Waypoints from Google Maps

Just seen the following tip in a review for a portable GPS device.  


You can use google maps to get waypoints to store in your gps which can then be used to plan a route. All you have to do is go onto google maps and double click on a location to centre the location and then by typing the following code into the address bar in the browser you can retrieve the coords:

javascript:void(prompt('',gApplication.getMap().getCenter())); 

Northern Ionian Cruise 19-26 July 2009

Crew: JDCS, PAS, TCS and HAMS

Itinerary: Lefkas-> Skorpios-> Meganisi-> Lefkas-> Ithaca-> Cephanonia->Ithaca->Atakos-> Kastos-> Kalamos-> Meganisi & Lefkas

Total of 121 Nautical Miles logged (non-tidal) Max F5 (28kts)

Sunday 19 July 2009

Start Log	End Log	Eng Hours	From	To	Via
1873	1873	345.5	Gatwick Dep 06:30	Vlicho Arr 13:00	Preveza Arr 11:30

High winds 40+ kts forecast this PM – Ferry Sailings cancelled. No sailing today. Ate in Georges’s Taverna (expensive).

Monday 20 July 2009

Start Log	End Log	Eng Hours	From	To	Via
1873	1887		Vlicho LEVKAS	Spartachori MEGANISI	SKORPIOS

Started the day with stern-to mooring practice off the quayside in Vlicho. Once checked-out we motored out past Nidri. No wind so anchored for lunch and a swim on the East of the bay to the East of the isthmus off the south of SKORPIOS (Onassis’s Island). Had long snorkel with Harry all around the East of the bay. Found wreck of a yacht on the seabed and large clam shells. After lunch we headed in an Easterly direction towards the Greek mainland. Had a good first sail in about 10 Kts of wind with both Main and Genny.

Returned to Meganisi and Port Espilia in Spartachori where we were met by Sail Ionian and moored for the night with the assistance of Panos his Lazy Lines.

Good showers in Taverna. Ate in Panos and Bimi’s Taverna. Walked up to the village in the evening.

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Start Log	End Log	Eng Hours	From	To	Via
1887	1906		Spartachori MEGANISI	Sivota LEVKAS	Nidri

Walked up to the village again in the morning to buy post cards. Bought bread from Bimi’s taverna.

Conducted brief recce of little Little Vathi and saw some local fishing boats.

We then made for Nidri for lunch and to purchase fins and other provisions.

We moored stern-to adjacent to a super-yacht. In the afternoon we had an enjoyable sail down the Meganisi strait, tacked between islet of Thilia and Meganisi and onwards down to Papa Nicolis’s Cave MEGANISI. The boys rowed the tender into the cave while we stood-by outside.

We then headed for Sivota where we met Neil from Sail Ionian as we moored along side Yanis’s fishing boat trapping some of his mooring lines.

Dinner at Yanis’s Taverna.

A panorama of Sivota harbour from Coconut.

Wednesday 22 July 2009

Start Log	End Log	Eng Hours	From	To	Via
1906	1927		Sivota LEVKAS	Polis ITHACA	Fiskhardo (CEPHALONIA)

We brought up another anchor on departure. Neil on hand to offer advice. Freed it by supporting it from the bow with a spare mooring line.

We planned to anchor for lunch at Ak (Cape) Marmara on ITHACA but this turned out to be a naturist beach. Anchored a little later on in 4m 2nm SW in Afales Bay just to the south west of the cape. .

Early afternoon we moored on north shore of Fiskhardo CEPHALONIA with long lines for the first time. Thomas rowed in with the lines, secured one to the wall near Ferry and then rowed out with it to us to moor to.

We slipped early to avoid becoming trapped by imminent arrival of Flotillas. Enjoyed sailing in a good breeze in the channel between Ithaca and Cephalonia before heading into Polis Bay for the evening.

Several yachts were already anchored in the bay. Our first attempt at long lining was thwarted by a nearby German yacht with only one line. The boys struggled to get a line secured so we initially anchored in 4m near the beach then once we established a secure line to the shore we extended the anchor chain to moor to it before establishing a second mooring line. Grass littered with crickets/ cicardas.

Walked up to Stavros in the evening and saw the statue of Odysseus.

Thursday 23 July 2009

Start Log	End Log	Eng Hours	From	To	Via
1927	1949		Polis ITHACA	Vathi ITHACA	PERA PIGADHI

Late departure after visiting Stavros Archaeological museum, the excellent Bakery and the grocers. Coconut is the yacht nearest the camera in this view of Polis Bay from half way up the hill to Stavros. Cephalonia is in the background.

