Next day with light winds we headed north back to base at Platerias. The last day is always a bit sad but we had the last supper to look forward to. This would probably be combined with the aforementioned presentation. Mark hadn’t seen this as our last flotilla had been the first week of a two week cruise so there was no last supper for us. We spent most of the day bobbing about in peace and quiet until we saw a large tanker dead ahead of us some miles away. It was difficult to see if he was moving or not and I spent a long time watching him before deciding that if he was moving at all it was very slowly. After another half an hour I could see that he was moving from the bow wave that certainly hadn’t been there before. He was heading straight at us and although a long way off I decided to start the motor and head towards the land leaving him the channel. Our course was ninety degrees to his at that point but he must have altered course because he kept pointing at us. It was a good half an hour before I was sure he would pass by and he eventually cleared us by about half a mile. Not scary but just shows how careful you have to be.
Eventually we rounded the headland and the wind picked up. We were just off a close beat heading east into the Platerias channel which is a good couple of miles wide. Mark found his confidence and helmed as the speed picked up, allowing himself to play with sail settings and headings to get a feel for sailing. He got the hang of it and we hit 8 knots on the GPS at one point. Finally it was time for the drill: SAFER: Sails down, Anchor ready, Fenders out, Engine on, Ropes ready. We called in on the vhf for the last time and followed directions into the harbour where we moored and cleaned the boat.
That evening we walked for miles to the last taverna along the beach, at least it felt like miles. Measuring it on Google Earth made it only three quarters of a mile so it shows you what sort of condition we must be in! Anyway, it was worth the walk. The food was very good and low cost too. The local cats helped us finish it off and then the presentations began. We were called first and we braced ourselves for the onslaught, but no, we got the perfect crew award, no incidents or misbehaviour at all! They obviously missed me catching the anchor line at Parga!
So a great time was had, at a very reasonable price, and I hope to go as soon as possible again. Sailing Holidays come highly recommended and I’d be happy to be contacted if anyone has questions.
Tony Bennett
