These sailing expeditions south of Lefkada to Ithica are regular events for Dragon Drascombe, as one will note from my previous year’s reviews, notably from David Craig and several visits by Neil Wilson and family.
For this year’s trip south it was as a result of Dave and Ralph’s separate charter last year, they teamed up for a few days sailing together and as a result got together a plan to have a 10 day visit this year and expand their sailing vision to this memorable trip to Kioni. The threesome was made up with an old pal of Dave’s, Mike, they had worked together over the years and was asked to join the crew.
It commenced with flights from Manchester to Corfu, a ferry across to the mainland at Igeomenitsa then my taxi which was pre planned brought them down to the Gialos Taverna Apartments for their first night stay.
Following an early breakfast at the Gialos Taverna I gave the crew a run through on the new Baton Roached sail rig and forward Genoa, this is my upgrade from the standard Drascombe set up.
So under a cloudy sky and ominous rain forecast they motored out of Vlycho Bay for their start of the Ithica adventure.
Dave who skippered the cruise will now give his thoughts on the adventure
“Following my single-handed sailing week with Dragon, Phil suggested that for 2024 it would be a good idea to charter the Baton Roached Lugger and sail to Ithica for the week.
So, with 2 friends, Mike and Ralph, we were welcomed by Phil, and Costas at the Galios Taverna, for our first night. After familiarisation with Annie B and the baton roach rig, we set off heading south down the Meganissi channel towards Ithica and our apartment Captains House at Kioni.
It was to be a memorable passage because after clearing the southern tip of Meganissi a storm with thunder and lightning struck.
Annie B proved her value as a seaboat easily riding the increasing swell and wind.
We decided to shelter in an inlet on Arkoudi until the weather subsided, and safely moored up a few hours later outside the Calypso taverna in Kioni.
Dorsia the landlady of Captain’s welcomed us to our perfect accommodation, which had 2 balconies to catch both the morning and evening sunrise and set.
Each day then followed a routine of finding a new place to visit …Vathi and Frikes being easily achievable together with quiet beach kantinas selling fresh sardines and cold beer.
The wind was reliable and often perfect for the optimum rig at 10 to 15 knots and having 3 well-built men on board Annie B responded with a bone in her teeth.
She attracted compliments from people everywhere we went even “magnifique” from a Belgian sailor.
The return passage went smoothly and Nidri Hove into sight with Phil coming out to greet us in his skiff, and our last night at Galios. This was celebrated with a lamb kleftico dinner organised by Phil, a table for 8, friends met in previous years, and new like-minded Lugger sailors enjoying stories and sharing their Dragon experiences.
What a great time! Must do it again!”
Indeed, I was on the water to meet them for their home coming on the last but one day and had arranged a meet up with friends they had sailed with in 2023, Dave and Andy, the later guys this was their 6th charter visit to Dragon Drascombe.
To wind up their charter last evening we had a ‘Kleftico‘ speciality bash at the Gialos taverna, Aristiar cooks an amazing traditional Kleftico.
A great trip yet again and so looking forward to a meet up again next year.
My very best
