Anchoring in Greece – Mediterranean mooring

Even if you are an experienced sailor, anchoring in Greece when sailing the Greek islands can be a daunting experience due to the particularity of the deep and the waters. Anchoring is about safety. Under the very worst conditions – when leaving the anchorage or port is dangerous – you should be able to rely on your anchor system. In the east Mediterranean – Greece and Turkey – more time is spent at anchor than under sail and you will predominantly anchor off the quay while “stern to” (rarely “bows to”): berthing Mediterranean style.

Anchoring in Greece

Advantages of Mediterranean Anchoring when Sailing in Greece

 1) Any wash of ferries, changes of wind direction, any swell entering the bay, gusts, etc. will be cushioned by the catenary curve of the anchor chain which will keep the yacht clear of the quay: berthing along side won’t protect the yacht.

2) In the Mediterranean – especially when sailing in Greece – berthing along side is often hampered by blocks of ballasting near the quay. No neighbouring crews walking on your deck greatly adds to your privacy, especially so if bows-to.

3) Some islands in Greece are home to rats, cockroaches, etc. Mediterranean mooring (with the gangway raised from the quay!) helps to prevent vermin getting on board.

4) It is much easier to leave a (crowded) port. No skipper likes to be the innermost yacht – four yachts thick – in an along side mooring situation.

 5) As the bow anchor typically offers more holding power and a longer (heavier) anchor chain it is very useful to become an expert in the stern-to variant of berthing Mediterranean-style


Mediterranean mooring  manoeuvre– Tips and Hints

 1.Position the bow the full length of your anchor chain away, or otherwise as far as possible, ready to drop anchor. In a crosswind go a little upwind since by the time the anchor touches seabed you will have drifted out of position.

2.Drop anchor in front of the spot on the quay you are aiming for. Note, that anchoring NOT perpendicular to the quay (as people often do in a crosswind), could well mean crossing and potentially fouling the anchor lines of your neighbors. Also, the wind could be blowing from the opposite direction later.

 3.Just before the anchor reaches the seabed, put the engine in reverse. Maintaining speed helps you to manoeuvre, and moving astern also prevents fouling the anchor with its own chain.  Moreover, if there is room, I would advice a gentle one knot speed in reverse, before dropping the anchor: a)Less chance the anchor will foul. b) Less drifting out of position in case of crosswind. c)The anchor will often set earlier which means a greater distance from quay, maximising the scope.

 4.With the engine in reverse, the “prop walk” will steer the yacht to the left when looking at the intended spot on the quay. Yet, this is only the case when the engine is in reverse and not if it is in neutral. First make speed and counteract the prop walk as much as possible by putting the rudder at 45 degrees (more will only brake), then put the engine in neutral and the yacht will listen to the rudder normally.

 5.The crew on the foredeck should put a mild tension on the anchor line, while reversing, to help the anchor dig deeper. Not too much, since you would lose speed and also the anchor could break out.

 6.Near the quay there is an increased risk on lose lines, fishing nets and other rubble, so it is good practice not to use the prop the last few meters. Braking by feeding the anchor less line works better also helps the anchor set firmly.

7.  With one line on shore (windward one if cross wind), it is time to put pressure on the anchor: take anchor chain in till the catenary curve becomes more of a straight line. If after a while (sometimes immediately) the catenary curve reappears, your anchor has not set... by the time you have winched one third of the anchor line back on board, start considering a second attempt.


So, during this whole Mediterranean mooring manoeuvre, not so much the helmsman but the foredeck is in control. Although it is a first a bit scary to steer backwards into a tight slot between two expensive yachts, speed keeps the yacht manoeuvrable.

 Extra Tip: Plan to arrive early (typically before 15:00) at the port of destination so that there is ample space to manoeuvre and lots of berths at the quay to choose from.

Anchoring Mediterranean Style

 

Golfing Holidays in Greece

Golfing holidays in Greece are flourishing and in a short time, they have developed all the necessary facilities, required by you to have an enjoyable and a relaxed vacation.
Greece is a perfect vacation for golfers as well as their families.

The peak season in Greece begins from May and lasts till September. With bright sunny days you are sure to have a very special vacation and you will not see much of rains in summer, but it can get a little windy.

Golf is a sport that in recent years has developed rapidly in Greece and is continuing to acquire more and more fans. Today there are seven international standard golf courses (18-hole) throughout the country, situated in Athens (Glyfada), on Corfu, on Rhodes, in Chalkidiki, in Messinia (2) and in Hersonisos on Crete, as well as a 9-hole course in Elounda on Crete. Over 1,300 players play regularly on these courses.



