The Blue Horizon Cup Regatta takes place in one of the most beautiful sailing areas in Greece. Between the picturesque temple of Poseidon and Kea - a small island with the famous lion carved into the rock, 12 experienced crews got acquainted with the charm and came face to face with the elements of the Aegean Sea, making every effort to achieve their goal.
Strong gusts of wind raised waves with white crests in the Aegean Sea. The north wind raged without abating for two days, blocking boats in the marina of the city of Lavrion, in the southeast of the nome of East Attica, threatening to scatter yachts into the sea like chips.
“Lousy weather,” says Lothar. Like the other 60 participants in the regatta, he wants to sail. The regatta takes place in the Western Cyclades. The flotilla is attended by both experienced sailors and those who are going to breathe the salty sea air for the first time.
But the cruel gods made the sailors worry. Only on the third day did the first stage of the race start from Lavrion to about. Kea. The north wind is blowing, 45 points on the Beaufort scale, increasing in the strait between about. Makronissos and the mainland. 12 crews reefed their genoas, twisting them around the forestay using the genoa twist system, thus reducing the sail area, but even so the boats develop good speed.
I decided to accompany a different crew every day, and began my journey on board the yacht Ydroussa II... There, Alberto copes brilliantly with genoa. He is 22 years old, he is young, and is clearly glad that the boring days at the port are over. A heavy Bavaria whirled around us, periodically diving out of the water with its keel. But all is well, and we continue on our way to the end of the first stage.
The escort boat, whipping with its engine on a high wave, tries to keep the finish line. On the radio, conversations between the crews and the referee's vessel are constantly heard, announcing changes in the location of the finishing line, and, as a result, only two of the eleven crews successfully finish.
Wunaki Bay on Kea Island
Heavy bulk wind makes everyone nervous. And only the waiter of the Vourkari tavern remains calm, helping the yachts to moor.
After such a difficult day, only retsina can help yachtsmen - Greek resin wine, rakia and grappa, generously poured for dinner in a tavern. The Swedish crew teaches Greek yachtsmen their traditional toast. Jagi! Jagi! Jagi! " ("Gay! Gay! Gay!"), Which is heard as a refrain deep into the night.
In the morning I have a headache ... How good that I am on board today "Aida", healthy eating is welcome here and fresh fruit will bring me to my senses quickly. The crew members of this boat are Laura and her son Uwe. They love to spend their holidays under sail, they love space and good weather, they love to feel, as they say, “cabin boys”. Today there is almost no wind, and there is not much to work with sails: calm. Before us lies the surface of the water, the sun is shining, and from time to time clouds come over.
From time to time, passing ferries create a light wave on which yachts sway sadly, patting the sails. "Aida" is one of the last five yachts. Yacht crew "Kronos", cruiser Bavaria 40, has lost ground compared to the previous day, and this affects the mood of the ambitious crew led by skipper Guido. However, in the evening in the tavern, on O. Kythnos, a cheerful and joyful atmosphere reigns.
Waking up in the morning, and first of all looking around, we understand that there is still no wind ... And only sometimes, light breaths disperse the morning haze. Fortunately, the Western Cyclades did not skimp on the beautiful bays, and after breakfast the flotilla headed for the bay of St. Dmitry. In clear water, an anchor is visible at the bottom. On board the yacht "Nafsika", biologist Mika takes out a snorkel and a diving mask to examine the bottom. The first impression turns out to be deceiving - the bottom of the bay is covered with a layer of debris that got into the water by accident: blown plastic bags, bottles require a long disintegration period and can significantly pollute the environment.
The announcement of the next stage of the race forces us to abandon this idea. Mika's crew is the pediatricians Sabina and Hölger, the radiologist Frank and the advertising specialist Ulf, the promising crew of the Bavaria 46, and this time I was lucky enough to be with them. Trying to do everything as correctly as possible, and even after reading a book "Racing in a Light Wind", in order to improve the aerodynamic qualities of the staysail, the clewl moved the carriage of the staysail shoulder forward and ejected the sheet itself, thus giving it a more convex shape. But this did little to help the crew in the race. Guys from the yacht "Nafsika" believe that, first of all, they should get the most out of sailing, since this is their first regatta, and the pursuit of the main prize is not so important.
Ormos Kolona on about. Kyphos
The October sun is setting behind us. Crews take turns arriving at the bay Ormos Kolona on about. Kythnos, for overnight mooring. Yacht crew "Nikos" becomes anchored.
