4 July 2024
| Metric | Details |
| Departure Time | 0620 |
| Expected Wind (max) | 10.0kn |
| Expected Wave (max) | 1.0m |
| Engine Hours | 4474 |
| Generator Hours | 1785 |
The Hotel at Brijuni National Park
We left Kato Vasiliki with the intention of anchoring outside the northern entrance of the Corinth Canal. However, as we proceeded down the Gulf of Corinth, the weather took a turn for the worse. Black skies and steady rain accompanied us as we made our way forward. Despite the weather, we paid the entrance fee online for the following morning and radioed the Corinth Canal captain, requesting an earlier passage due to calmer conditions on the other side.
Navigating the Corinth Canal
The canal authorities agreed, and we waited in the queue for about an hour. A large 180-foot three-mast sailing vessel ahead of us had stopped about three-quarters of the way through, causing a delay. We never found out what the problem was, but eventually, we were on our way. Brian took the helm to navigate the canal, as he wanted to give it a go. Having done it twice before, I was happy to let him take the lead.
Everything went smoothly, and we soon found a place to anchor just south of the southern entrance to the canal, in Kalamaki Bay. The area was a bit industrial, so we decided not to swim. We toasted Brian’s successful navigation of the canal and probably had one more toast after that too!
Arrival in Athens
The next morning, we set off for Athens, heading to Athens Marina where we had booked a berth for a week. We needed to buy new batteries, install them, and take care of some other maintenance to prep for the next month of cruising the Aegean Islands. Additionally, my sister Jill and her husband Kurt were scheduled to arrive in Athens on the 9th, coming from a wedding they attended the week before in Pathos. They arrived the evening of the 9th from Santorini, where they visited after the wedding. We planned to meet them on the 10th on the boat and then have dinner at the Grand Hyatt that Hines developed.
Meeting Friends and Family
I was fortunate that several people from Hines Greece decided to visit the boat on the evening of the 9th. We had a great time chatting, touring Anna, drinking wine and beer, and enjoying some catered food I bought earlier. This was the first Hines office I had visited on my journeys, and I hope to visit others in the future.
Preparations and Exploring Athens
The remaining days were filled with small tasks, buying parts, exploring Athens, and of course, sleeping. We purchased new batteries and installed them and had the AC topped up with refrigerant. Our plan was to leave on the morning of the 12th for Kythnos and then continue on, aiming to pick up Mikel in Kalymnos on the 18th. We planned on cruising through Milos, Santorini, Crete, and other islands through the end of July. Brian would then depart to join his family in Warsaw for a Taylor Swift concert!
Conclusion
Despite the challenges posed by the weather and delays at the Corinth Canal, our journey was filled with memorable moments. From the serene anchorage at Kato Vasiliki to the bustling city of Athens, we enjoyed every bit of our adventure. Meeting friends and family, taking care of necessary maintenance, and exploring new destinations made for an enriching experience. As we set our sights on the Aegean Islands, we look forward to more exciting and unforgettable moments on our sailing adventure.