30th May

The children walked the wobbly pirate plank to the quay while I ferried their luggage to the shore. They killed half an hour in the playground before taking a taxi to the airport. There was no rush. A Greek air traffic strike meant delays and cancellations. We motored to the anchorage outside Gouvia to settle down until tomorrow. Sophie, David and the kids got back a little delayed.

29th May

We stayed in the bay until noon and then slowly made our way 7 miles south to Mandraki port in Corfu town, the final destination for our guests. Last time we went stern first onto the quay and had to walk across a long plank. This time we tried bows first. We still ended up having to traverse a long and wobbly plank. The kids bought presents and had a swim and then had a final meal together on Imagine.

28th May

The night was calm and peaceful. After breakfast we took the dinghy and had a walk along the cliff overlooking the bay. Hundreds of spiders sat in the middle of individual webs while butterflies fluttered amongst the flowers. The anchor retrieved we motored a couple of hours south back into the bay we were in last week. There was time to swim before lunch. During the afternoon several other boats came in to anchor. In the evening we ate at a table on the beach. David L is feeling unwell. I hope he gets better soon. The kids are loving being on the boat.

27th May

David and I watched the European Champions League final. Sadly Liverpool lost but at least Gareth Bale was the hero for Real Madrid. The morning was windless and we made an early start to motor back to the north east coast of Corfu. Our anchor picked up a heavy line but that was easily sorted and we were off through the narrow harbour entrance.

We anchored off Ay Stefanos in time for lunch. Later we left David on board while the rest of us went for an ice cream and a swim from the beach. Imagine looked lovely but was slowly drifting out to sea towards Albania. Her anchor was dragging. I rowed rapidly back. David had it under control and we re-anchored closer to the beach.

27th May

David and I watched the European Champions League final. Sadly Liverpool lost but at least Gareth Bale was the hero for Real Madrid. The morning was windless and we made an early start to motor back to the north east coast of Corfu. Our anchor picked up a heavy line but that was easily sorted and we were off through the narrow harbour entrance.

We anchored off Ay Stefanos in time for lunch. Later we left David on board while the rest of us went for an ice cream and a swim from the beach. Imagine looked lovely but was slowly drifting out to sea towards Albania. I rowed rapidly back. David had it under control and we re-anchored closer to the beach.

26th May

We'd gone to bed but music was still thumping from the bar on shore when an enormous thunderstorm swept in. Bright jagged rents of lightning ripped through the clouds and arced to the sea. The atmosphere crackled and then the rain came. The wind picked up but not by much. All around people with torches were moving in their boats. After an hour or so it passed over and all was quiet. The grandchildren slept on blissfully unaware of any excitement. We sailed and then motored slowly 15 miles south along the Albanian and then the Greek mainland. As we were nearing our destination we saw a large turtle paddling along just under the surface. By early afternoon we were in Sayiadha. The harbour entrance was narrow but once we had squeezed inside the small harbour we made ourselves secure. Most of the crew headed for the local beach. Later we went to a restaurant on the quayside for supper and David and I stayed on to watch the Champions League final.

25th May

Our first trip was a short distance to the fuel bay. Another 220 litres on board we slowly motored 6 miles north. We tucked into a small bay in time for lunch. In the afternoon everyone had a swim and a wander round on the pebbly beach off which we are anchored. Then back to Imagine for the night.

24th May

Back on Imagine. Sophie, David, Hester and Trewin were on the same flight yesterday. On the descent to Corfu we hit some turbulence. The flight attendant reassured everyone, Lucinda grabbed my hand and I had to promise her we would land safely. I didn't mention that the airport is allegedly the 5th most dangerous landing strip in Europe. As the wheels touched the tarmac there was spontaneous applause from the passengers. It was a short but expensive taxi ride to the marina where we bedded down for the night. With our wonderful grandchildren on board I can see why I might want a bigger yacht, or perhaps two boats. Today we went to the supermarket, swam in the pool and went out to eat in a restaurant.

