WOW! Biggest Waves we Sailed in Greece [Ep.23] Downwind Sailing to Rhodes in Rough Seas - SV CUBA (Patreon)

We only have 9 days left! Our Visa is running out and we have to make it to Rhodes before the harsh northern Meltemi wind hits! Can we make it?

We lift the anchor in Santorini and sail to Rhodes to the east because in less than 10 days we have to leave the EU. The Meltemi winds are notorious, but we have no choice but attempt to hop to Karpathos, a tiny needle-like island and then try to sail to Rhodes where we can check out.

Just hours before we arrive to Karpathos the Meltemi pushes up big waves behind us and gusts increate to over 35 knots. 5 Meter waves created by a shallow shoal outside make our sail a rollercoaster ride and just before sunset we manage to anchor in the lee of the tiny island.

It does not offer much protection from the relentless northern wind and none of us manages to catch any sleep. The strong winds create a vortex effect on the mountains. Our anchor is wedged tightly between big rocks so with each hurling gust the boat gets slammed from side to side like a flag in a storm. The sound of the snubber lines in the bow make it sound as if the front of the boat is ripping off any second. But just the next day the weather forecast predicts that the winds die down just long enough for us to jump over to Rhodes island.

Here we take the opportunity to explore the historic harbour where the colossus of Rhodes, at least supposedly, once stood. It has been my (Salsa’s) childhood dream to come to this place and search for the remnants of this mighty statue. Unfortunately, where I would suspect to find traces of this wonder of the ancient world, only two columns with deer statues stand today. Therefore, we continue our exploration of the old town for more historic facts, local information and some laughs along the way to unwind from the long sail that laid behind us.

Rhodes will also be the last stop for our crew Shyah, who has sailed over 1000 nautical miles in only 2 months joining us on SV CUBA.

Thank you Shyah, for being part of our journey.