In the early afternoon we stopped for a swim around islet of PERA PIGADHI just off south east ITHACA.

We then sailed north to Vathy with 12-15 kt winds – contemplated reefing the sails but decided to motor in with bare poles. On approach to Vathy winds increased to 20+ kts gusting 28kts. Initially anchored in Vathy but then attempted to moor stern-to against the wind near ferry terminal. Dropped anchor too early then space taken by superyacht.

We then decided to moor stern-to with side-winds at end of the harbour. We were assisted by adjacent skipper with securing windward line. We then assisted next yacht to arrive. Here are two panoramas of Vathy taken next day.

Took on water from a passing water truck. 5 Euro per 100 litres. 13 Euros paid.

Friday 24 July 2009

Start Log	End Log	Eng Hours	From	To	Via
1949	1968.6		Vathi	Sarakiniko KASTOS	Kioni (ITHACA) and Cliff Bay and One House Bay (ATAKO)

Next morning we bought fresh bread, frozen bottled water and tomatoes before departure for KASTOS. We called into Kioni ITHACA briefly for sightseeing and to post cards mooring stern-to on North wall of harbour.

We then made for the island of ATOKO. We quickly explored Cliff Nay and then anchored successfully among more than a dozen other yachts in One House Bay for lunch and a swim.

The wind then suddenly got up and other yachts started leaving very quickly.

In this photo the other yachts seem a long way away – but it felt very different at the time.

We then had an enjoyable sail North East to Port Sarakiniko where we planned to anchor and long-line.

On arrival the quay was empty so we moored stern-to but anchor did not hold and grounded rudder on bottom.

We rigged a windward line from quay to bow to hold yacht off shallows. A Bavaria 50 arrived later and needed to go alongside windward quayside. Once it was secure we turned Coconut to lie alongside. The keel bumped gently in swell so inspected bottom of yacht, moved some rocks and swam the anchor further out into bay for use in the morning. Sandwiched a pallet between two sets of fenders to hold yacht further off quayside to increase clearance.

Walked up the hill at sunset to view a disused windmill and enjoy views of Port Kastos on the East coast of the island.

Saturday 25 July 2009

Start Log	End Log	Eng Hours	From	To	Via
1968.6	1994.5	376.2	Sarakiniko KASTOS	Vlicho LEVKAS	Vathy and Abelike Bay (MEGANISSI)

Up before 7am. Swam in harbour. Attached kedge anchor warp to main anchor positioned 20m off stern on starboard side. Found a good size octopus and several large clam shells. Took Harry out to see octopus.

Slipped at 10 Am.

Carefully winched Coconut into harbour using starboard winch and warp to anchor to avoid obstruction and adjacent Bavaria 50. Anchored in 6m near to Quay at Port Leone KALAMOS.

Visited deserted village. The boys then messed around in the tender for a while.

Then motored north to Little Vathi on MEGANISI for bread for lunch and then back to Abelike Bay on MEGANISI where we anchored with long-lines to the shore.

After a long swim and snorkel we left on the last leg to Vlicho. Little wind until we neared Nidri when it suddenly turned very hot. Arrived back at the Sail Ionian Base in Vlicho by 18:30 hrs.

On the final evening we had dinner in Vlicho Yacht Club.

On the final morning we cleared the yacht by 09:00, settled our bill with Sail Ionian, got our logbook signed. We then had breakfast in the taverna across the street and waited for our taxi to the airport.

Sunday 26 July 2009

Start Log	End Log	Eng Hours	From	To	Via
1994.5		382.2	Vlicho Dep 10:00	Gatwick Arr 13:30	Preveza Dep 1245

BTOSC Cruise to Portland and Poole 25-28 June 2009

Thursday 25 June 2009
We assembled on Bagadeus, a 34 ft Bavaria, at Hamble Point Marina by 1900. Dinner in Ketch and Rigger where the Ketch Burger won the popularity stakes. Little wind forecast for the days ahead. We agreed on objectives - namely Portland and Poole - and an outline plan for the weekend. The state of the tides meant that we needed to arrive at the Needles at around mid-day, and providing we had made sufficient progress by late afternoon we would press on to a new marina in Portland Harbour for the night and the make for Poole the following day.

Friday 26 June
After light breakfast we slipped from berth I2, raised our mainsail and motored out of the Hamble. We headed west along the north of the Solent to minimise the effect of the still rising tide.

