Yacht Charter in the Northern Ionian Sea

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No look at the Ionian would be total withouth mention of Homer and the Odyssey. The Odyssey tells the storey of Odysseus and his travels and adventures throughout the Mediterranean in around 800BC. The Trojan War concluded when the Greeks sucseeded into bringing a wooden horse into the city of Troy. Greek soldiers were hidden inside and opened the city gates to the Greek army who sacked the city. Odysseus and the other Greeks could know return to their kingdoms across the sea. To say Odysseus's journey was eventful is rather understating the matter.

On departing Troy in what is now north west Turkey he sails south by means of the Aegean Sea. On reaching the southern tip of Greece he is blown off course to the lotus eaters in what is thought to be Libya. The it's on to Sicily where he runs into Cyclops. This 1 eyed giant eats two of the crew prior to they escape. A lot more trouble in the Laestrygonians - Corsica or Sardinia. Here the fleet is attacked by giants hurling boulders and more of the crews are devoured. Theh survivors head east to Italy and the enchantress Circe. She entertains the sailors and then with a wave of her wand, turns them into swine. Odysseus is protected by the herb that the god Hermes has given him.

At some point in the journey reference is created to the pillars of Hercules. And this is supposed to be the Rock of Gibraltar and Jebel Musa in Morocco. These two mountains sit either side of the straights that are the enterance to the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. Now he have to pass the Sirens whose sweet singing lures sailors to their deaths. Odysseus plugs fills the ears of his crew with wax and then lashes himself to the mast so he can't steer the ship onto the waiting rocks. Passing through the straits between Sicily and mainland Italy they run into Charybdis, who swallows the sea in a whirlpool, then spits it up once again. And Scylla who uses each and every of her six hands to reach down from her cliff and pluck a sailor from the deck and then promptly, yes you guessed, eats them.

Far more misfortune as they upset the god Zeus who sends a thunderbolt to destroy the ship. Only Odysseus survives, washed ashore on Malta, the property of the nymph Calypsos who detains him against his will. Zeus, the king of the gods, sends Hermes skimming over the waves on magic sandals with orders for Odysseus's release. But when practically residence again one more god, Posiedon, sends a storm to wreck his vessel and he is washed ashore on Corfu quite a few days later. He falls asleep in an olive thicket and is woken to the sound of female laughter. This is the Princess Nausicaa come down to the riverside to wash her wedding dress. Odysseus approaches her and she agrees to assist him attempt and finish his journey residence. She introduces him to her father and when he has heard Odysseus's story he orders him sped residence to Ithaca.

As soon as property he finds the island full of suitors for his wife's hand, after such a length of time Odysseus is believed dead. He and an ally fight and win a battle against overwhelming odds with a little support from the gods. And then Athena tells the contending parties to live together in peace down by way of the years to come.

Weather - The wind is consistent with conditions discovered all through the Eastern Mediterranean. Small wind in the morning but from noon the wind freshens all through the afternoon reaching perhaps 20 knots. The evening and night sees a return to calm cinditions. During the summer months it blows from the NW and from the SW for the remaining months.

The sailing region from the north

Corfu - . The island receives three times the typical quantity of rain for the region and as a consequence is a mass of green woodlands, wild pine-covered mountains, lakes and cultivated fields. It also has miles of sandy beaches. The island's capital, Corfu Town is atractivly situated on a promontory on the east coast, dominated by the New Fortress. Visit Sidari to the north to swim in the Canal d'Amour, the legend has it that lovers will stay together for life. 16 km to the south of Corfu Town is the Villa of Achillion, built in Italian Renaissance style and situated at an altitude of 145 m. It has magnificent gardens and attractive panoramic views. Currently it is a museum. three km further south is the charming fishing village of Benitses and the remains of a Roman villa. Climb to the summit of Mount Pantokrator where you will acquire an abandoned monastery dating from 1347. The hilltop also gives amazing views

The main harbour is in Corfu town. Enter the Old Harbour from the eastern finish of the breakwater. The entrance into the interior of the harbour is especially narrow and a powerful northwesterly makes entry difficult. As soon as inside there is outstanding shelter in all weathers. Visitor's berths are behind the windward mole, alongside, two and three deep. Anchoring is not advised, you will pretty much cetainly get gear tangled. Getting berthed you are within walking distance of the town's centre. Adjacent to the harbour you will acquire chandlers, machine shops, boat engine repair services and other people for electrical and electronic gear. Corfu town unquestionably provides the most beneficial all-round facilities in the northern Ionian.

