Wollombi II: Paroikia

21 Aug, we left Mykonos, with the wind blowing 15-20, we put up sails immediately before leaving anchorage with the hope of having a nice sail.. No sooner had we left the south of Mykonos when the wind died down to 6kts. We motored the rest of the way to Paroikia, Paros. We had to get there quite early as charter boats were returning and a Meltemi was in the forecast. We arrived at exactly the right moment, as charter yachts were leaving, we had a spot on the dock. Later in the afternoon, the wind picked up as forecast, still below 20, but occasionally crossing 30. We were welcomed by Jack and Nikki(if you are tempted to have the Greek Island experience - head to Paros and stay at Nikki's) , friends of Ian and Shelly. We went out for some drinks on Friday night and to listen to some music at the beerhall - a good night was had by all.

On Saturday the wind was really picking up and the boats were swaying a bit with the masts getting pretty cozy with each other TAG, not wanting this kind of affection, moved out to anchor. Jack and Nikki took us on a tour of the Island, we had lunch at Naousa (northern part) and sundowners on the south western part. We dropped off Sandra and Krista as they had to go back to Aus and we had a quite night. When I got back to my boat and a 50ft boat had docked alongside ne and was using me as his spring line with fenders holding him off me. The wind had picked up and was now constantly between 20-30kts. With help from others, we moved the 50ft boat away from me to take some of the load off my anchor. His anchor wasn't properly set as next mooring he was touching me again. I decided to head out to the anchorage as the harbour attendant had advised everyone to leave the harbour and head to anchor as the Meltemi blows onto the dock..

I dropped anchor and that is where I have been since. On Sunday night we went to Pirate night at Naousa and have been doing sight seeing or just spending time on the boats..

I have decided to head for Marmaris sooner rather than later as I need to prepare for the crossing and don't want to rush this stage. Jack has offered to come along to Marmaris as he likes sailing, so that is the plan for now. I note expect to be in Turkey, 4 or 5th.

- Update..

Jack and Nikki have made our stay on Paros quite memorable and that island stands out in my mind as one worth re-visiting - caveat being the people we met are still there.

As with all things in life the good times get put on hold as friends part company.

On the Friday, Brian, Amalia and the crew left and had to go back to real life. They graciously entertained us with their awesome company and music - it was a pleasure to meet you all and all the best.

On Saturday, TAG also had to go, you will be missed, it was a pleasure sailing with you, I wish TAG's skipper Shelly and her trusty helmsman, Ian all the best may the winds forever be kind to you and TAG.

To offset the departure of friends, Troll, came down to spend the day with me - the original plan was for me to sail to Santorini - however in sailing much more than other activities, the apt saying of "the best laid plans". In the end Troll flew from Zurich to Santorini on Friday, caught the ferry to Paros spent the Saturday being entertained by the boats docking and my attempts to help them - and there were many. On that day the winds were blowing up to 20 kts from just off the bow - the boats had to dock stern too, with dropping the anchor. The one poor skipper, did not manage to set his anchor and in the process ended up scoring a trifecta - he managed to get snagged on 3 boats as he tried to leave the dock. After a lot of help, he was pulled clear and fortunately a space the other side of the harbour became vacant. On the Sunday, Troll left to go back to Santorini and home the following day - a big thanks for coming out to see me.