The fast cat ferry got us from Ios to Santorini in 30 minutes.  Overcast with rain showers as we arrived, but fortunately cleared to sunny skies as Viv and Jude’s plane came in to land.

We hired a small Hyundai at the ferry port and had found a small hotel in the town (but not on the edge of the cliffs) with rooms available for the night.  All were impressed with the town situation, perched as it is hundreds of feet up overlooking the sea filled volcano crater that is Santorini. 

The volcano erupted in the bronze age, wiping out the Minoan civilisation in one hit.  You can only guess at the force expended to blow out a hole maybe 10 miles across and a mile or so deep……the resultant tsunami alone would surely have reached all corners of the Med.

Today’s main town of Fira sits perched around a section of the craters lip, with stunning views down to the water below and across to sunsets on the western horizon from the many bars jammed on the upper cliff face.

Had a good time out on the town that evening, did an island whiz round in the Hyundai following morning, and caught the slow ferry back to Ios at 1300.  It was definitely cattle class so good job the sun shone, as deck seats only for our 6.40 euros / 90 minute trip.

Stayed one night in Ios, then sailed (well, motored actually) directly northward into a F5 northerly wind to make an anchorage tucked into the top of Paros Island for Thursday mid arvo. 

It carried on blowing until sunset, but we were well protected in this shallow bay.  Nudie beaches ashore so found I had to swim with me eyes closed. 

The girls had no such reservations. 

Heads up and swivelling like a bunch of Meercats.

We got into conversation with four American guys from a charter yacht when in the taverna ashore much later, and all ended up partying on Swagman.  Nice boozy night.  Shame for the girls but the guys all had partners.  Each other.

Despite headaches, cleared out along with the US guys early to take advantage of strong northerlies, to lay Siros in one tack.  Got in to Finikas  midday Friday.  Swagman rocketed along on this beat with one reef in main and full genoa, mid 7’s most of the way, dodging 8 Greek warships that seemed to be running exercises totally oblivious of us bobbing along in the middle.

Finikas is only just waking up to tourism.  A few charter yachts based out of here (including our new American mates) but very small and pleasant town.

Cheers

JOHN