Corfu – Greece reached and forced to stop

We got up early, cast off at 5:15, then to Vlore Port, through the middle of freighters and ferries, harbour tugs and excursion boats, moored at a pier, problem because of the huge wall, but somehow managed. Customs formalities and passport control done and now time to leave the country within 24 hours. Around 9:00 we were at the exit of Vlore Bay and could set course for Corfu. A few waves in between, but still a pleasant trip, to save a bit of diesel, only 14 accounts.

The visibility was excellent, so that we could see the island of Corfu 30 nautical miles from our destination. It’s always reassuring to know you’re on course without having to look at the compass. We reached Corfu around 13:30, now we just had to turn into the road between the mainland and the island, sail 10 nautical miles through it and we had reached Corfu Town. But then a jerking, rattling and clattering. Grande Problema with the right engine. Engine off and with one engine into a tourist harbour. Moored here, called Volvo Penta Service and walked 3 nautical miles back to Gouvia Marina into the emergency parking bay. The inspection revealed a defective compressor, servo pump and water pump, as well as two cables. Everything could be fixed the next day, but there was no water pump to be found anywhere on the island. All in all, this means 5 days of forced stop until next Monday/Tuesday. We used the time and the beautiful weather to clean the boat, fix a few small things and chill out after we had completed the customs formalities by taxi in Korf Town. All very annoying and above all very very expensive. But it’s better to have everything fixed by professionals now and be able to continue safely. But also: the first 1000 kilometres or so are done.

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