Syros Finikas (24NM)

8 September

We had an early departure as at 6:45 as a departing 100ft motor yacht fouled our anchor chain; we maneuvered to avoid it, raised our dinghy and departed rather than resetting anchor. 
We set sail 1 NM north of Vourkari in NW 18 diminishing to 10kt. We arrived in Syros at 13:30 and anchored outside the harbor, had a swim in nice crystal clear water and provisioned some bread and ice. 

We enjoyed a nice fish dinner at the local taverna, which was doing land office business with the arrival of two large groups of cruisers. 
Also witnessed some interesting maneuvering and possibly heard some new greek words as an 80ft sailing yacht wedged itself in the harbor space left open by a 30ft fishing boat....

Exploring Kea Yioulis

September 7
We launched the dingy and went by taxi to explore the high town of Kea, Yioulis. After a wonderful seafood lunch at Rolando's Fish Taverna,

we took the walk leading to the Lion of Kea, an gigantic early Cycladic sculpture about a 20 minutes walk out of town. On the return to town we were greeted by an absolute deluge, which transformed the narrow alleys of the old town in little torrents.

It did not last long however and we dried ourselves, took a taxi back to Vourkari Bay and had dinner on board.

S/V Rosie, A Greek Intermezzo

September 6, 2014

What will we do with a vacationing sailor? Go to the Greek Islands of course. 

And so here we were, the normal crew of S/V Raconteur, augmented by Alexandra attending the chart briefing at the Olympic Marina in Lavrion and checking our chartered boat, a Moorings 43.3. 


After completing the paperwork and once cleared by the Greek port authorities, we departed the marina at 17:45, with just enough light left in the day to make the island of Kea.We motored around I. Makronisos to Kea Vourkari, briefly setting the jib in variable airs with the seas under 3 feet. 





We set anchor at 20:12 in N37 40 002 W24 19 486 in 39 feet of water. 

Dined on board on pizza and snacks and tried to go to sleep, but the local restaurant had a big party with music until 4 am.