Once we were through Hurst Point Narrows and clear of the Needles the wind become more favourable and we made good progress in the direction of St Albans Head.

After negotiating the overfalls around the headland we dispensed with the Genny and motor-sailed towards Portland. We had Lasagne for supper while on the move. We neared Lulworth as the sun was setting and we entered fog so the approach to Portland was done with the assistance of RADAR and GPS. Once within the harbour wall, the challenge was then to find the new marina which was not accurately shown on the charts or the chart plotter. This turned out to be more difficult due to missing bouys, but by 2250 we were alongside 'N' hammerhead in Portland Marina. We found excellent facilities in the marina which is being readied for the 2012 Olympics.

Saturday 27 June
Next morning we were all up at 0730 for breakfast - bacon and eggs and fried bread for all. The fog had made way for brilliant sunshine and a light breeze. Our initial destination was Lulworth Cove where we anchored amongst a small number of other boats for a morning snack. We left Lulworth and soon entered fog again. We had sandwiches again on the move. The fog cleared in time for the overfalls around St Albans Head and we then enjoyed the spectacular cliffs leading to Old Harry's Rocks and Studland Bay before entering Poole Harbour. Unfortunately the Town Quay Marina was full so we had booked a berth at Cobbs Quay which is 30 minutes beyond the Swing Bridge in the town. This only opens for about 15 minutes every 2 hours except for commercial traffic. Approaching Cobbs Quay, the charted depth reduces to about 0.4m; however, we made it through with a minimum of at least 1.5m below the keel. In the evening we wandered into Poole town centre and enjoyed a good meal at a pub on the Town Quay.

Sunday 28 June
A 0500 departure from Cobbs Quay was called for to ensure adequate water in the river and to catch the bridge opening at 0530. By 0630 we were clear of the harbour and entering fog for the third time. Breakfast was very traditional - sausages, tomatoes and scrambled eggs for all. Sausages and tomatoes were baked on a tray at top of the Bavaria oven (no grill). Attempted to make toast on the tray below - but directly above burner burnt the bread straight away and elsewhere it was not quite hot enough to toast the bread properly. The fog eventually cleared as we approached Christchurch. We sailed close-hauled past the Needles, through Hurst Point Narrows and up the Solent towards Cowes. We then anchored in Osborne Bay for Lunch before returning across East Knoll to the Hamble for refuelling and cleaning.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable cruise in which we achieved all our objectives, we saw some of the most picturesque coastline on the South Coast, we all learnt lots and most importantly of all: we all returned safely. Thanks to Andy and the rest of the crew for what turned out to be an excellent weekends sailing and good preparation for our forthcoming charter in the Ionian.

James and Tom
29 June 2009

CSSA (CSD) Day Skipper / Competent Crew Course 14-19 Jun 2009

The course was in two parts.

Our instructor for the first 2 days was Nikki Shearman. In this time we covered many things including safety Briefs, Anchoring, Mooring & Boat Handling.

Nikki handed us over to Dave Price for the remaining 3 days of the course.

Here is a map produced using some tracklogs recorded during the course. This shows that route taken on the Sea Essay. We sailed out of the Hamble River taking in Osborne Bay, West Cowes, Gosport, Ocean Village Southampton, Hyde, East Cowes, Beaulieu River and Bucklers Hard, Yarmouth, The Needles and back to the Mercury Marina on the Hamble.

RYA Day Skipper Course on Sea Essay at EveryTrail

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RYA Day Skipper Course on Sea Essay

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BTOSC Cruise - AGM Weekend: 15-17 May 2009

The BT Offshore Sailing Club (BTOSC) had chartered 2 yachts for the AGM weekend out of Hamble Point Marina: Dumbledore a Sun Odyssey 37 and Jasper a Dufour 36. As a new club member I was asked to write a few words about the event. I should also say at this early stage that whilst I have some previous boating handling experience as a diver, on narrow boats and more recently in dinghy sailing this was my first practical experience on a Yacht the size of Dumbledore. This was also my first cruise with the BTOSC.

