Hi Tom,
I do not remember if I mentioned where I stayed in Sicily, anyway...
In Greece I stopped, as port of entry, in Pilos, Peloponnesus, Navarino Bay. Well protected marina, free of charge, clean water available at short distance, no electricity, nice people and good restaurants and shops around. In Pilos the Port authorities asked me to pay 15 euro for the entry in Greece (?). From there I moved to the second finger of Peloponnesus anchoring in Porto Kajo or Kagio, nice, quiet, well protected bay, with 3 traditional restaurants on the beach. From Porto Kajo I went to Agia Palagia in Kithira Island. Here I had to moor on the external side of the fishing port, so not so protected but had no problem, apart from a big mouse who kept us awake for 9 nights, till we capture with poison and glue. If oyu go to Kithira, better to anchor or moor in Diakofti: good alternatives for sailing boats and cristal clear water.
From Kithira we moved to Monemvasia, an old village on a rock, on the eastern side of the first fionger of Peloponnesus: a unique place, a must if oyu are in the area. The port is free of charge and well protected from the Meltemi, close to Gefira shops and restaurants. There is clear water nearby. In this small fishing port there are 8 big turtles living inside, going every evening to a nearby reastaurant on the beach to get their dinner (fish parts..) we even swimmed with a relaxed turtle nearby.
On the way back from Peloponnesus we sailed and stopped along the 3 main Greek Ionian islands: Zakinthos, Kefalonia and Corfu\'.
In Zakinthos in the beautiful Vromi Bay, north eastern coast, free of charge; in Kefalonia we moored in the Fiskardo Port, sort of jet set place; in Corfu\' we stayed at Gouvia marina (standard well equipped marina, 35 euro/day for the Vega) and in Kassiopi fishing port. All these places were beautiful but far to noisy and flooded by mass turism, nothing to do with the places I visited in Peloponnesus.
From Corfu\' I sailed to Brindisi, Italia, , and moored at the Lega Navale marina, usually cheaper than other marinas. This is a very protected marina where I paid 22 euro per day.
I am now in Vieste, tip og the Gargano area, Puglia region. Here I pay 35 euro. From here I will proceed along the Italian Adeiatic coast, not so beautiful or interesting, if oyu come inside the Adriatic oyu should visit the eastern side, our Dalmazia and Istria (Croatia today).
I have done, so far, 170 hours with a loose rear prop shaft bearing. A local mechanic, here in Vieste, suggested me to continue till Venice, as a loose rear bearing is not a big problem and the boat can continue to motor; and order the Combi overhauling parts from VAGB as it would be difficult to find them around, so I wander how oyu did in Spain. Do oyu still have the original Volvo and Combi? Did you have to change the shaft because of damage? Pls let me know more as I\'ll soon have to deal with it.
Fair winds from Vieste,
marco
Albin Vega 3339 Spray
________________________________
Da: Tom Fenton <tjhfenton@...>
A:
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Inviato: Lunedì 20 Agosto 2012 10:15
Oggetto: [AlbinVega] Cruising to and in the Mediterranean
I really value Marco\'s bulletins about marina fees in the Mediterranean. It is hard to believe you only crossed Biscay two months ago, Marco. Now you are an expert on the Med. Please keep up the reports.
We have resumed our cruising after having a new prop shaft and stern bearing made and fitted at Marina Seca in La Coruna. Price about the same as England. We are heading south and the wind, southerly up to now as John Denny bitterly remarked, is at last about to become northerly. Good anchorage at Laxe. Pontoons with ok facilities at Club Nautico Camarinas.
Vega Rondo with Klaus and Chritine Schaberg are crossing Biscay heading south west. If there are other Vegas in the Rias Bajas or heading down to the Med do get in touch.
PS Everyone has said what could be said to John Denny. Just want to add my sympathy and respect. I tried long distance solo sailing ten years ago and hated the loneliness. Now i am lucky to have a partner who loves it. Even Biscay. See you in the Med next year, John.
Tom
Tom Fenton and Faith Ressmeyer, V2977, Beowulf
