We had planned to leave Bodrum asap, but plans have a funny way of changing on a boat. There had been a few occasions when it was impossible to get the boat in gear, but somehow each time this happened we eventually did manage to find the gear (thus avoiding one or two near misses with other boats and objects).
Gearing Up For Our Next Sail Read Post »
There was at least 35 knots of wind and the few other boats out and about obviously had the same plan – to get back safely asap. We discussed down to the smallest detail exactly how we would park the boat without hitting any other boats (or our own) against the pontoon.
Dauntingly Strong Winds Read Post »
We took the dinghy to the end of the bay and up the creek. It might have been easier if we had figured out how the mediaeval sign system worked – it may have prevented us from going aground a few times! Anyway, we got ourselves to the end of the creek and carefully avoided feeding the crocodiles…
Sweet Smells And Scratchy Ankles Read Post »
We picked up more wind as Jamie poled out the genoa and we ran goosewing. Wow, it was great! The sense of speed was tremendous. We seldom dropped below 7 knots and I was at the helm when we clocked our first 10 knots! With the wind behind us practically the whole way we gave chase and over took quite a few other yachts. Esper seemed to love it as much as us.
Goosewinging It All The Way! Read Post »
This time when we arrived at Gümüslük we again anchored twice, but not because the anchor dragged but because someone left and we took advantage of a better position. Hoorah! Jamie’s fears of anchoring and drifting seemed to have disappeared (although mine hadn’t).
Backgammon: Who’s The Daddy? Read Post »
The day started quite dramatically with a local gullet being launched right next to us. It was very exciting, with everyone watching. After the dust had settled and the waves had calmed down everyone went about their morning business… until someone noticed that the boat was getting lower in the water.
Heading Back Home Read Post »
After a quiet night in the marina and the now obligatory thrashing of Liz at Backgammon we headed off to Ortakent where we were told we might be able to grab a buoy… no such luck. We anchored up instead. We were starting to feel confident about the anchoring by now.
Another Vodka Please! Read Post »
After our lovely time in Kazikli it was time to up anchor again and head back to Gümüslük. Sails were reefed to begin with, then full all the way. Unfortunately there was no space in which to anchor so we reluctantly left and went back to Yalikavak, broad reach all the way.
No Room At The Inn Read Post »
We had a gentle sail, beam reach, to Kazıklı. This place, as Jamie promised me, was a picturesque, mostly unspoilt, little piece of paradise. We took a long walk around the shore and saw a small turtle in a stream and lots of very pretty views.
Paradise On Earth – For The Time Being Read Post »
I looked out from the cabin and watched as an enormous gullet in the next small bay seemed to be going backwards and forwards and round and round in circles. Later on Jamie identified the boat as belonging to Stuart, a friend of ours from Bodrum.
More Loud Cr@p Turkish Pop Read Post »
I mean black because it was pitch black when we began sailing: at 3am, after a restless and fitful sleep worrying about the anchor, Jamie’s worst nightmare came true as he realized we were drifting towards the rocks…
What Do You Mean It’s 3am & The Anchor’s Dragging? Read Post »
Ahhh… back on Esper in lovely Bodrum. Boy was I looking forward to this break. I had already been counting down the days till I would be on board permanently and this would be a nice little taster.
So Good To Be Back! Read Post »
I had arrived in Bodrum the night before and Jamie decided that we had to get out to sea as soon as possible. I agreed, albeit in a kind of travel stupor… I was slightly dazed from the usual heinous
The First Night At Anchor Together Read Post »
It was a perfect Bodrum morning. The sky was blue, the birds were singing and everyone was smiling. We had agreed to put Esper in the water after lunchtime, around 2ish, bearing in mind that in Turkey “around 2 o’clock” is a very elastic concept…
Launch And Naming Ceremony! Read Post »
Yes, here we are at last, my first entry in the log… a long time coming I know, but not as fast as the last year has been. My fastest year on record. Wow, what a journey it has been since I met Jamie in Antigua on Christmas Day 2003. From falling in love with those deep brown eyes and embracing smile on that fateful holiday to the launch of what we have fashioned into our own special dream…
Esper’s Maiden Voyage Read Post »