Friday Evening

The joining instructions got me down to Hamble Point easily enough and I soon found Dumbledore’s berth in the marina. After brief introductions I was shown to the Marina Office where I hired some foul weather gear.
After taking over the respective boats we all lubricated our vocal chords over dinner in the Kedge and Rigger. The skippers also took the opportunity to agree the rules for the pre-AGM competition planned for the following day. This was followed by a friendly but rigged game of dominos. It was then back to the yacht for coffee and some delicious cake and after many a yarn we all turned in.
Earlier in the day the 24 hour forecast for Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis had promised: Wind: Southwest 5 to 7, occasionally gale 8 for a time. Sea State: Moderate or rough. Weather: Showers. Visibility: Moderate or good. The weather gods were clearly at work. Indeed over the course of the weekend they not only delivered 95% of that forecast but surpassed themselves by playing the odd joker without the need for either skipper or crew to make any peace offerings, sacrifices or apologies.

Saturday

Next morning were all up again by 08:00 and after a morning shower, lashings of bacon and a welcome cup of tea for breakfast we prepared for the day ahead. We had a thorough safety brief from our skipper before carefully slipping from our berth in the marina at 10:05 and motoring out into Southampton Water. By 10:40 we had 3 reefs in the main and ¼ genny up which become the default for the weekend. Our route was planned to maximise training value and average speed through the water. It took us west along the Solent for a time. We then made for Cowes and some close quarter manoeuvring to a berth at Shepherds Wharf Marina at 12:15. By this time the weather had improved so we were able to have a leisurely sandwich lunch and complete the quiz whilst alongside in what was by then glorious sunshine.
By 14:10 we were comfortably sailing again in a strong breeze, making for Portsmouth Harbour and arriving via a brief detour circumnavigating Spitsand Fort. We saw the war memorial and church spire that form the transit for the swatchway and then motor-sailed into the harbour before mooring in Haslar Marina for the night.

The AGM was held at the Landers Bar and Restaurant just outside the marina. I won’t attempt to duplicate the minutes except to mention for the record that the quiz competition held earlier in the day was won by Jasper; however, following careful scrutiny of the skipper’s log, Dumbledore was declared the winner with the highest average speed.
By now the harbour was like a mill pond and the sky was clear. The weather gods were teasing us. Although dinner after the AGM was excellent the cake and coffee was again calling out to be eaten. John and his crew from Yacht Jasper also came over to put the world to rights.

Sunday

By next morning the still calm waters of the harbour had given way to more lumpy conditions and some rain. The forecast had worsened to SW /S 5-7 Occ 8. After another excellent breakfast of sausages and scrambled egg, we slipped at 10:00. We motored out into the Solent making use of the transit for the swatchway and once clear of the shipping we made the most of the strong SW wind with 3 reefs in the main and 2/3 genny. Given the conditions at the time the original plan had been to head straight for Hamble Point; however, we made such good progress that we decided to have lunch in the shelter of Osborne Bay. By 1230 after a little difficulty with the electric windlass we were at anchor.
After an uneventful lunch we set sail for Hamble Point once again. This time with the wind from the South we opted so sail with about 2/3 genny taking care to stay well clear of the Bramble Bank. By now the sea was very confused. I was particularly taken by the fact the boat was so stable and was able to make such good progress in such conditions. Most of the crew were wearing their hoods by this time due to the spray and we were often surfing along.
As we approached Hamble our skipper made a point of warning everyone about the danger of ‘cutting the corner’ at the entrance of the Hamble estuary. We then motored in to re-fuel and by 14:45 we were once again at Dumbledore’s berth in the marina preparing the boat to be handed back to the boatyard.
The weekend exceeded expectations in so many ways - both in terms of giving me much needed experience at sea, providing so many learning opportunities and probably more importantly in demonstrating the camaraderie within the club.
Some learning points that I have taken away

• Excellent safety culture all round - Good Safety Briefing
• Planning, communication and teamwork prior to and during any manoeuvres
• Checking rigging including reefing lines before departure
• A main with 3 reefs can provide a lot of thrust
• The genny on its own was surprisingly powerful
• Uses for the bowline knot
• Lookout - it can be hard to predict what other yachts are going to do next and other traffic from behind can quickly become a problem.

And finally, thanks to:

• John for booking the charters and bringing the event together.
• Andy for being an excellent skipper and keeping us safe.
• Mike for provisioning the vessel so thoughtfully and for sharing his berth with me.
• Hazel for so generously sharing her favourite, walnut coffee cake with everyone else and sharing her experiences at both ends of the earth.
• Roy for two excellent breakfasts. Full marks for the Scrambled Egg.
• Peter for sharing some really important info about Buncefield that I hadn’t previously read about.
• Everyone for being such good company, sharing their experience and otherwise helping me fill some of the tremendous gaps in my sailing knowledge and experience.

James Savage
19 May 2009