For some years now we have been trying on numerous people’s recommendations to visit Koufenisia, described as Caribbean like. See big arrow below
Each time we have tried we have failed for one, weather reason, or another. Last time we got close anchored in a bay on Kata Koufenisia the island just south west of the main island with a view to making the “summit attempt” the next day, but the swell and the wash from the numerous ferries made the afternoon untenable so we beat an escape back to Nisos Schoinousa , the furthest left island above.
However in the bay earlier that afternoon a Greek “Day Trip” boat arrived with about 12 or more people on board presumably for a trip to the beach & a swim. It was a Moody 28 and the guy was so excited about seeing & chatting with us that he totally forgot his customers and had to hurry away when they started getting the hump . It would’ve been good to catch up in the harbour the next day as arranged but unfortunately not to be.
So with the best intentions, yet again this year, on Saturday 25th May we set off for Koufenisia by way of a small bay south of Despotiko / Antiparos, then Kalantos on Naxos and finally Koufenisia.
The 1st part of the trip went as planned sailing most of the way down the channel between Paros and Antiparos. The only down side was being forced to tack by the small ferry plying between Paros & Antiparos either that or sailing far to close to a submerged reef. Power gives way to sail …..who told you that ,LOL, malaka!!
Anyway no harm done, after birling around we continued our sail to the small bay to the south of Despotiko and anchored for the night. Only us and a small rib for company & that left later in the evening.
Small bay on the South coast of Despotiko
Sunday 26th May
Anchor up and heading for Kalantos or Koufenisia direct, we would decide later. The sky was very overcast only 14 knots at the moment but more expected soon so with 2 reefs in just in case we set off.
After 5 hours underway 4 and a bit tacking to towards our goal we decided on Kalantos Bay on the south of Naxos for the night. We knew it would be windy in the bay but safe as we had visited before, (sounds familiar eh?, LOL)
At anchor in just under 5 m, dinghy blown up we headed ashore to have dinner in the “Kantina”, a rough & ready taverna up the hill. It was still overcast and cold as you can see by the jerseys , even the cat was covered up .The weather wasn’t any better the next day so we stayed put hoping for improvement.
Kalantos , bay south of Naxos
Tuesday 28th May
However on the Tuesday still suffering a swell in the bay from the heavy winds we gave up again and decided to head back this time to the big bay & anchorage between Antiparos & Despotika. Part of the way back a loud crack frightened the wits ( for want of a better description) out of us. The Genoa furling block had snapped in two.
Any how we made it safely into Ormos (Bay) Despotiko and anchored on the south side. A very nice anchorage.
Despotiko Bay between Antiparos & Despotiko
Lily enjoying her toys in Despotiko Bay
……… So thinking hats on …..
Unable to head where we had intended , comfortably at the moment , what’s the plan ?
Let’s head back north and perhaps visit Andros a new island wooo hooo.
So Thursday 30th May
Saw us back in Paroika at anchor after a lovely downwind sail using only the Genoa,
After doing the dinghy ferry run to fill up the water tanks and then provisioning up at the supermarket , I volunteered going back ashore to get a carry-out pizza . (Well you have to take the chance when you can)
Friday 31st May
Heading North again today.
We are back in Finnikas, Siros . From the log it started out a very nice sail at 5 knots but descended into a bit of a motor-sail slog, the worst passage sailing wise for what has been a good sailing season so far re having to resort to engine.
Nicolas was still here so some more aperitifs walks and meals had to be had.
Finnikas, Siros