20th May

Our anchorage was in a bay next to the marina. At 10am we upped anchor and moved into the marina. There was time to get Imagine sorted before the short taxi ride to the airport for our flight back to London. We will return to Corfu on Wednesday. Until then this blog is on holiday.

19th May

We took the opportunity to have another wander through the streets of Corfu old town. Then we slowly motored 4 mikes north to a bay outside the big marina at Gouvia. When we got there we tried the big kedge anchor. We discovered it's bloody heavy and that anchoring in mud can be messy. After that we anchored conventionally and spent some time tidying up. This is a peaceful spot and we stayed here for the night ready to enter the marina in the morning.

18th May

It was a peaceful night at anchor. The water park was closed and there was no music from the deserted bar on the beach. We had to motor, once again. This time back to Port Mandraki, a small harbour in the shadow of Corfu old town. We couldn't get close enough for our passarelle so had to steadily walk a long wooden plank to the harbour wall. We explored the fortifications overlooking the harbour and wandered through the old town. We ate at the yacht club restaurant overlooking the harbour.

17th May

On a windless morning we motored 15 miles north along the mainland to anchor off the town of Mourtos. As we entered the bay the starboard engine juddered. From past experience we knew something had wrapped round the propeller. I selected reverse and a large chunk of plastic bag floated free. While anchoring another two chunks came to the surface. I used a camera to check the prop. There was still more attached to a blade. The water was warm. It must have been as Lucinda was swimming. So on with the shortie wetsuit, snorkel and mask. The prop cleared I rewarded myself with a kitkat. We're moored for the night just off a water park, closed at the moment.

16th May

No rain today and much warmer. What wind there was came from the north so we drifted the few miles across to the mainland to anchor in a bay just north of Parga. When we arrived there were only 4 boats at anchor. Come sundown there were over 30 including a flotilla. This delightful bay is fringed by a sandy beach. We walked along the beach to the castle overlooking the bay. After passing through various hands the castle became British in 1814. In a shameful episode of colonial history the British sold the castle to Ali Pasha in 1816 causing the local population to flee to Corfu. The town of Parga is in the next bay and we walked there and back.

15th May

Today was overcast, grey and drizzly. Fortunately we had a day planned exploring Paxos with H&C. With Herwig driving the hire car we visited a restaurant on the west coast with a spectacular view of the cliffs and sea below. We managed to find a way down to the isolated beach. The white cliffs were made with layered granular material scattered with random lumps of hard black rock. Lunch was taken at Lakka, a harbour on the northern tip. We then drove to the two other main anchorages before returning to our boat at Gaios. In the evening we ate out together.

14th May

There was a perfect sailing breeze today. Typically it was blowing directly from where we wanted to go. We tacked for a couple of hours mainly going sideways, then gave up and motored. The prevailing wind is from the opposite direction. No doubt that's what we will get later in the week when we have to go North. We entered Gaios on the island of Paxos. Our friends Herwig and Christine were here to great us. We moored stern to, hanging off our anchor on the town quay. After a drink with H&C we explored the town. Wonderful sheltered position in the centre of a Greek village.

13th May

Time for holiday mode, short distances, safe anchorages and chillaxing. We headed south for 16 miles down the coast of Corfu to anchor off Petriti just in time for lunch. We had free entertainment in the afternoon watching charter boats grapple with mooring and anchoring. Later we went ashore for a meal in one on the restaurants lining the bay.

12th May

It was essential that we obtained a DEPKA, the Greek permit for us and the boat. The marina said we had to go to Corfu town to get it. We waited 30 minutes for the bus then wandered round the old town and the docks until we found the Port Authority Office. Once there we were told we had to go back to their sub office in the marina. Hot, weary and bemused we eventually got back to the marina to complete the formalities. The sub office had only reopened that morning at 9 am after a prolonged closure. We left for town at 08:30. We were given the welcome news we could stay another night. Two trips to the supermarket, an afternoon snooze, FaceTiming some of the kids and me polishing off the last three episodes of WestWorld completed the day.

