Back in the Mediterranean

Erdek viewed from the headland

WWI minelayer TCG NUSRET and Canakkale behind

From Erdek we sailed across to the fishing port of Karabiga where we went alongside the inner quay. Trevor, Hilary, Richard and Lauren set off ashore to photograph the medieval wall whilst Steve and I sorted out the boat a bit and prepared supper. Initially the berth was quite comfortable but as the evening drew on the swell started to work its way in and before retiring for the night we decided life would be more comfortable in we moved out and anchored in the bay. This we did and all had a good nights sleep. Next morning we set off for at 0700 Canakkale and enjoyed a spanking good sail down the Dardanelles, downwind, poled out, in a blow and touching 9 knots over the ground at times, (a following 2-3 knot current helped!).

Dennis at the helm

We berthed in Canakkale at 1630, three hours earlier than we had predicted. Next day the Croziers took their leave and Steve and I set about re victualling for the next leg of the cruise. 36 hours later, at 0200 Saturday, Dennis arrived after being delayed by an hour on the Ankara – Canakkale leg of his flight from Holland. Eight hours later we left Canakkale for the last time in 2011 and headed

SW out of the Dardanelles and southwards to the Turkish island of Bozcaada.

Here we sailed past Bozcaada town and headed for the quiet anchorages on the south coast. Steve and I had had enough of town life! After supper and a film onboard we all retired for a quiet night; so quiet that the first to wake was myself at 1000! Under-way by 1200 we set off for the Greek island of Lesbos, back in Greece for the first time in over a month, now to do battle with the Greek authorities when tomorrow

Shipping in the sunset

I try to get them to re-stamp my Greek cruising permit which is supposed to be stamped but the port police at least once a month! I'll let you know how it went in the next entry.