South through the Lefkas Canal
On Friday 4 May we left Preveza and headed out of the Preveza channel, then south to the bridge at the N end of the Lefkas Canal. After the storm there was quite a swell – a good excuse to unfurl the mainsail to steady the roll of the boat.
The entrance to the canal has been dredged and the buoyage greatly improved since we last came through in 2013. Much easier now there’s a properly marked channel with safe depths.
We entered the waiting pool area and held the boat stationary until the hooter sounded and the bridge opened at 11.02. Again, I’m impressed with how she handles.
The bridge opening never looks wide enough for the boats going in both directions, but of course it is.
Motored south through the canal, past Lefkas town and through the salt marshes. Out into the Southern Ionian and down the coast to Nidri on the E coast of Lefkas.
We anchor in Tranquil Bay, S of the town quay. John has his first go at dropping the anchor for free swinging, as opposed to for mooring stern-to a quay. We have 80m of 10mm chain on board and MnM recommend a minimum of 30m, whatever the depth. This is much more chain than we’re used to having on charter boats, albeit they were smaller. It’s very reassuring!
We lower the outboard into the dinghy with the hoist on the transom (back of the boat) and take MnM ashore. It’s a fantastic dinghy, with an inflatable fin and floor. We’ve never had one so comfortable!
Terns in Tranquil Bay
As the wind drops late afternoon, we realise why Tranquil Bay is so named. Although there are lots of us anchored here, it’s unbelievably peaceful. We start to relax.
Suddenly, there’s a movement and a loud splash less than 3 feet to port – the terns are fishing and they weave in and around the anchored boats. It’s magical.
And no, of course I didn’t think to take a photo! Maybe I’ll get the hang of this one of these days ….
We have a simple pasta meal with chilled red wine (local red is often served slightly chilled here) followed by the most delicious strawberries and a strip each of 70% bitter orange chocolate. Bliss.