4th August 2010
After Svein had successfully filled the last two 25 litre diesel cans we waited until 14h00 and went into town to collect our bridge permit. When we arrived at the Customs we were told that we were too early and had to come back and see the Commandant between 15h00 and 17h00. As we had expected this we went off to do the last bit of shopping that was needed. We came back the the Port Police Authorities at 15h00 to be told that it was not yet time and could we please wait. As you imagine the fact that the bridge had been closed for 3 days meant that there was quite a queue building up. We waited patiently and eventually an officer appeared and was ready to go to work. We had initially been the first in the queue but a polite French man decided to pass in front of us. We believe he may still be waiting there as he presented a €200 euro note to pay a bill of €18.69 and needless to say they had no change. We then got our own permit and escaped to have a well earned drink. We met up with some Italians who were also waiting for the bridge but in the opposite direction and they gave us some useful tips about anchorages. We returned to the boat and got here ready for departure.
At 22h00 we were duly called up on the VHF and told to prepare the boat and hoise the anchor as the bridge would be opening in 15 minutes. As everybody was given the same instructions there started to be a little hustling amongst the 14 odd boats waiting to go through. Evenually the bridge opened and the commercial vessel was allowed to go through first followed, in theory, by the motor yachts and then the sailing yachts. However by this time everyone was extremely anxious to get through and ignored the instructions. So to add to the bustle came instructions from the Authorities for the sailing yachts to go through faster. We got through at 22h30 and continued on our way.
Our initial plan had been to sail (read motor) through the night but after a few hours we encountered very strong head winds that reduced our speed to 3 knots at 2000 rpm and very choppy seas. We decided to go for an anchorage and continue the next day. At 02h30 we were anchored outside the town of Larimna. A dirty oremining town but at least we did not have to look at the chimneys and were able to get a short night’s sleep in a safe anchorage.
5th August 2010
We were up bright and early and left the anchorage to look at more pleasant surroundings. We continued to head NW under engine and inevitably had the head winds – although this time they were not so strong. We motored through the day and rounded the tip of Evia into the Orei channel in the early afternoon. We now had an East wind – straight on the nose – so we decided to make for an anchorage that was calm and in pleasant surroundings. We chose the bay of Vathikelon. We anchored in a corner and enjoyed the peace and calm. We went for a swim in the blue waters and Svein was treated to a special dinner of “gesiers” for all his hard work. In the late afternoon we were joined by a rather expensive Spanish 112ft sloop. Apparently it is one of the biggest Swan yachts built. She was elegant and had such a lot of clever features like the flush portholes in the hull and the gangway that also fitted into the hull when not in use. So tonight we are in regal company in the anchorage under the stars. We are hoping that the passage to Skepolos (the Mamma Mia island) tomorrow will bring up more luck with the winds and we can sail a little. We are slowly but surely approaching our final destination of Lesbos.