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(Page 25)

13.05.2001
Stern-to at Skiathos
39.09.893N 23.29.623 East
12.20 hrs
Temp 16.0C
Baro 1017
Wind N4

I'm sitting in the port hull, the sound of rain beating on the coach roof is non stop! Dark clouds whip over Skiathos port, cars are using their headlights and it's a heat wave in England! 

We pick up our new Honda generator on Monday from Lucas, the very well organised outboard and boat firm here in Skiathos. The generator is a stand by for days when there is no wind and no sun. Also on the longer trips it allows us, if batteries get low to run radar and all electrical equipment without being concerned that we will run the battery banks to nothing. The unit is extremely quiet and unlike our 15 year old one is now all plastic covered. Being four stroke we can use the same fuel/oil as our outboards.

There was a great shout yesterday evening as Liverpool football club won the F.A Cup. There were several taverna's on the quay showing the match against Arsenal on big screen TV's. A high proportion of tourists here are from the UK. With today's weather they must feel as if they are back home.

When there is standing water on the Skiathos airport runway all flights are cancelled and diverted to Athens. This causes a five hour detour via ferry and bus/train.
We are told this weather front will be the last before the summer season sets in. Early in the spring when we sheltered in Trizonia there was a huge freak storm in the Volos Gulf which is near here. Four brand new flotilla charter boats were smashed and the wind was estimated at Beaufort force 12! 

Looking at my Navtex there is a message about a missing 4 metre rib with one person aboard also a Mayday has been picked up by Limnos radio in another part of the Aegean. 

The large freighter that was stranded on the island of Skiathos has been towed free by huge tugs. Standing by was a "skimmer boat" which came into Skiathos harbour, a rare beast. Note the bows that open and the debris/oil flows into internal tanks.



In our short stay here we have made several friends, some are "yachts people",some Greek, others Brits who live on Skiathos.

Soon we will move on.