Cruising The Med - Sandy and Rob's Excellent Adventure: Hauling Out!!

On Oct 2, we met Yiannis at the dock at Ionian Marine just across the channel from Preveza. He will make a permanent cover for the boat to protect it from the elements, grease all the sea cocks, and many other small things that will keep The Logdge in good condition for next summer.

We hauled out at 11am thanks to Yiannis moving us up an hour in the schedule.

Haul out is very different here.

First, it is very matter of fact. They haul boats out one after the other with no pomp or circumstance like we are accustomed to in Canada where haul out is a big event for most of us.

They lift the boats with the usual Travel Lift, power wash the bottom but then transfer them to an interesting machine which is a cradle with adjustable hydraulic arms to suit each hull shape and depth of keel.

The, they tow the boat to its spot where there is an adjustable cradle waiting and there you go! Almost all of the boats leave the mast up as there is no need to take it down and this really makes thing easier!

They bring you a ladder and a pallet to lay your anchor chain on should you wish and you are set for the winter.

Yiannis will take the main off for us and so we didn't have to deal with that which was also great.

There are literally thousands of boats on the hard here and it was amazing to see the sea of masts in the yard.

All that was left were a few chores. I sat in the Laundry getting the sheets and towels clean for next summer and Rob went to the local airport to rent us a car.

We finished packing, emptied the last things from the fridge and set out around 4pm for Galaxidi, a town near Delphi which was recommended to me as a great place to stay overnight due to its location on the water and old world charm.

The trip took about 3 and a half hours, and one bag of pretzels.

We arrived at Galaxidi in the dark and it took quite a while to find a hotel as the greeks don't seem to believe in lights and signage.

We had a quick dinner on the waterfront in a local Taverna and off to bed ready to visit the famous site at Delphi in the morning.

Preveza Main Quay as we Leave to Haul Out