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(Page 5).

27.04.2001
Tied side-to the quay at Linaria, Nisos Skiros
38.50.536N 24.32.214 East
12.24hrs
Temp 21.9C
Baro 1018
Wind SW 4

Well, we are not at Gavrion! The wind was so favourable we decided to sail direct overnight to Linaria. (some 85 miles away). This was a problem as the distance meant we would almost certainly approach a rock strewn shore and unknown small harbour at night. The plan was therefore to slow down after the first 75 miles and enter at first light. The sail from Lavrion past Evvoia was perfect. Off Evvoia in the Doro Straits a 10 metre Port Police rib came and intercepted us doing some 30 knots. They wanted to know the boat details and where we were bound. Then, as soon as they had appeared, off they zoomed with their 2x75 horse power engines flat out. Later during the afternoon a deep multi-engine noise began. It was a puzzle, particularly as it steadily got louder. Then we saw it, a huge military hovercraft doing some 50 knts. Judging from the ships it overtook it must have been 70 meters long and 15 metres high. It bristled with armoury and looked like something from "Star Wars"! It was driven by three huge fan engines and was an awesome sight. Dolphins were seen several times, the common species. Several pairs of Levantine shearwaters flew gracefully around almost, but not quite, letting their wing tips touch the waves. We has a beam wind of about 15 knots going to a stern wind of 20 knots which fell away by 03.000 hrs in the morning. One engine was then lowered and on tick over we wandered towards the coast and a dawn arrival as the blood red sun rose behind Nisos Skiros. 

Yes I had been up all night doing 2 hours on and 2 hours off watch, hence the drawn look! There were several large vessels about and several fishing boats. Our radar tracked them and only once did I have to light up the hull to ensure we were correctly seen. Night sailing is something else and varies so much depending on the night sky, sea conditions, navigational difficulties and remaining stamina. Last night was excellent. Clear skies, good following wind and sea, few navigational problems and we were both looking forward to it. Luckily "The Master", our Hydrovane wind steering gear, helmed for most of the time and our large radar reflector was hoisted.
I saw one very bright shooting star and several satellites. At one stage we passed through an area of sea that was deep in large green phosphescent creatures. They flashed as we slid past.