1)The Porto Carras Golf Course (in Chalkidiki)offers a combination of difficult holes, tactically placed bunkers and water bodies which require precision with skill.

It is situated near the Aegean Sea on the Sithonia peninsula and is bordered by the pine forest of Mount Melitonas and the Porto Karras Estate vineyards.
It is about 100 kilometers from the airport and is open for play all through the year.

This 6058 meters course was initially designed as 9-holes and in 2003 Roy Machary created the present 18-hole course. S. Cornish and William G. Robinson have also given their contribution in making this an exciting course for professionals as well as amateur players.
The first nine holes are tough with two long Par 5s, two Par 3s and five Par 4s, and the golfers need significant skill to tackle the strategically placed bunkers.
The last nine go on a path along and next to ponds, where the player has to hit daring strikes, which makes a round of golf on the course a challenging experience.

• Hotel Porto Carras Golf Course
Sithonia
630 81 Chalkidiki
Tel: +30 23750-77000,
Fax: +30 23750-71 229
URL: Porto Carras Golf Course
E-Mail: info@portocarras.com


2)The Crete Golf Course  (in Hersonisos) is an excellent addition to rich reservoir of golf courses in Europe and is developing as amongst the best test for golf in the whole of the south Mediterranean. It is a masterpiece from Bob Hunt and can be best expressed as a desert golf course emerging from the undulated countryside, very close to the international Heraklion airport.

There are a number of unforgettable holes here to test every aspect of a golfer's skill with incredible panorama of the magnificent mountainous landscape.
Crete Golf Club provides wide-ranging practice facilities and commendable service at the course and in the club house.

•Hersonisos Golf Course
P.O.Box 106 Hersonisos,
70014 Crete
Tel: +30 28970 26000
Fax: +30 28970-30180
URL: The Crete Golf Club
E-Mail: info@cgc.gr


3)The Corfu Club has a brilliant golf course, considered by many as the hidden gem of Europe. Donald Harradine the well known Swiss architect has designed it by integrating natural wealth of the spectacular Ropa Valley, with the man made perils to add to the difficulty of the course. It is a joy to play here for the scratch golfer as well as a high handicapper.
It also has a junior academy for children between the ages of 8 to 16.

Corfu Golf Course is situated in the Ropa Valley in the heart of the island of Corfu. You can enjoy this 18 hole course all through the year with lots of sunshine and blue skies.
The club has all basic services .There is a bar, a lounge area offering snooker and satellite TV and a restaurant where appetizing meals are served at reasonable prices.
The course has a practice area with a putting green, driving range and chipping area.

Corfu Golf Course is a busy and popular courses especially during May, September and October.

•Corfu Golf Course
P.O.Box 71 - Ropa Valley
49100 Corfu
Tel: +30 26610-94220
Fax: +30 26610-94220
URL: Corfu Golf Club
E-Mail: cfugolf@hol.gr


4) Glyfada Golf Course is situated about 12 kilometers from Athens, the seaside town of Glyfada. It was opened for play in 1966 and is home to the Hellenic Golfing (Greek Golf Federation).

Donald Harradine and Robert Trent Jones Sr have designed this brilliant course and it hosts annual events like the Hellenic Golf Championships in October.
Glyfada Golf Course has been hosting big events regularly like the World Cup Tournament in 1979, the Mediterranean Gamers in 1992, as well as the PGA Senior Greek Open in the last three years.
The golf course is a green sanctuary of gently sloping hills, with mature trees and undergrowth.

•Glyfada Golf Course
P:.O.Box 70034
16610 Glyfada
Tel: +30 210 89.46.820, 210 89.42.338
Fax: +30 210 89.43.721
URL: Glyfada Golf Club of Athens



5)  Afandou Golf Course is situated in Afandou Bay, about 18 km from Rhodes town, on Rhodes Island.
This 18-hole championship course, is open for play all through the year and offers the test of championship golf course with the pleasures of the Rhodes scenery and the Afandou beach.

The well known British golf course architect Donald Harradine has designed the course and it opened for play in 1972.

The initial three holes are along the sea and golfers have a mixed opinion as some find the course as unexpectedly ordinary, while others consider it as a fun course to play. There is a local championship golf course, (international standards), very active Golf Club, which organizes an International Championship Cup twice a year.
The Club House is very simple with all facilities (changing rooms, lockers, showers, pro shop, snack bar) all offered with the friendly and helpful service. The Club is closed on Mondays.

Fall and spring are the best time to visit the club when the famous Greek sun is less intense.

