2 April 2008

We left Girne harbour (Cyprus)  on Sunday morning in bright sunshine a little late because the ships cat Tilly decided to be absent without leave, but at last turned up wondering what all the fuss had been about.

After about three miles a large black cloud enveloped us and we were bombarded by hail and torrential rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. We have been devoid of rain this winter but of course probably the heaviest downpour occurred on our departure.

It ceased after an hour and watching the subsequent squalls on the radar we were able to avoid most of them.

The weather continued to be unseasonably cool and we had to wear wet weather gear for most of the day and night.

During the night we were hailed on the VHF by a Turkish warship asking for port of departure destination etc. very polite excellent English it is good to know that these people are out there and patrolling the seas especially after the sad piracy incident a couple of months ago in Cyprus.

An uneventful day passed with the only excitement a bite on our fishing line which cumulated in the denizen of the deep taking thelure leaving us with no fish for supper.

We arrived in Finike marina at 1900 hrs having travelled 168 nm with little real sailing well this is the Mediterranean (either no wind too much wind or if its good wind its on your nose)

Finike is a wonderful Turkish town that serves the surrounding agricultural area mainly citrus fruit and vegetables.

The marina staff are old friends here and Tunjay was soon on board giving us all the news and having the customary Mashona Gin and Tonic with us.

This was our entry port to Turkey so the morning was taken up with entry formalities shopping etc. It is very easy to book in here with all the relevant authorities adjacent to the marina especially with the very efficient help of the marina staff.
It rained for the afternoon so we delayed our departure till the next morning and left at 8’oclock in brilliant sunshine we are at present sailing up the coast making for the small Greek Island of Kastalorizen which is only two miles off the mainlain town of Kas.
We plan to spend the night therte before heading North to the island of Rhodes.