs office to clear out from Malta, as we should leave the next day. We extended our stay due to a bad weather forcast for the crossing over to Zakynthos/Sante and Greece. In Malta it's still necessary to clear out even if they also are member of EU.

Fort Angelo, Birgu.

View to Grand Harbour Marina, Birgu, from the fast ferry Top Cat II.

Stamped and Cleared out Crew list.

Saturday 2024-04-27:

Today we went to L-Imgarr to have a look to the two remaining "stone piles" we haven't visited before! Ta' Hagrat & Skorba Temples. They are dated to 5000-2500 BC. 

We took the ferry from Birgu to Valletta and then the Barracka Lift to the Barracka gardens and a walk to the Bus station to catch the bus to L'Imgarr.

The temples are not in the same size as Hagar Qim and Mnajdra in Zurrieq, but still you may wonder about how they were built and how they really looked, when in use! Did they have a roof? 

After the visits we stayed at the village square and it's church and had a glass if wine in the sun.

Then we took the bus to Ghajn Tuffieha to have our dinner, Fish & Chips. We got a sea view table and had a very pleasant afternoon with a marvellous view to the Golden Beach! 

Bus back to Birgu via Valletta, as usual. 

Ta' Hagrat temples.

Skorba temples.

Refreshments in the village square of L'Imgarr.

View over Ghajn Tuffieha.

Friday 2024-04-26:

Took the bus to Gzira, to change a broken fire alarm. Then we took the ferry over to Valletta and made a walkabout the seafront before takibg the ferry over to Birgu.

Old buildings meeting new ones on each side of the Marsamxetto bay.

Ferry from Sliema to Valletta.

Valletta seafront facing Marsamxetto bay.

Old and new types of transportation... (a Karozzin and a Van)..

A ship just launched from it's renovation dock in Grand Harbour and goes out with one Pilot and the Towing boat behind for assistance, if needed.

Further behind, just coming out from Grand Harbour Marina, a Superyacht (just looking like a dinghy compared to the tanker) is leaving.

Wednesday 2024-04-24:

Before lunch we went to the local butcher and bought different meats for cooking the stews for the passage over to Zakynthos next week and we got some local Malta sausages as a bonus from the Butcher!

Miserable day with heavy rain and a lot of wind in the afternoon. 

Sunday 2024-04-22:

Anchor and windlass worked fine, but we think the anchor chain is a bit too short, app 60 m, for Greek waters, but we will see... 

Today the wind was very week, so after two hours the engine had to be lit, if we wanted to reach the harbour in a decent time. Not many boats out today. A lot of the merchant ships had left during the early morning and new arrived for provisioning or unloading in Birzebugga.

Sunday 2024-04-14:

Another day for a walkabout... this time in Birgu, where our home marina is located.

Went up the streets to have a overlook to the Fort Angelo and then walked the walls back down to Kalkara where we took a refreshment at the Supernova Heights.

On the way back to Alma, we passed a duck couple, which had a very strange mix of ducklings, seven normal colured and two yellow ones...

During the latest ten years or so, the moat, which is separating Birgu from Bormla, has been renovated and a nice garden been constructed. It is like walking in the Middle ages, when walking around these old cities, Isla, Birgu and Bormla.

Just before taking the last strides back to the marina, one may knock on "Heavens door"...

Saturday 2024-04-13:

Took the bus to Spinola bay in St Julians. From there we walked back via Balluta bay, Exiles bay and the waterfront of Sliema and Tigne. One of our favorite walks. Stopped for a while at the Balluta bay to watch a Water polo game, which is not so common to see in Sweden.

Went on and passed a very good restaurant, Barracuda, which has been renovated recently and is now looking really nice again. Was one of our first restaurants to visit in the 1990's.

Thursday 2024-04-11:

Took a bus to Valletta and from there we took a walkabout to Gzira to make some additional shopping for Alma things at the marine shop Gauci Borda. We passed some other marinas during the walk, Valletta harbour marina, Imsida marina, Roland marina and the Marsamxetto marina. The amount of boats down here must have increased by 300 percent since we sat foot in this country in April 1990!