The wind from the shore brings various aromas of food, a quiet moonlit night, stars are visible in the sky, among them are Castor and Polydeuces from the constellation Gemini. “At this time of year, they are very close to each other,” says Angelica of Nikos. Legend has it that when Polydeuce was killed, his brother Castor asked Zeus to give them both immortality. Thus, both brothers became a constellation. "
Only the light sound of the surf breaks the silence. I was accompanied by 29-year-old Kostas, cabin boy from yacht "Nikos". Having rolled up our trousers, we walk along the coast. There are smooth pebbles under a thin layer of sand. It is wonderful. I understand why many sailors speak with such enthusiasm about the "Greek myth."
The next day, a 4 Beaufort 4 westerly wind produced an exciting final race.
Today I want to visit a yacht "Danae"... When asked if I can join them, I am politely replied that women should not be on board, but they can make an exception for me if I do not interfere with the team's work.
Wolfgang is at the helm, and together with 68-year-old Moses, they have a perfect start. Clear, precise teams, this is a close-knit crew, which was formed back in the Magdeburg Yacht Club, where they trained mainly on dinghies. But once a year, they take part in regattas like Blue horizon cup, thus, honing their sporting achievements, as well as getting a week of unforgettable travel on a comfortable yacht.
And now, it's time to take stock of the regatta. First place won the Swedish-Dutch yacht crew "Lila" Bavaria 46, led by Captain Roland Musser, second place shared by experienced sea wolves with "Danae" and newcomers from the yacht "Kronos". On the third place yacht crew "Nafsika", which surprised and made the crew very happy. Probably reading a book "Sail control on cruising yachts" has borne fruit. And everyone feels like a winner: they challenged the elements and were able to cope with difficult weather conditions.
Lion from Kea Island
Many legends and myths have been told about the mysterious Leo Kea, which stands 1.5 kilometers from the village of Iulida. According to one legend, the inhabitants wanted to leave the settlement when the nymphs who lived in the forests began to kill women. The priest of the temple of Zeus prayed to God for the salvation of women, and Zeus sent a lion, which scattered the nymphs. Residents erected a monument in gratitude to the lion.
Temple of Poseidon
The impressive Temple of Poseidon dominates Cape Sounion. Although it is one of the most visited and famous sites in Athens, it is a must-see for yourself. This place still retains the spirit of a legend. According to mythology, it was from this rock on which the temple stands that King Aegeus rushed when he saw a ship with black sails, thus giving the name to the Aegean Sea. The cape offers a beautiful view of the setting sun.
Information:
* Charter company: So long yachting
* Cost of participation: base price 360 Euro per person excluding transport costs, payment in cash: diesel, port taxes and meals. The prices for a charter flight are accordingly calculated as follows: 360 Euro multiplied by the number of people on the yacht. For the Bavaria 39 yacht with five people on board, the cost was 1,800 euros, including the entry fee.
* Sailing area: short distances between islands, sheltered bays and accessible marinas (often in small towns water and electricity are free) make the region attractive for sailing. But the increased wind in the straits between the islands can create some discomfort.
* Season: from May to October
* Maps: the official British edition of nautical charts BA 1038 “Navigation area about. Sifne - about. Kythera "
* Weather: Channel 16 announces weather conditions in Greek and English. In addition, the weather forecast can be found directly in the marina, as well as on the website poseidon.hcmr.gr
* Climate: even in October, you can still wear light T-shirts. Jackets and "non-promokants" were obtained only on the water, during a strong wind.
* Transfer: from the airport of Athens every hour there is a regular bus to Lavrion. The fare is 4 euros.
Smartphone App: "Star Walk" - an application that helps to find constellations and determine their name, 2.39 euros in the App Store. For starry nights.
port: free app ISirtaki... In order for the music to sound, we shake the phone, and thus get rid of the accumulated energy.
To read road signs and menus, you can download free application "Greek alphabet".
Flights: Kiev-Athens-Kiev - about 350 euros; Moscow-Athens-Moscow - about 300 euros
Travel documents: international passport (visa 35 euros)
Currency: Euro
Time: Central European (UTC + 1)
Emergency: 112
Food and drinks: 10-20 euros per person
Parking costs: 0-20 euro
Maximum tides: 0.3 m
Protected bays: Yes
Text and photo: Lina Nagel
06.04.2012
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