our Journey

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Sailing down to SYVOTA and PREVEZA


Leaving the security and romance of Corfu is always a difficult decision but after 4 days we decided to make the break and head south to Syvota and Preveza. Lots of calm seas, no wind and an opportune chance to check the motor.


Port Syvota from above

Syvota is like an old friend. Once you settle in, all the good (and not so good) memories come flooding back. The great tavernas, ice-cream and pita shops and the occasional very uncomfortable mooring on the town quay. Still, we come back year after year!


Sailing to Preveza was a very different experience. Although we motored, the wind was good and we sat on about 7.5kts all the way. A great start to our sailing! 

Our previous experiences in Preveza give us reason not to tie up at the town wharf. The rolling swell that heads into the channel, lifts side-moored boats like matchsticks on a wave and that along with the pumped up music till the early hours of the morning make it pretty awful.


The main Syvota wharf, early afternoon.

We  headed for the more isolated Syvota Marina further in, paid our 15Euro and settled in for 4 very peaceful nights. 



The marina is in the process of being upgraded and improved, new offices and amenities blocks built.

From the condition of the Stamatis Yachting and Travel caravan, they certainly need upgrading!






As with much of the Ionian in May, streets are pretty quiet, tavernas are desperate for business and surprisingly the weather is perfect for just a little sailing and lots of relaxing.


Tables ready for customers

We found many posters all over Preveza reminding us of the the suffering of those caught up in the Syrian conflict.

This shook us both and gave us more reason to not understand our own nations response.









Nearby we found the opposite. Children and families together in the council playground, enjoying the beginning of holidays.









Everywhere you walk it seems that gardens are an important part of peoples lives. The nursery shops are to die for, most big plants selling for between 1 and 5Euros



Greek style Facebook




Monday, May 9, 2016

BACK IN THE IONIAN 2016

This year we decided to fly the quickest route possible to our boat in Corfu. Emirates took a total of 18 hours and then another 2 hours to Corfu with Aegean. No jetlag, just a little tired.
Our boat had been delivered and moored at Naok marina ready for us to settle in for a good nights sleep. For some reason the sails had not been put on which was a little disappointing. This was just one of the problems sent to test us!




Next morning we set about getting the sails on and busied ourselves with checking water, unpacking (of course we brought too much AGAIN!) and solving 'small' issues. First we discovered that the winch motor had jammed, then that the 3 year old battery was all but useless. Fun times and a lot of Euros later, everything was fixed.

Corfu is a delightful city to be in. We love coming back each year just to wander through the streets, to discover more quaint shops and tavernas.


We made a couple of forays to the local market to pick up fruit and vegetables and once again we were amazed at the prices and quality. Strawberries are to die for!!
Saskia would love it here! ($2.20 punnet)





So many olives 2E /500g

The plants were soooo cheap - wish they were at home


Mothers day was memorable as 100s of men, women and children marched through the town, carrying balloons and pushing prams. Should happen at home maybe?



We thought we were seasoned travellers but our one experience at an out of the way taverna showed how gullible we are. Next time we'll check the menu more closely!

All the children come out on Sundays