There is always some of the cities which have a party in the weekends or they celebrate a saint or similar. Here they have a celebration in Floriana, not sure what was the topic, but there is always a lot of decorations in the streets and houses.

Wignacourt water tower built in 1683.

New born fellows on the quay, mothers watching them closely.

Imsida marina, where some traditional Luzzus may be seen. Unfortunately these traditional fishing boats are rarely seen nowadays as the goverment here payed fisherman to scrap their Luzzus as there were too many of them a few years ago. Now they regret they did that, as those boats has been popular again...

Monday 2024-04-08:

Took one more sailing day, as the weather should be a little worse on Tuesday. We went a little south west against St Thomas bay outside Marsascala, where we turned back today. The winds were very light today but sunny and warm, so we don't complain...

Sunday 2024-04-07:

Finally out sailing again in a light breeze, 10-13 knots, but Alma moved on in a very good pace tacking upwind in 5 to over 7 knots. Also downwind she did very well. This is a very comfortable boat to sail, very easy on the wheel, as sensitive as using a tiller

This time we were more comfortable with the navigator, which is not very easy to handle yet. Have to rely more on the paper sea charts.

We went a bit north on the nort coast of Malta and turned outside Bugibba and went back to the Grand Harbour Marina, where we are berthed.

Thursday 2024-04-04:

A day for additional shopping of things for Alma interior stowing. Happened to pass a few donkeys, which are rarely seen here.

Tuesday 2024-04-02:

Went to Gzira to shop some more things for Alma... also some provisioning which will be brought to us the next day for free, which is a very good service.

We decided to stay for dinner in Sliema and came home to Birgu when the sun had set. Many beautiful views with the alightened walls of Birgu when walking back from the bus to the marina!

Easter Monday 2024-04-01:

First day we went out sailing for the first time by ourselves, to get to know Alma a bit closer. She was very light on the wheel and all movements was felt as in our former Omega 42, very nice! 

Our neighbours on the jetty, Paul and Leslie, spent their last day in the marina before going back to England. Very nice people!

Easter Sunday (also the Freedom Day of Malta) 2024-03-31:

It started this morning with some of the troops walked up to the monument in the round about in the harbour to lay down flowers to celebrate their Freedom day from the British, or when the British withdraw their troops from Malta the 31st of March 1979.

This morning (and the day) is also a very special morning here in Birgu. At around 10.30 in the morning people start to gather in the streets leading from the big church up to the Town Square (which is right now in a reconstruction phase and is not so beautiful as normal...) The reason is that at that time, or about, the big statue of Jesus crucified on the cross, is brought out of the church and will be carried around in the city, not just carried around, but the guys carrying him are going to rush with him uphills the streets in Birgu under all peoples screams and applause. They are only able to rush one hill at the time as it takes 20 men/younger guys to carry this heavy statue! All expectators are dressed in their best Sunday clothes (except me and Henry, who wore shorts) and as this day is a day of happiness, people start to drink a Cisk lager or two already at 10 in the morning! There must have been thousands of people gathered in the big Bus stop square and down the Main street, really a big event!

Saturday 2024-03-30:

Here in Malta this day is just a normal Saturday, so the shops are open as on a normal Saturday. It's also a market day here in Birgu and one may go and buy fresh fruit, vegetables and a lot of other household stuff in some of the streets where farmers and other market people sell their goods. We where a bit late and most of the market people had already left, but we where looking for some cleaning tools and were lucky to catch a couple just before they had packed everything. 

Good Friday 2024-043-29:

Made a trip to Mdina today. This city was called The Silent City when we visited Malta the first times in the beginning of the1990's. Nowadays it is as commercial as other historical sites, but still very beautiful with it's fortress and all the high sandstonewalls around the narrow alleys.

When we came back to Birgu in the afternoon, it's a tradition in many of the cities in Malta to carry around all the statues from the churches out in the streets. Each statue needs between 6 and 10 people (depending on the size of the statue) to carry it around the town or village. In Birgu it took around 4 hours to get all the statues back in the church again. The bearers had to stop carrying every 50 m or so. Afterwards all of them had big wounds on there necks and shoulders...

