Sailing with the Treleavens

Athens we considered avoiding, but needing a little pollution and life in the fast lane we have decided to come in and get that Olympic feeling.

Having gone from the sublime to the ridiculous for the last of our Cycladic Islands we have had no wind and the sea is like glass. Our island hopping continued from Syros to Kithnos and then a 50 miler to Hydra, an island off the main land of the Peloponnisos. Approaching the main land we can see trees, the Cyclades were very barren, and its nice to be back amongst some greenery. Must be the NZer coming out in me.

Hydra is very quaint and full of yachts, in fact for the first time we are second row out from the breakwater, and by 8 pm there are 4 rows, all stern to bow like a puzzle. A very high island, this is the only town at the head of the bay with no cars or bikes, just horses and donkeys.

Next port of call is Poros, an island with only 200 metres separating it from the main land with a very pretty entrance in shallow water. Hydra and Poros with their excellent ports had great naval fleet and were the backbone of the Greek war of independence against the Turks in the 1820s. Unfortunately there are not a lot of people around, a few charter yachts but is very quiet.

Methena stands for "stinky town" because of the hot mineral sulphur water that bubbles out in the harbour. It's too hot for thermal pools but went in anyway in hope that it cleans the bottom of the boat, as reported in the Pilot book. The sea temp is 30 degrees and not very inviting but apparently the sulphur eats the weed.

Crossing back to Athens we stay one more night on Aigina in the bay of Perdika in crystal clear water, our last swim for awhile.

Athens or should I say, The New Athens.

Approaching from the water it's a magical sight, you can see Olympic venues along the coast with the Acropolis in the background and no pollution. Can't believe we have no trouble getting into a marina right next to the Olympic Yachting Venue at reasonable prices. Alimos Marina at Kalamaki is on the new tram line and only 5 km from the centre. All reports tell you that this is not a good area but we have found this to be unfounded and loving being so close to all the action with excellent shopping and chandleries for Ian.

Mike Fletcher and Dayne Sharp (Australian Olympic coaches) are down to see us and great to see familiar faces. Lots of home news and yacht race stories, then dinner on the beach literally chairs and tables on the sand.

Sunday we catch the new tram and head for the Main Marina Kea, The Mounikhias Marina home of the Royal Hellenic Yacht Club with great restaurants and bars, and the Acropolis. Athens is looking fantastic and they are very ready, a little tiding up, add lots of athletes and people, and it will be a great games. Considering the population of Greece is only 10 million, and Greeks being Greeks, it's a very good effort.

The one thing that does come to mind is that it looks just like Sydney. The flags are similar and the same colour, the volunteers are dressed ditto, and the outer screenings to venues identical.

As for the trams, well I hope they have more than we have seen. They are modern, air-conditioned, love the glass doors and grass between the lines but they are small and slow. Can't believe that one day you live in a street and the next day a tram line is right in front of your door step. Obviously no neighbour rejections here!!!

Glifadha is the Double Bay of Athens with modern restaurants and great shopping. It is also the place where the yachting Olympians are staying as the village is too far away.

Kitchen Bar was our favourite night place, the best we have seen this year and is in walking distance from the marina.

We didn't get to see the main stadium as it's too far away, but understand it's ready. It was also too hard to get into the sailing venue, security is very tight. All the Sailing Olympians are very pleased with there sight and from what we could see from the outside it looks great. Temperatures are 35 -40 degrees everyday, blue skies, blue water and sandy beaches. Every day we have run into more Olympians from both Australia and New Zealand, and we have enjoyed having them aboard for a drink. We loved our visit and could be tempted to stay but we now have a regatta to join in Croatia and will have to keep moving.

On the 4th September we join Marina Boating and Trevor Joyce's Croatia Yacht Rally from Biograd to Dubrovnik and look forward to catching up with fellow Australians.

Tomorrow we go through the Corinth Canal on our way to the Ionian Islands.

Good luck to all the Olympians they are in for a good time.