•Afandou Xenia Golf Course
Afantou Beach
Rhodes
Tel: +30 22410-51451
Fax: +30 22410-51122
URL: Afandou Golf Course
E-Mail: info@afandougolfcourse.com

6) Costa Navarino - Dunes Course

The impressive seaside Dunes Course was designed by former two times US Masters Champion and Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer in association with European Golf Design.

The championship course, set in a landscape of diverse topography with spectacular sea and river views, incorporates some links-style features in areas closest to the sea, with tall dunes dividing some of the holes adjacent to the golden beach. Parts of the course venture into olive and fruit groves, while some holes run along a small river that meanders through the site.
Each hole has multiple sets of tees to allow the player to select the course length that best suits his or her game. Measuring just over 5000m from the front tees, and almost 6200m, the course has a par of 72. Generously wide fairways and large greens make good targets which will be appreciated by most golfers.

Much of the course had been crafted to reflect the rugged outlines of the distant mountains. As you move further inland, the course evolves as the character softens to fit with its typically Messinian surroundings of olive and citrus groves.

On-course facilities

18-hole, par-72 course measuring almost 6200 meters from the back tees and a little more than 5000 meters from the front tees.
3500m2 clubhouse with full-service locker and guest-changing facilities. Dining and banquet space for pre- and post- tournament activity. A fully-equiped shop offering the latest in golf equipment and apparel from a range of international brands.
Extensive practice facilities including a well-appointed full-size driving range, putting green and short-game practice area.

A team of golf professionals is also available for private lessons and individual coaching lessons.
State-of-the-art fleet of golf carts available for hire.
A selection of quality equipment available for guests traveling without their clubs.
Full-service group and tournament activities, including scoring and tournament services from 10 to 120 players.
Team-building golf packages can be tailor made regardless of playing ability.


-Costa Navarino - Dunes Course
24 001, Messinia
Greece
Phone(s): +30 (2723) 090-200
Website: Costa Navarino

7) Costa Navarino - Bay Course (Opening Autumn 2011)

 Just a few minutes from Navarino Dunes, at the Navarino Bay development, the Bay Course offers an alternative set of challenges and choices in a quite different setting. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. The par 71 course places a greater emphasis on strategic play and positional golf than The Dunes Course. The Seaside, Canyon, and Grove holes will provide striking contrasts that create a dramatic and memorable golf round.


-Costa Navarino - Bay Course
24 001, Messinia
Greece
Phone(s): +30 (2723) 090-200
Website: Costa Navarino


The golf courses at Costa Navarino are managed by Troon Golf, the world's largest luxury-brand golf management, development and marketing company.



8) Porto Elounda Golf Course is situated in the Porto Elounda De Luxe Resort on the east coast of the island of Crete. Heraklion is the closest airport which is about 50 minutes from the Resort.

This nine hole course is designed near a hillside with the backdrop of mountains and amalgamates harmoniously with its environment. There is a breathtaking panorama over the Bay of Mirabello.

Chris Pittman has designed the nine hole par 3 course at Hotel Porto Elounda Mare and is the perfect place for relaxing as well as enjoying a game of golf as you holiday in one of the best hotels in Crete.

Every hole offers two playing options and the length of the hole ranges from 25 and 55 meters. The course was established in 1996 and also has a Golf Academy.

The Club House has been built in the pictorial Cretan village square and includes a pro shop also. Only guests of the resort can use the course and proof of handicap is essential.

•Hotel Porto Elounda Mare Golf Course
Elounda, Lasithi, Crete
Tel: +30 28410-41512
Fax: +30 28410-41307
URL: Elounda Mare
E-Mail: mare@elounda-sa.com


For more information about Golfing in Greece :

World Golf
SunGolfer
1Golf eu
Hellenic Golf Federation

Top 10 Restaurants in Greece

Here is a list of the Top 10 Restaurants in Greece according to the reviews in Trip Advisor

(click on each restaurant to read the reviews)

1) TAMAM  in Rhodes

2)Oceanic Chill Out Bar in Zante

3)The New Mill Tavern in Paleros, Central Greece

4)Kerasma in Rhodes

5)Lotus Eaters in Elounda,Crete

6)Vegera in Zaros, Crete

7)Ferryman Taverna in Elounda, Crete

8)Knossos Taverna in Agios Nikolaos, Crete

9)Medusa Restaurant in Gouves, Crete

10)Eva Taverna in Malia, Crete


We will soon post our own list as in this list most restaurants are in Crete and Rhodes and of course these reviews are usually written by tourists, not from locals!