Report on Dodecanese cruise, 4 to 11 May 19

The crew:

Nicolas, Barbara, Albert, Matthias, Pierre, Stefan & Teodora

landed Saturday evening to take possession of a proud "Alimia", a Sun Odyssey 449 of 2018.

Sunday, under a stormy weather the crew stayed wisely on land to visit the splendid medieval city

of Rhodes and enjoy the numerous Greeks earthly pleasures.

Monday morning, was time to leave Rhodes for the beautiful island of Symi, 28 Miles away.

Heading North West, we faced a 4 Beaufort (Bt) wind until noon when it decided to suddenly drop

off, forcing us to put our powerful engine on. Arrival at Symi in the end of the afternoon, leaving us

enough time to climb to the height of the city to benefit from its famous sunset.

Tuesday was a goooood sailing day with a West strong breeze. We therefore sailed the whole day

close-hauled on the way down to the peaceful Xhalki (38 Miles) and facing a strong swell. Happy

baptism, to our novice on board, Stephan who particularly enjoyed this windy day, when at the

helm he pushed our "Alimia" to a 8,5 Miles per hour (MpH). Under this speed we arrived early

enough to celebrate our traditional "Mythos time", visit the beautiful village of Xhalki, and once

again climbing to his top to enjoy of a new sunset on the wonderful Greek landscape.

Wednesday was partly a motor day due to a weak & "in-the-face" NO on our way to the volcanic

island of Nissiros (45 Nm). As often, when surrounded by Islands and in sunny conditions, the wind

took some force back to enable us to do the remaining halfway under the sails. We arrived early in

the evening, enough to rent motor bikes and to rush on the Castro for another impressive sunset.

Thursday morning was reserved for a visit trip on our motor bikes: the beautiful town of Mandraki,

then visit of the impressive volcano, followed by a brunch at Emporio, with a view on the Volcano

and to finish by Nikia, nestled at the top of the island.

We left at 14:00 to Nissos with the feeling of having been captivated by the magic of the wild

beauty of Nissiros and arrived in the evening at the picturesque Tilos, thanks to (finally) broad

reach wind. There, we enjoyed from the renowned "kid with lemon", hmmm.

Friday, we woke up early to reach back our base at Rhodes for a long trip of 54 NM. The half day

was motoring what enable some of the crew to sleep longer and to later benefit from a brunch "on

the water". At noon, the god Eole sent us a little hello and we sailed for 5 hours under a 4 to 5 Bt.

Saturday was dedicated to another visit of Rhodes but this time under a sunny day. At the end of

the day it was time for us to fly back north.

So, what to remember from the trip?

The members of the team laughed a lot, celebrating the "Mythos time" every day, sharing real

moment of happiness, tasting Greek gastronomy and enjoying the kindness of the inhabitants. We

were stunned by the beauty & variety of the landscape discovered. Thinking of the hundreds of

remaining Greek islands, there is still much to discover in this paradise of sailing.

So, do not miss the next trips:

- From Corfu (Ionian Islands) from May 25th to May 1st and hurry, the

clock is running, due to late withdrawal, 2 places are left.

- From Trogir (Croatia) from June 8th to June 15th, 3 remaining places, due

to as well late withdrawal.