...and off we go

so - after it took longer than expected to clear out of turkey, we finally started sailing (and not just talking about it). and I tell you what: it is fantastic! - i almost had forgotten how nice it is when the wind pushes you through dark blue waves...full sails...the salty sea smell...and a so nicely trimmed boat that the helm (i.e. the steering wheel) lies calm beneath your hands!
turkey has been very good to us, and i hope to return one day! - nevertheless, it really was time to get going!

one of the big highlights today though was being sent off by our new found friends of azzurro II with the signal horn! (for us being such an emotional moment it was the nicest thing to be waved off and be able to share this special moment - THANKS SO MUCH YOU TWO!)
even though we were lucky to meet quite a few great people on our journeys (no matter if sailing or not) it still amazes me how sometimes out of nowhere a helping hand or a friendly word comes to you.

but back to our "epic" first 20nautical miles! - the wind was shifty and as expected (and predicted) freshened up to almost 25knots ( ca.50km/h) but with early reefed sails... no worries!

we then arrived in Samos Marina, only to find out that traveling with australian flag is a huge bonus in greece, as almost every greek either has been down under, or has family there... so a big friendly welcome here and a great little first test-sail for us.

we also managed to clear into greece and so the e.u. already - surprisingly this went really fast - only three offices and everyone in these offices had an idea why we actually came to see them.

as the meltemi is predicted to blow it´s head off the next couple of days, we will hang out here and hope to catch that wind hole that should appear soon to go across the aegean.

for now - i am off for a swim!
bussi and big hug to all of you, who thought of us and were wondering, if we finally took off or not!

20nm done... only app.15980nm to go:)

now which way is outta here?

please note that bow riding is strictly illegal in australia, luckily we are in greece!

a hard earned drink