We booked early to come back to Ariel so to finish the copper coat on the hull before the heat was too hot for the copper coat to go on smoothly. The date of the 9th April was chosen but we had not counted on air traffic strikes in Athens. After a scramble for seats we left on Saturday 12th. Not the seats we had bought and paid for but we were just so pleased to get another flight. 

The transfer to the yard was there and waiting for us. After a 2 hour car journey we were soon back at Ariel and taking her cover off. We had noticed on our walk to the village for dinner a new rigger had set up by the yard. Jim took their details and called them the next day. The drum had seized on the fore stay and needed to be removed, parts replaced or a new drum. They arrived yes we can do it. Next day they were back with tools “no good keep spraying with oil we will be back” as they couldn’t undo the bottle screws. The following week they spent a whole day with us and Jim told them to cut the bottle screws off but they were worried with the horrendous winds we were having the tilling of the mast forward would be a real problem and even wanted to bring in a crane. The yard owner said no way. They reappeared the following week and used the cutter on the bottle screws and actually took off the back stays and fitted the repaired drum. Job done and it works. It was a big job and one they will have learnt from. 

We did the copper coat and a good job we did. Jim polished the sides from the high steps. 

This went on for three weeks but finally we were free to be launched on Friday 9th April.

Thank goodness as we had washed and polished everything and even did a few jobs like getting in the back locker and oiling the steering gear among many others. Boats don’t like to be left so there is always things to replace. 

Once in the water we headed straight to Porto Cheli to anchor outside the Nautical Bay Hotel. After dinner on board we went  and visited the port police to show our insurance, paid Tepi, crew list etc. The office was manned by 21 officers but now they are down to 3 the officer said to cover 24/7. As we were nearly there we continued onto the ice cream shop. It just has to be done!!!