September 5, 2006
We departed Siracusa, Sicily, early Sunday morning, July 2, bound for Corfu, the most northern Ionian Island in Greece. We had expected northwest winds, but they never materialized. Instead, we were given predominantly winds from the north to the northeast, close to our intended track. With slight seas and winds, we used the engine when needed to point higher into the wind. As we approached the southern end of Corfu the seas became moderate, and this made it difficult to stay on course since we weren�t able to sail as close to the wind as before.
Our original intention had been to sail east around the north end of Corfu. With increased seas and an email Monday evening from our weatherman John, Phil�s brother, informing us of a wind change soon to the east we altered course and sailed immediately east trying to make the southern tip of Corfu before the winds changed. We never made it. Five hours later we hit easterlies. At this time we were tired. It had been a hard beat passage with many wind adjustments. We decided to head to Palaiokastrita on Corfu�s northwestern coast and travel around to the eastern side of Corfu the following day. We dropped anchor at noon on July 4. The green wooded hills and fragrant pine scent of Palaiokastrita reminded us much of northwest Washington. In 52� hours we had traveled 272 nautical miles, sailing 30% of the time with the rest motorsailing. With our arrival in Greece we moved our clocks ahead one hour. Although we hadn�t arrived at our intended destination of Gouvia Bay on the eastern side of Corfu, it was still a great feeling to be in Greece. |
