The Franklin / Rudram Dodecanese Flotilla.

We left Nysiros my favourate Island on the flotilla and made our way to Kos Marina. We tried under sail for a while but then resorted to motoring hoping to arrive at thee refueling berth before most of the other yachts. Did not achieve this and ended up queing for almost 2 hours with much difficult helming by Nick to avoid collisions and maintain ourposition in the queue. After refueling we went to the marina and the harbour master guided us in so far and then the guys from the charter company slotted us into place. It was a case then of tidying and packing before walking back into old Kos town where we had stayed the previous Friday night for the last of the Flotilla meals.

 This was the longost passage of the holiday. The wind was on the fore quarter approximately force 6 and the sea was moderate.  To ensure we got to the evening destiantion in time once we were in open water we motored all the way. Approach to the harbour was straight forward but had to stay in channel with enough depth. When moored we were able to have a proper shower.  As the following day was a free sailing day we deciced to opt out of sailing and instead rent a car and explore the island. Went swimming and had a drink in pleasent beach bar.  Team meal again in Ellini's a pleasent  harbour side restautrent. The advantage of holidaying in Seprtember was that the islands were peaceful and plenty of room. We visited the volcanoes on the island getting there before the cruise boat crowds and then walked up to the old castle bfore going into the main town and having a short walk around the streets and harbour.