Kurukulla

Kurukulla
Kurukulla, anchored at James Bond Island, Thailand

Friday 1 July 2011

Onwards and upwards.



Scrabble as evening entertainment in Kurukulla!

After a four days delay we left Skopelos town and headed north to the island of Alonnisos for Tuesday night. The passage was only six miles and, although a bit lumpy in the stretch between Skopelos and Alonnisos, once we were in the lee of Alonnisos it was plain sailing. The intended anchorage was Steni Vala in the centre of the east coast but on arrival it was obvious the better anchorage was in the bay 100m to the south where we swam, supped and spent a quiet night; or at least until 0600 when the wind got up again. At 1100 we set sail for the north end of the next island, Nisos Panayia where there is a large enclosed bay called Planitis, this was our intended anchorage for the night and departure point for the passage across to one of the three Khalkidhiki peninsulas; which one was to be decided by the wind direction. A midnight swim in the most amazing phosphorescence was the order of the moonless night!
In the event Thursday morning dawned bright and clear and we set off at 0545 in a very gentle westerly breeze. I sailed Kurukula off the anchor and crept out of the anchorage disturbing no one. It was 2 or 3 knots maximum until I got out of the lee of the island. Once clear the wind freshened and held for four hours giving a good start to the crossing, after which it died away and then filled in from the south allowing me to set the running spinnaker for the first time this year. As ever, getting it up is the easy part but getting it down represents the greater challenge; in the event all went well.
Under spinnaker
The most suitable destination turned out to be Koufos on Sinthonia, the middle of the three peninsulas. 
Entry to Koufos
The entry was spectacular, sailing through a gap in the cliffs, into a large enclosed bay and another superb anchorage. After an hour at anchor a space was created by another yacht departing from a berth alongside the town quay and we moved both Camilla and then Kurukulla alongside for the night.
Alongside in Koufos
The plan is to stay here tomorrow and then head to Mount Athos and the Akti peninsula to view the multitude of monasteries, from the sea, landing is not permitted without a permit which takes days to get, before heading for an overnight anchorage.

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