Previous sailing trips
The Great Escapes summer 2008 - Greek Ionian Islands
Our first Escape!
What can I say.. we have had such a blast of a time, done some exilarating sailing, met some cool folks along the way and seen some amazing places, so much so that we are risking it yet once again and going back for more next summer 2009. Life on the water for 4 months is just amazing and we could not ask for anymore than that in life.
The Itininerary
We started on 8th June from Preveza and cruised along the coast of Corfu' island, then explored Matraki, Ericoussa and Othony, a cluster of three very idyllic, very much isolated islands north of Corfu' (some of the best we have seen in the Ionian). By the end of July we headed back south and after a change of crew we cruised the popular islands of Lefkas, Ithaka, Cefalonia and Zakinthos. In August, with Gary and Lou (a very nice couple with a catamaran) we decided to venture off the beaten track and with the wind pushing us we followed the mainland coast south towards the deep Peloponnese, very much a greek place where tourism is local and rustic. Here, some of us enjoyed the solitude, some fishing (I cought a barracuda) and some drunk ouzo, and by the way, don't fight it, you will always lose against Ouzo (ask our crew Andrew, k.o. in all three rounds).
Two weeks later it was time to get back to reality but going back up north was a dfferent and rather bumpy, wet'n windy story. But that's sailing for you and everyone loved it! Following that adrenaline rush we chilled and cruised a bit more along the mainland coast just north of the Patra gulf.
September came as quickly as it went. We took part in the Ionian regatta and with good winds and, by now, a well trained crew we bagged a 27th place (actually we were 14th over the line but we have been added minutes because Night Image is a racey type of boat, its called handicap).
Finally we packed our memories and bags away and flew back to our office desks on the 26th of September. What a beautiful summer has been. Thanks to everyone involved!