On Saturday we arrived in Loutra on Kithnos. A lovely little place with a hot spring. We went and sat in 50° water just in one corner of the beach. The minerals are supposed to be good for your skin and give other health benefits too. What was less good for your health was the mooring on the quay. We had to abort the trip to the spring once as a 54ft charter yacht came in and crossed us. On returning from the spring the harbour master tried to squeeze another yacht into the space at the other side of us, which was far too small. They got wedged about half way down our boat. Another boat was wedged into a similarly small gap next door but one on the other side. The 54fter was apparently leaving in an hour and, as we were all by now criss crossed, we all had to sit and wait. Everyone remained good humoured and it all sorted itself out at about 9pm when the 54fter left. We then went for a drink, but were interupted again as a Sunsail boat came very late to the party. They ended up stuck half way down our neighbours boat. It all left me with the feeling that we had arrived in the August mayhem.
Yesterday Grace got wet. Four boats went in yesterday: Cloud 9, Iona, Gabriella, and Grace of Lefkas. All were launched using a traditional method involving smoking, hammers, occasional shouting, and impressive skill. Kyriakos, who runs the operation, knows the dimensions of all the boats in his yard and adjusts the launch sledge by eye. Launch Day! Considering the amount of standing around, it was an exciting and exhausting day.
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