13 July 2024
| Metric | Details |
| Departure Time | 0800 |
| Expected Wind (max) | 15.0kn |
| Expected Wave (max) | 1.0m |
| Engine Hours | 4486 |
| Generator Hours | 1787 |
Pinky Beach Mykonos
Our idea was to get to the Patmos Islands on a friend’s suggestion, as these islands are a bit different from others. Known for their spiritual significance and tranquil beauty, Patmos offers a unique contrast to the more bustling Greek islands. We planned to explore these islands and then travel to Kalymnos to pick up Mikel. She was going to fly to Athens the night before and then catch the early flight there. The voyage from Kithnos to Patmos was projected to be 14 hours, so we decided to cut it in half and stay a day or two in Mykonos.
The crossing to Mykonos was very windy, with steady 20-knot winds gusting to 30 knots quite often. The seas were only 1 meter but were pounding the port beam the whole way. This kind of wind, known as the Meltemia, is common in the Aegean Sea during the summer months. These strong, dry north winds can significantly affect sailing conditions, creating challenging and exciting passages for sailors.
We found an anchorage next to Pinky Beach, but the wind was still howling at 20 knots. Others were anchored there, so we threw out 50 meters of chain to keep from slipping, and Anna held well. However, we were pivoting 180 degrees every 45 seconds. The winds calmed down a bit, so we decided to jump in the water to cool off. The water was gorgeous, with lots of small fish, sand, rocks, and seaweed. Brian swam to shore, about 150 meters away, for exercise while I snorkeled under Anna’s hull.
Later that evening, we tried to pull up the anchor to get a better position as the wind was still strong at 15 knots. However, we could not lift her due to the hard pull from the wind and Anna’s pivoting. We decided to wait until the morning when the wind was not so strong, but we still had to contend with 10-knot winds and a pivoting boat, which made pulling the anchor a bit more difficult. But we succeeded.
We looked around for a less windy anchorage in Mykonos but decided to head to Paros, which has higher elevation and should give us better protection from the constant Meltemia. Mykonos, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, is also famously affected by these summer winds, making it both a sailor’s challenge and delight. The winds add a dynamic element to the picturesque island, ensuring that every visit is an adventure.
Patmos awaited us with its serene landscapes and historical sites, such as the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where tradition holds that John the Apostle received his visions. The island’s peaceful atmosphere and spiritual heritage make it a remarkable destination, contrasting beautifully with the lively, wind-swept Mykonos.