3 miles to the NW is Linin Gouvia, a huge land locked bay. At it's southern end is Gouvia marina which has grow to be Corfu's centre of yachting. It is house to a Venetian arsenal.The surrounding area has beeen given over to the package holiday and there are extra pleasent locations to spend time on a yachting holiday.

The north Corfu channel is the stretch of water between Corfu and Albania. Beware the reef just to the north of Agios Stefanos.

Agios Stefanos is a little inlet in the North Corfu Channel. No objection is usually produced to anchoring here regardless of the presence of a nearby military post. Anchor in the middle of the bay in depths of 3 - 6m. The bottom is thick weed and mud which can be difficult to get by means of. Great shelter from the prevailing NW wind. There is a rough stone mole on the south side of the bay but this is ordinarily taken by nearby boats. There are a lot of tavernas about the shore. Some holiday villas have been built here but the bay retains a calm and a beauty properly worth the stop for the night. Restricted provisions can be obtained

Agni Bay is right away south of Kalami in the north east of the island. It is open to the south and and east but delivers great shelter from the prevailing NW wind. There are three taverns, each and every with it's own private jetty, exactly where you may possibly anchor preferably bow to. If you overnight here it is much better to anchor at the northern or southern finish of the bay to avoid the massive waves created by the ferries that enter and leave throughout the night.

Paleokastritsa is on the east side of the Island it is an appealing tourist resort dominated by the Monastery of Panayia Theotokos wich perches on a high cliff. A 90 minute hours climb takes you to the ruins of Angelokastro Castle which dates from the 13th century. There are several sea caves in the locality that can be reached by tender or dinghy. It is not easy by day to distinguish the entrance to the bay when approaching from the northwest. But the monastery on the peak of the peninsula is conspicuous. The harbour is situated on the western side of the bay and protected by a quay running north south. In most cases full of fishing caiques the only a few out there berths are to be discovered near the head of the quay. Protection is great in all weathers excepting strong southerlies when waves crash over the break water and produce a huge swell in the harbour. The port has no water. Fuel can be delivered. There are bars, restaurants and a supermarket all inside walking distance.

Petriti Village - To the north of the harbour is an old quarry which visible from a distance. There are shallows stretching south of the harbour along the bay and care is required. Excellent protection from all weather in the harbour. Head for the new quay towards the land exactly where depths are greater than 2 meters. If you moor hehind the breakwater be conscious of the shallows nearby. The taverns ashore commonly have fresh fish. There are shops at the village of Argyrades some 3 km away. Wonderful beaches for swimming nearby

Paxos is 7 miles to the south of Corfu. It is a charming little island, covered with pine trees. It can be explored totally in a couple of days with a auto or motorbike both of which can be rented locally. The architecture of the 3 principal towns, Gaios, Laka, and Logos is commonly Ionian with colourful two and three-story houses lining the streets. By contrast the rural landscape is filled with low stone houses surrounded by lush green gardens.

The emblem of Paxos is the trident. It is stated that Poseidon, the god of the seas, wanted to make a breathtaking, peaceful island apart from the other gods and men and intended to live there with his beloved Amfitriti. So he struck the southern component of Corfu difficult and Paxos was formed. Then again he lost his trident striking the blow which was later found by Paxiots who made it their emblem.

Gaiosis the capital of Paxos. It is a charming port and spreads itself along the waterfront. Enter Gaios from a northerly direction passing two little islands, Panayia and St Nicholas Island. Soak up the atmosphere of this bustling capital in Gaios square. In it's centre is the church of St Apostoli. Gaios harbour and the approaching inlet are extremely safe overnight moorings with security patrols on both land and water. There are quite a few buildings worth visiting the castle of St Nicholas, the Monastery of Panayia, the Church of Agioi Apostoli and the early Christian church of Agia Marina. Take in the sunset at the Ostries. Ther are fine beaches at loni Gouli, Kamini and Kaki Lagada.

Port Gaios is the principal port of the island. You can moor correct in the middle of the busy touristy scenery or choose aquieter berth further down the lengthy quay. If you want a berth in July and August be here early in the afternoon. Exceptional shelter in all weathers. Care should really be taken when laying your anchor as passing ferries in the narrow channel may perhaps foul your chain.

Lakka, in the north of Paxos is set in a gorgeous horseshoe shaped bay and is flanked by high ground covered in cypres trees and olive groves. The bay which almost landlocked is fantastic for swimming and water sports. Holding is great. Some swell might possibly happen dependent on the wind's direction. There are some berths on the quay, limited to around 10 yachts. Fresh water from the local water truck.

Its tiny sister island, just to the south, Anti Paxos is surrounded with crystal clear waters lapping onto some beautiful sandy beaches.