Thursday 11th May to Saturday 13th May, Zakinthos to Katakolon

Another 20 odd mile run today across to the mainland. As we left, the wind was a satisfying 12 to 18 knots with the sea state a bit less than yesterday. So with both sails reefed we had a great sail averaging 6.5 knots for an hour and a half, and then, just like turning off a switch, the wind vanished and we ended up motoring the final 10 or so miles into the mainland harbour of Katakolon. As expected, a very large cruise ship (MSC Splendida) occupied the outer harbour, (3000 passengers, 1000 crew) being a very regular stopping off point for the nearby ancient site of Olympia. The small town is really geared up to cruise ships with shops selling tourist junk opening as the ships arrive and closing as they leave.

We plan a day or two here to follow in the tourist footprints for our first bit of Greek culture of the summer to Olympia on Friday. So up early on Friday to catch the 2 carriage train from the station, just across the car park for the €5 each way for the 45 min journey to Olympia. What a spectacular site with it’s acres of ruins, some of which have been reconstructed, it’s ancient stadium where the original ancient games were played out from about the 11th century BC to AD 343, the Temple of Zeus, House of Nero plus numerous other structures, and the museum housing artifacts and statues recovered from the site. The photos below capture only a flavour of Olympia.

With strong southerlies forecast for early next week, we decided to leave Saturday morning, 0800. The ancient Greek technology museum will have to wait until a further visit.