Greek Islands

Hello from the island of Ios - hippy backpacker centre of the ancient Greek world. We have had a great first week on the boat with our skipper, Steve, and have visited many excellent places. We've also dealt with the super high winds of the Meltami, and no wind at all. Very nice to stay in the ancient port of Rhodes, and to share the caldera harbour in Santorini with cruise ships that are actually floating! While there, we had a bit of a thrill as our bow line let go of the mooring bouy at about 1am. Fortunately, we werer still sitting up having a nightcap on the back deck and managed to re-tie. Didn't sleep as well after that, though. Yesterday we had an excellent sail - reaching across in a rare East wind to Ios, going 8-9 knots the whole way in the sunshine. Very nice sailing.

In our last week on the Agean, we will be heading north towards Athens, visiting Naxos and Mikanos on the way. The big cat Sparanza sails really well off the wind - we've been up to almost 14 knots at times. However, sailing upwind is a bit of a chore. Today, we're back into the wind... Good thing the kids have found their sea legs.

Sorry to hear about the Flames going down. Sounds like it was bound to happen. Must head back to the boat now to get underway.