Address: Heavens door...

Wednesday 2024-03-27:

Today another day with a lot of sand in the air (it's not fog seen in the picture). Have to wait until the wind turns to more westerly before it's worth cleaning the boat from the red mudlike settlement of the Sahara sand. 

So, we went shopping food while waiting for the air to clear up. When walking to the bus stop we passed a duck, who has got 13(!) Ducklings. They have found a good place outside a Greek restaurant here. 

A speciality here on Malta is rabbit, so we found some for the  Easter and also some Sea bream (fish). All in all it was a good deal of shopping, so we toolk a Bolt taxi back (these are rather unexpensive and comes in just a few minutes after ordering, very convenient).

Tuesday 2024-03-26:

Yesterday we cleaned the boat, today she looks worse than before due to the Saharasand coming in with the rainstorm during this morning. 

Before Christmas there are a lot of beautiful cribs set up in many windows here in Birgu/Vittoriosa and now before the Holy week, there are different set ups of the suffering of Jesus Christ before his Crucifixion, the bloodier the better...

Monday 2024-03-25:

The happening of the day... Endemic bees of Malta swarming on our pontoon and all gathering on a blue motor boat. There were 4 bee queens but only 3 surviving, so now the "Bee king" will try to establish 3 new bee communities.

We had a cleaning day of Alma as it is a lot of dust in the air.

Sunday 2024-03-24 (Palm Sunday):

Today there was a Marathon competion finishing in our Marina. They started in Mosta at 06.00 in the morning and the first runner came here app 08.17 and was met by an orchestra and saluted by people dressed as Medieval soldiers.

As it is Palm Sunday today also a lot of Church bells has been calling out nearly the whole day until noon together with very noisy disco music from the Marathon festivities, all in a perfect cacaphony... The church bells are actually rang by live persons holding on to the bell rope right beside the bell, not as in Sweden, by automated bells, where you just press a button.

Yesterday we finally got the missing Aluminium Spi-pole and the wooden gangway. Today we had the Electrician Gilbert and his cousin Mark, the Engineer, here to find out the problem with the Shore power. It showed up to be a problem on the pontoon shore power pillar, not in Alma, which was a big relief. Tomorrow the Marina will fix it.

Thursday 2024-03-21:

Now Alma got her home port attached (the old one  removed from the rump)! 

Still no shore power through the Mastervolt working, so we have the shore power cable bridged to get shore power if we need. We are also waiting for the wooden gangway and the Aluminium Spi pole still missing...

Wednesday 2024-03-20:

There are mainly two ways of coming to Grand Harbour Marina (or four if taking bus and Bolt taxis in account) from Valletta, by Dghaisa or by the Catamaran ferry (see below pictures).

GHM is where we have our berth until the 30th of April. Right now we are working with getting the Shore power to work on Alma. The electrician, who was here today, thinks it may be something wrong with the Printed circuit board in the Mastervolt. We have also gone through a lot of storage behind the saloon sofa and under the floor boards. We think that we have thrown away app 100 kg of things we don't need, so far. Then it's all the tools and spare parts... Henry start tomorrow with sorting all those 52 boxes...

Friday 2024-03-15:

Alma is finally taken over by us! A very happy day! The Swedish flag is raised once again on her! 

Now the sorting of a million things onboard is starting... Just imagine how many things you may find in all lockers and drawers in a 20 year old sailing yacht...

Monday 2024-03-11:

Down there she is. (View from the roof top of the house, where we rented a small apartment.)

Saturday 2024-03-09:

Finally on our way to Arlanda Airport,  Stockholm Sweden. Travelling by bus.

Their has been a Lufthansa strike, so our flight to Malta has been delayrd by two days.

Friday 2024-02-16

Alma was launched at MMH Boatyard Friday 16th of February and was transported to GHM in Birgu by Kenneth Tabone on Monday 26th of February. The delay was due to bad weather.