Sporades, Greece; July 2008

(Click for larger version - 107Kb)

We were greeted at Skiathos quayside with the news that our boat was in inadequate condition and we were being offered an upgrade from the 31 foot Beneteau Oceanis 311 to a 36 footer. We accepted!

The main notable event on this trip was a 36-hour gale. Dave the flotilla leader said that there had been a couple of earlier gale forecasts that came to nothing so he was tempted not to pass this one on. We were glad that he did since we were prepared for the onset in the early hours and were safely tucked up behind the substantial breakwater of Skopelos harbour. However the sea spray blowing over the wall and drying on the boat left it frosted like a huge Margarita cocktail glass! The "shredded mainsail" picture below shows what can happen (but not to our yacht)...

Google Earth "KML" file: Full track KMZ-zipped to 35Kb or

Google Maps link:Google-maps link

Below are some photos taken during this trip. Hover over each for an explanation or click for a full size view.

Three of the photos above, plus more, can be seen mapped out onto their islands on my Panoramio page.

Back to the list of my yachting trips.