A change of scenery
The night in Erikoussa was perfect, with us docked at the breakwater, alongside. It was a great opportunity to throw a party for my birthday. We also met with Markus, who was solo sailing in the opposite direction, with his dog, Heinrich. The next day we had two possible options. We could take a shorter leg passing west of Corfu. Alternatively, we could stay inside on the east side, but this would mean a slightly longer leg. The difference wasn’t much. We were starting to look at the fuel level with some concern. So, we decided to take the inner side route. We planned to stop in marina Gouvia on the island of Corfu for a refill. The additional benefit: giving some respite to those passengers who had suffered sea sickness during the two long passages.
Plans seldom survive contact with reality. When we arrived in marina Gouvia, we docked at the fuel dock. We only found out that there was no one. Three different signs invited to call three different phone numbers. None answered. After several attempts, finally someone answered us, and told us that they could have come at 5 pm. This would have completely blasted our schedule, so we decided to try in Corfu, harbor. Having learned the lesson, we called several numbers, to no avail. No one would come and refill us. Having found someone who would have refilled us in Paxos, we decided to skip the stop in Corfu and continue. At least we had nice views of the city, with the impressive bastions of the fortress dominating the houses below. The sea was calm, with initially not much wind. We had the opportunity to make a break and go for a short swim in Lefkimmi Bay. The coast is not too exciting. It is a marshy lowland. The Lefkimmi headland houses some salt flats and continues underwater with a shallow area. This area needs to be carefully avoided. Once we left the head of Asprokavos to our starboard, we were finally exposed to the W wind. We encountered swell. We could make sail for the last leg.
Gaios is as cute as a button, with its harbor sheltered by a crescent shaped islet. We found an easy and good berth alongside at the new pontoon. We had an excellent dinner in one of the few restaurants open out of season. We had the impression that in high season the place must be a real carnage.
Download here the waypoints for this trip – Warning, never use waypoints for navigation without previously validating them on your plotter.
Passage Notes
The passage is approximately 60 M if taken from the inner side. After exiting the habor and clearing to port the shallow area SW of the island, head 17 M on a 96˚ course to reach the narrow separating Corfu from Albania, then heat 3 NM on a 153˚ course to leave the islet of Peristeri and the shoals of Psyllos to starboard. Peristeri is marked by a light [FL R 5S 8M RA REF] and there is a fishing farm marked by a yellow special marker on its N side. Psyllos is unmarked and dangerous. The channel is trafficked by large ferries and cargo ships, and you need to follow the right direction (starboard if going N to S). Ater passing Psyllos, head for 200˚ for another 6 Miles, then head for 163˚ for 4 more miles until you have the Achropolis at the STB beam, then change course for 146˚ in order to clear Cape Asprokavos and reach the open sea, this will be after 17.5 M. The last turn for 174˚ will take you directly to the approach to the N entrance of Gaios, after approx. 11 M.
Haiku of the day
Birthday winds whisper
Fuel elusive, course unfolds
Gaios lights the way
S/YJane & Darcy 
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