Meltemi Winds - Varkizas, Sounio and Laviron

Having recovered from our sleepless night in Aigina, we headed for the Greek mainland,

passing Athens on the way.  There were dozens of ships lying at anchor around Piraeus, presumably waiting to enter the port or for further instructions.

Ships at anchor off Athens

Screen shot of the Chartplotter - the blue triangles are ships!

There was very little wind so we passed the time attempting unsuccessfully to fish as we headed  south to Varkizas bay.  This is the playground for Athenians - the beach was packed with sun beds and umbrellas and the sea with pedallos and speed boats pulling ringos.

Varkizas bay, with some classy company (and a few large power boats)

We went ashore for some provisions, and a refreshment break - Espresso Freddo (in a jam jar!), and beer of course.

Nautilus is just visible in the middle of the picture.

Our new tender?

Varkizas is still an active fishing port, despite the tourist developments.

After a peaceful night at anchor we set off for Sounio, at the southern tip of the Attic coast - finally there was an Ancient Greek Temple in a prominent location!

Sounio Anchorage - the Temple of Poseidon on the hill top 

Poseidon clearly wanted to exercise his powers - the wind picked up as we headed the 15nm to Sounio.  By the time we arrived it was blowing 25kts, and by the next day the Meltemi wind was really picking up. We sailed north into the wind from Sounio to Laviron with 3 reefs in the mainsail and using the small staysail - in a Force 8.  Apart from the occasional wave breaking over the boat, it was an uneventful sail.

Laviron is a large commercial port and also a huge charter boat hub.  There are very few places for non-charter visitors especially at weekends.  Anyway, we were lucky and were given a spot in the town centre.

Laviron - the Charter fleets return to their base.

Tucked in amongst the Charter fleets

We have now been in Laviron for 3 days, waiting for the Meltemi to blow over - it's a North wind, and we need to go North to meet up with our next visitors. It's much calmer today, so this could be time for us to move on to Porto Rafti.

Refreshments in Varkizas