11th May

We've made it to Corfu. Nearly 400 nm since we left Sicily. The mast is still upright and we're in good shape. This is a massive marina and charter base. We may be kicked out tomorrow through lack of space as charterers return. We will see. It's an opportunity to do the washing, clean the boat and replenish.

10th May

We're in Greece! To be more precise we're on the island of Erikoussa, north east of Corfu. It was an uneventful passage, almost entirely under engine. We're moored in a brand new harbour, the only boat in it. We may be the first yacht to use it. It is pristine. And so far no one seems interested in taking any money off us.

9th May

Motoring, again, towards the heel of Italy. Just before lunch the coastguard in a big orange rib came to give us the once over. They inspected all our documents then waved us on our way. I guess it gave both of us something to make the day interesting. Later the customs launch came to have a look but didn't stop. We moored in the marina of Santa Maria Di Leuca. This is our last stop in Italy before we cross to Greece. The 284 steps of the monumental stone staircase took us up to the lighthouse and church. The staircase was built by Mussolini as a ceremonial gateway into Italy. The view was magnificent.

8th May

We thought we'd have a rest day. Lucinda cleaned the boat while I read the paper and ate chocolate. The old town is a short walk away. The outside of the castle was more impressive than the interior. The cathedral was baroque, gloomy and had a room full of the bones of saints. I had an ice cream before we returned to the boat to spend the afternoon reading.

7th May

We set off early into a choppy sea and a 20 knot wind. After a few tiresome hours the wind abated and the sea no longer had white horses. We motor sailed west to the heel of Italy's foot. There we found shelter in Gallipoli, not the famous town in Turkey but nonetheless a welcome port. In the evening we wandered around the old town and had a mediocre meal.

6th May

Another 40 Miles took us to the town of Ciro. This is definitely not a recreational harbour. We moored alongside the stone quay among the fishing boats. No other yachts were here. Lots of the locals appeared to take photos. I don't think they get many yachts here.

Sent from my iPhone

5th May

My task before breakfast was to unblock the toilet waste pipe. Mission accomplished. Today's leg was a bit shorter at 47 miles, and we actually managed to sail for the last 2 hours. The forecast 10 knots of wind turned out to be 22! Le Castella is tiny. The outer harbour was full. We had to enter through a narrow, shallow passage to the inner basin and there wasn't much room inside either. We hung around and someone came to help us find a space. The castle was magnificent, well worth a look.

4th May

We left before dawn and were rewarded with a spectacular sunrise. Yesterday's storm was gone leaving little wind and a gently undulating sea. Today we crossed to the mainland, a distance of some 74 miles. We were lucky to have the waves pushing us but there was little wind. I should have bought a motorboat. So far apart from a few hours of motorsailing it's been engines all the way. We've cleaned up, had showers and now it's time for a pizza ashore.

3rd May

A good call delaying our departure. A big storm swept in during the night rocking the boat and giving us a poor night's sleep. I had to adjust the lines at 3am. The morning was grey and windy and rainy. By late afternoon the skies had cleared and it was looking good for an early start tomorrow. We did some shopping and then read.

2nd May

Today's forecast is windy from the wrong direction. We took the round Etna train from Riposto to Catania. This narrow gauge railway loops round the back of the volcano. When we set off it was shrouded in cloud. On the far side the clouds lifted and we could see the snow capped peak. We stopped for lunch in Randazzo. The town was deserted. With the strong wind it only needed tumbleweed and a change in architecture to make it seem like an abandoned cowboy town. Our plan of lunch was aborted through total lack of anywhere to eat. So it was back on the next train. If you ever wondered what the EU did for us they co-funded the marvellous new train and also the Catania underground which we had to take to the main train station. Thirty minutes on the mainline brought us back to Riposto.