Julie and Matthew

Julie and Matthew, both relatively new to sailing, arrived on time late on Sunday evening, 20^th May, full of enthusiasm for a week afloat. Recently retired, they are building up quite a portfolio of experiences and adventures and so when the opportunity of a week sailing in the Ionian presented itself, they were keen to come.  Matthew had, on one occasion some years ago, been one of Nigel’s less than well cross channel crew members, unfortunately suffering from seasickness. We were forewarned and prepared for any eventuality!

Our planned route was to travel from Corfu to Preveza or Lefkas, a journey of about 70 miles which we hoped to do in several easy hops. We left Corfu in sunshine and visited Platarius and Lakka Bay on Paxos in unusually windless conditions. The forecast ahead was unsettled with a variety of storms, strong winds and rain in the next three days. A triangulation of forecasts indicated a break south to Lefkas on Wednesday would b e the best option with northerly winds promised around midday.  What we did get was southerly winds all day, increasing to 30knots as we approached our destination, not at all what we expected.  Julie resorted to the seabands and sleeping, Matthew overcame his previous form and survived the experience in one piece!

Nigel realised that there was too much wind to approach the floating bridge near Levkas and so a change of plan took us into Preveza and a sheltered night in Cleopatra Marina.  The next day we took the marina ferry into the town to show Julie and Matthew the sights but when we returned to the boat the wind was well up again and so we set sail for Vonitsa to anchor off the Island in sheltered water.

The next day gave us a pleasant sail back to Levkas and on through the canal to Babis’ restaurant on Meganisi.  A good meal was enjoyed that night and the next day we had a lively but enjoyable sail back up to Levkas where Julie and Matthew departed, sadly to be horribly delayed on their flight home.

We enjoyed their good company and they proved to be very willing, uncomplaining and well behaved competent crew! Thanks for coming we will miss you!