Juliet King

Great run from north of Symi to half way to Knidos. Morning heading north was under motor as was the afternoon heading as wind came on the nose.

Back again to one of our favourite anchorages. Drifted a bit during the day, motored and then sailed then motored. Very peaceful day :)

Spent 3 nights at anchor here. Great location bought local honey and flat bread off Ali Barbour a local who cruises around in his boat offering supplies to the anchorage. Interesting to see people using fish traps I assume for the mullet.

Spent two days in marina, sorting boat. Nice to feet out sailing again heading east up the gulf to a lovely anchorage. A bit of wind and motoring and will stay here for a few days. Good sandy anchoring area in a wide bay, nice protection!

Stayed in marina, caught up on work, went for a walk, all very pleasant and windy.

Short motor to marina for 2 nights and drop off crew so they can get ferry to Bodrum and flight back to UK. Marina very nice and easy and pulled up on wall near entrance by coastguard. Very windy place in the low saddle where the wind rips through from the gulf to Datca on the southern side.

Set off at around 0800 and wind was stronger than forecast but expect increased wind speeds near Kos and Bodrum peninsula as the wind is squeezed through south. Had screecher up and we flew along in 2 hours to lovely anchorage on Datca peninsula, one of our favourites. Kids went for a walk up into the gorge then Will went swimming and had to pick him up in the boat as we lost sight of him and winds and chop had picked up. Bianca a little nervous!!! Nice night and clear water.

Dropped off Matilda and Lorien in Guvercinlik as its very close to Bodrum airport. Afterwards had a very nice breakfast over the water and did some supply shopping before heading west around the Bodrum peninsula. Nice sail down the coast south then should have notched the strong wind bending around the peninsula towards Bodrum. At least we had thrown away the main by then, gusts to 32-34kts and had a monohull right with us and full main up they couldn’t get down. We had to squeeze between an island and the mainland and they were NOT in full control. We managed to keep away from them and anchor in a busy water sports area, lots of foilers and windsurfers really ripping in the 30th! Good anchorage, nice sand so even though winds were string we held well and had a good nights sleep.

Cruised around to Didim Marina and did a huge shop at a very well stocked and safi Migros +. Even had tins of Twinings Earl Grey tea! With the boys we managed to fill 3 trolleys of food and drink. Then headed off into the Gulf of Korfesi under screecher flying along at 8kts in 12-14kts with screecher and full main. Champagne sailing dodging perhaps 20-30 fish farms. They are everywhere, I guess there is no fish in the Mediterranean apart from the farms. Anchored in a sweet spot on Salih Adasi and had a big BBQ dinner of lamb chops for Matilda and Loriens final night onboard :(

Big motor day across the gulf to Samos straight. Lovely swim in Greek waters in the middle of sea! Fun day cruising and into bay near Didim. Hot and humid.