We timed departure next day to catch the first of the west north west wind and sailed towards Corfu, 8 miles away. From a slow 1 knot we were making 6 knots when we reached the shelter of the Lee of the Southern tip of Corfu. Then the speed reduced and for a while we held the course until the wind became flukey and we made a swim stop in the exposed but shallow water south of the small ferry port of Levkimmi.
In light wind we continued past the shallows until we could turn towards the sunset and the small harbour of Petriti and anchored in shallow water near to the entrance.
The next day we sailed again slowly towards Corfu town until the wind turned gusty and headed us, but with motor we were soon anchored in the large east facing bay of Garitsas,10 minutes walk from the airport.
We had taken 9 days from Astakos to Corfu Town, at a leisurely pace enjoying the sailing, mostly in light winds, and the night stops.
We have shopping to make. Lidl is 15 minutes walk away, as well as local shops. We take water from the popular public taps at the south of Garitsas Bay. We took laundry ashore to a self service place recommended by Petra from Largyalo. Excellent price of 2.50 euros for a large load, supplying own soap. We also needed to top up our WiFi internet sim at the Cosmote shop in town. Online top up the app is possible but only in Greek, much too difficult.
Anita wanted to visit a health food shop which we know and we found it was close to the laundry.
Many large and expensive "yachts" with paid crew frequent the bay. The 10m tender in the photo is by no means the largest or most powerful boat for shore trips, bringing supplies, transferring guests etc.
With family due to arrive next day all was done and a southerly wind allowed us to go to a favourite anchorage on the North side of Vido Island. Only swell from passing ferries or motor boats normally disturbs the tranquility. Images of Corfu Town.
Arriving early we found just one catamaran there so could pick a good spot to anchor away from sea grass.
In late afternoon we went ashore to find water at pen air public showers in the next bay but to our surprise the water was on again and repairs made since last visit at this beach. We washed some clothes and ourselves. Wasps were grateful. They wait at the shower heads for someone to turn on water. As we started our evening walk rabbits also came to drink from the shower water on the ground. Good we can help wildlife in these hot dry days.
Walking on a path we did not know we found old buildings and perhaps hundreds of years old four prison cells. This was a fortified Island to defend the access to Corfu Town just over the water.
The night was calm but earlier than expected the prevailing NW wind sent swell into the anchorage so at about 3 am in moonlight we left the bay and had a pleasant sail back to Garitsas Bay carefully avoiding many anchored yachts. Sailing yachts often use an anchor light at the top of the mast. They are visible at sea but in an anchorage they appear like stars in the sky while the boat below can be difficult to see 8n the darkness. It was still dark when we went back to sleep.
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