Órmos Spiliá, Greece Travel Journals & Blogs

Sails, Sunsets and Snaps
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- Oct 4, 2018, 6:42pm
- ☀️ 27 °C
- Altitude: 67 m
- Greece Ionian Islands Meganisi Spartokhórion Órmos Spiliá 38.66, 20.7638°39’36” N 20°45’36” E
Day 5
Spatochori, Meganisi
October 4, 2018 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
The pirate ship sailed into the distance, clearly not at all interested in the bounty aboard Rincewind. Let's face it, your average pirate will never look mean and scary manning the cannons with a large blown-up pineapple under one arm. That pineapple was undoubtedly the saviour of the day.

Before long the day's destination came into view and Captain Penny asked if Rob would like to take the helm to steer Rincewind onto her birth, so Rob took the wheel while Alan and Tom looked after the ropes. This was the first time Rob had done this and it was a delicate operation too ... the yacht had to be taken-in backwards (the standard way in Greece) but he also had to go manoeuvre around another boat into the reserved slot against the pontoon, whilst avoiding a group of swimmers nearby. Rob managed it perfectly and was really proud of his success, with the G&T's being used to toast the achievement a little later.

Having completed the drinks tradition and showered, Penny, Tom and Rob took the path up to the viewpoint above the small marina. They were hoping for a good sunset but once again the light never came. The view was amazing though and well worth the effort of climbing all those steps. The main village was there too so a little time was spent having a quick look around.

The evening ended with a group meal in the beach restaurant with the crews of all ten boats attending. It was a great evening and also a lovely atmosphere afterwards when Rincewind's crew chilled on her deck for a while before bed time.

Another day comes to a close.Read more
Traveler Wonderful views! I particularly liked the "Spatochori monster" which can be clearly seen in the distance near the mouth of the bay but which your so carefully forgot to mention! Question: the journey on the chart looks quite a long one and you mention "the ten other crews", are you sailing as part of a flotilla?
10/9/18Reply
Traveler Yes. There are ten yachts following the same route, hence the morning briefing each day. The boats don’t sail together and leave/arrive as and when. The common ground, then, is they all visit the same ports where mooring has been arranged and there is a lead yacht coordinating things.
10/9/18Reply
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Sails, Sunsets & Snaps II
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- Oct 1, 2021, 3:20pm
- ⛅ 24 °C
- Altitude: 15 m
- Greece Ionian Islands Meganisi Spartokhórion Órmos Spiliá 38.66167, 20.7583338°39’42” N 20°45’30” E
Day 6
Another Hard Day Afloat
October 1, 2021 in Greece ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
On the way to Vathi yesterday, Rob had taken the helm for quite a time during afternoon and also berthed the yacht at its mooring - he really enjoyed that it has to be said.

Once again this overnight port had been chosen because of the threat of high winds overnight but, as before, they never materialised. It did rain during the night though, but by morning the blue skies and sunshine had returned.

The mooring was quite a walk from the town and too far for Alan to manage, but the restaurant had been close by (pretty much all there was there actually) and the meal was pleasant enough. Today though, the restaurant was closed so a visit to the town was needed to get breakfast and lunch supplies.

Penny & Tom planned to take the dinghy but following outboard motor issues, they decided to cross the harbour in the yacht instead and moor-up near the shops. This went smoothly and in no time the supplies were on board and it was time to set sail.

The journey to the next port followed the pattern of very light winds and plenty of time to relax.

The lunchtime stop was really nice too, at a small bay with only one other yacht there - another from our flotilla. Penny, Tom and the pineapple took to the water as usual but before they did, everyone spent time looking for tuna, which the other family had spotted just as we arrived. Tom and Rob saw one swim close to the boat but they were hard to spot and Penny saw none whilst she was in the water.

The penultimate stop tonight was at Spartochori which we knew was a lovely location because it was one of the stopovers during the sailing trip in 2018. This time Alan was at the helm to park the boat and did a splendid job of it too. In the evening it was another group meal with everyone seated at a big long table. Rob, Alan, Penny & Tom ended up at one end next to Lou and Dylan, the flotilla leaders. It was really interesting to chat with them and all too soon it was time to return to the yacht. How come time goes so quickly?Read more
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Sails, Sunsets & Snaps II
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- Oct 2, 2021, 9:39am
- ☀️ 19 °C
- Altitude: 6 m
- Greece Ionian Islands Meganisi Spartokhórion Órmos Spiliá 38.66167, 20.7638°39’42” N 20°45’36” E
Day 7
Last Full Day
October 2, 2021 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Once more the crew rise to warm and sunny weather with breakfast at the same restaurant as last night. This really is a beautiful spot with clear water rippling onto the beach of tiny stones. Rob couldn't resist an arty shot with the different blues and the orange buoy. You can see an expensive boat anchored in the bay too, though that was nowhere near as big as the ship that passed by a little later. A helicopter on board too ... we wondered how much that lot cost to purchase and run. What do you reckon?

The fourth photo in this footprint is of a strange boat indeed. A first reaction was 'Pirates!' but it was in fact a tub full of tourists on an excursion who, after a commentary from a guide, all spilled out onto the jetty to deposit their cash into the local economy. Life back to normal then!

There wasn't far to sail today so there was no rush, though 'sail' is a bit of an optimistic term given there was still virtually no wind. Lunch was at the same bay as on the last day three years ago. There were more yachts there this time but even so, it is still a great place to chill and allow one's senses to absorb the scenic panorama and the warmth of the day. Then, reluctantly, the engine was started, the anchor raised and Harmonia began its final leg of the trip towards its home port.Read more
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