Around the Ionian

Posted bynigelandmoPosted in2021

We were delighted to welcome Bob and Elaine onto Deja Vu towards the end of June for what we hoped would be a fun tour of the Ionian, starting in Preveza and ending up in Kefalonia. We collected them in Lefkas Marina in temperatures approaching 40 degrees C, truly uncomfortable, and it was with great relief that we left the heat of the marina for the relative cool anchorage of Varga as soon as possible. A few swims later restored some equilibrium and the holiday could begin. The forecast was for typical hot and calm weather with afternoon sea breezes, but we ended up with less sailing and more motoring over the week ahead.

At anchor in Varga Bay

Unfortunately Bob and Elaine went down with a virus 3 days into the trip which necessitated a change of itinerary, so we rescheduled to tour the northern part of the Ionian planning a return to Preveza. We visted Kastos, Sivota, Kalamos, Meganissi, Vliho Bay and Vonitsa, all evidenced below. Bob and Elaine did well to cope in the warm temperatures as they were not feeling at their best. Just to add to the excitement during a fresh sail, the main outhaul rather spectacularly parted company with the mainsail! Hauling away the mainsail, we continued our journey to Sivota under jib alone. In Sivota Nigel visited the adjacent ‘Sunny Sailing’ flotilla to enquire about any known local sailmaker to discover that one was due to visit them that same evening! We were very lucky, Spiros the sailmaker came to our rescue, took the sail and effected a speedy repair.

  • Kastos harbour
  • Cocktails at the windmill on Kastos
  • Church at Kalamos
  • Harbour scene at Kalamos
  • Bay at Vathi
  • Vathi town
  • On the beach at Sivota
  • Bob found a Preying Mantis!
  • Getting the main down in Sivota
  • Damage to the outhaul
The anchorage at Vonitsa
  • Beach at Vonitsa
  • Lovely lunch at Vonitsa

We headed back to Preveza quay where Bob and Elaine took their leave to return to a cooler UK. Equipped with PCR tests and passenger locator forms, only 26 passengers boarded their BA flight back to Heathrow. Tourism is still very shaky in this Covid world, but the Greeks are pleased to welcome us respectfully.

On our own again, we are planning to go north to Paxos and Corfu for a couple of weeks. More next time.