Here we go again, the summer break from sailing is over. On 29th of August the taxi took us quickly from Thessaloniki Airport to Marina Aretsou. Aglaya was already waiting for us. Everything was fine, but during the two months we hadn't been sailing, more fouling had accumulated on the hull than we had ever seen before. We were able to remove some of it with a scraper while circling the boat in the dinghy. But the propeller was completely obscured. Diver Kostas used his equipment to remove the big rest.
Our friend Hans, himself a sailor (catamaran on Lake Alpsee and several trips in the Aegean Sea), came on board for a few days. And right on time, as agreed, DLSails installed the new sprayhood.
Immediately afterwards, on 1st of September, the three of us were able to set sail in light winds and sunny, cloudless weather. Even on Mount Olympus, which was always in view, there was not a cloud in sight during the three days we were sailing together. That doesn't happen very often. It was nice to be back under way with the mainsail, genoa and mizzen immediately after setting off.
We sailed south along the west coast of Chalkidiki, but wanted to be back in Thessaloniki after three days because Hans had to catch his flight. What did we see and experience? Lots of moon jellyfish, the harbour of Néa Michanióna, which was full of large fishing boats and where we couldn't find a place for our boat, so we anchored further south off the headland of Epanomí in slightly choppy waters and shifting winds. Nevertheless, we were able to enjoy the three sea bream we had brought from the fish shop in Aretsou and had a quiet night.
We sailed south along the west coast of Chalkidiki, but wanted to be back in Thessaloniki after three days because Hans had to catch his flight. What did we see and experience? Lots of moon jellyfish, the harbour of Néa Michanióna, which was full of large fishing boats and where we couldn't find a place for our boat, so we anchored further south off the headland of Epanomí in slightly choppy waters and shifting winds. Nevertheless, we were able to enjoy the three sea bream we had brought from the fish shop in Aretsou and had a quiet night.
In the morning, we took a dip in the crystal-clear water before setting sail in a light breeze to the small harbour of Néa Kallikratía. Here, too, there were only fishing boats. But there was still space at the south pier. With a metre of water under the keel, we moored there. Right next to the harbour was a bathing beach and a shower. Perfect!
And then, unfortunately, the next day it was time to head back to Thessaloniki, first motoring a short distance with dolphins visiting the boat.
Then, to finish off, some more beautiful sailing. It was a short, but lovely time for the three of us.
