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| - | ==Kea==
| + | Several ferries daily (weather permitting) to Lavrio and Rafina. |
| - | [[Image:Kea_m.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Map of Kea<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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| - | ===Background===
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| - | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kea_%28island%29 Kea] (Κέα) or Tzia (Τζιά) belongs to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclades Cyclades] and it is the nearest to Athens from that group of islands. It is a mostly barren island with about 2,000 inhabitants who raise mostly livestock. Its tallest peak is Mt. Ayios Ilias 561 m (1840 ft.). The steep sides of the island are characterized by large stone fences to keep the animals within individual boundaries. In the last few years there have been a sizable number of Athenians who have bought properties and built fancy villas in the area of Koundouros. Most of these villas are attractive. During weekends there are a large number of motor cruisers in Vourkari and in the Koundouros cove.
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| - | The main town, Kea or Chora is way inland. The total population today is about 2,000 people. Despite the island's proximity to Athens, its beaches are surprising clean.
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| - | [http://www.keawest.gr/ Kea West] is an informative web with local news on Kea.
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| - | ===Charts===
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| - | BA 1038 Stenó Sífnou to Stenó Kafiréa
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| - | Imray-Tetra G31 North Cyclades
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| - | NIMA 54344 Saronic Gulf and Gulf of Petalion
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| - | Greek 421 Karystos to Naxos
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| - | ===Radio Nets===
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| - | ''Also see [[HF_Radio|Cruiser's Nets]]''
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| - | * Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
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| - | ===Approach and Navigation===
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| - | Most approaches to Kea, with the exception of the approach to Koundouros (Kavia), are without danger.
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| - | <font =color"red">Danger:</font> Be very careful in entering Koundouros Bay about 1/4 nM W of the N promontory is a reef which is not always visible. Also there many rocks extending from the N promontory. Always give it a wide margin and enter the bay close to its S entrance.
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| - | ===Check-in facilities===
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| - | None.
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| - | ===Ports and Popular Stops===
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| - | The main harbor Korissia together with the smaller yacht harbor of Vourkari are in the large bay of Ayios Nikolaos at the NE side of the island. In addition to these harbors there are several very attractive coves.
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| - | ====Vourkari====
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| - | [[Image:Vourkari_h.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Chart of Vourkari Anchorage<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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| - | Vourkari (Βουρκάρι) [37° 40' N 24° 19' E] is the main anchorage for yachts. It is at the NE side of the Ayios Nikolaos Bay and a yacht can either anchor off-shore or moor stern-to at the quay. It is very well protected from the ''meltemi'' but with strong westerlies there is a very uncomfortable and possible dangerous swell. In that case move to Korissia. The cove is deep but there is good holding but because of the depth use at least 40 m of chain. In the summer months, the anchorage is very crowded, especially during weekends. Make sure that you arrive early. Also keep in mind that most boats are on permanent moorings with a small swing radius.
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| - | There are a number of restaurants and 2 small stores ashore. They all tend to be overpriced. There are better stores in Korissia.
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| - | It is the regrettable practice of the restaurants to dump their cooking oil in the sea. This not only pollutes the nice bay but can stick to tenders and ropes.
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| - | <center><gallery widths="200px" perrow="2">
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| - | Image:Kea_Vourkari1.JPG|The quay in Vourkari<br/>''Click for larger view''
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| - | Image:Kea_Vourkari2.JPG|Anchoring off at Vourkari<br/>''Click for larger view''
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| - | </gallery></center>
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| - | ====Korissia====
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| - | [[Image:Korissia_h.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Chart of Korissia<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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| - | Korissia (Κορησσία) is the commercial harbor where the ferries dock. There is room, however for several yachts. You are better off anchoring on the E side of the cove away from the maneuvering ferryboats. It is busy place with several restaurants and stores. There is an excellent bakery here.
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| - | [[Image:Kea_Korissia.JPG|200px|thumb|center|Korissia<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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| - | ===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
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| - | None.
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| - | ===Anchorages===
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| - | ====Koundouros====
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| - | [[Image:Koundouros_h.jpg|200px|thumb|right|CChart of Koundouros<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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| - | After Vourkari, Koundouros (Κούνδουρος) [37° 34.8' N, 24° 16.6 E] or Kavia Bay or Ayios Emilianos is the most popular yacht anchorage in the island. It is well protected from the meltemi but it is totally exposed to the S. In the case of southerlies the cove is not tenable. The near by cove of [[#Pises|Pises]] may offer some protection, otherwise, go to [[#Vourkari|Vourkari]].
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| - | Anchor close to the NE, and if possible take a line ashore and tie to a rock under the little church. Good holding. In 1996 we were holed-in here during a force 8 gale. Just like in Vourkari, during the summer weekends, the bay is crowded with motor cruisers from Athens. It can be hard to find a spot for anchoring. Also it can and usually does get rather noisy. It is best to avoid weekends, but if you must do arrive early.
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| - | There are a couple restaurants within walking distance, otherwise there no other facilities. The town of Kea is about 45 minutes by taxi. You can call a taxi (card phone on the road at the E cove) by calling Mr. Antonis at +30 693 25 9435.
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| - | [[Image:Kea_Kountr2.jpg|200px|thumb|center|Koundouros<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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| - | ====Pises====
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| - | Pises is a small bay about 2 nM N of [[#Koundouros|Koundouros Bay]]. It is not well protected from the ''meltemi'' but it offers some shelter from the SW wind. Sandy bottom, good holding. There is small restaurant ashore.
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| - | ====Poles====
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| - | Poles [37° 33.5' N 24° 20' E] or Polais is a lovely cove on the SE side of the island. It provides fairly good shelter from the ''meltemi'' but it is exposed to the SE. In the middle of the cove there is a small island connected to the shore by a sallow reef. The best place is to the E of the island. Sandy bottom, good holding. During weekdays, even in the summer you are liable to have this wonderful place all to yourself but it is popular with the Athenian crowd during weekends. Ashore are the ruins of the ancient ''Poiessa''.
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| - | ====Khalindhoniki====
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| - | This is small and very pleasant cove [37° 39.8' N 24° 24' E] S of Cape Spathi on the NE side of the island. Good shelter from the ''meltemi'' but it is exposed to the SE. Anchor at about 5 m on sandy bottom, good holding. Again, could be crowded during weekends in the summer months. There are a few houses ashore. One can visit the monastery on top of the hill (about 20 minutes on foot), which affords a splendid view.
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| - | ====Cove S of Poles====
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| - | This a small and wonderful cove [37° 31.9' N 24° 18' E] between Poles and Cape Tamelos. It is a delightful anchorage but only for calm weather. Sandy bottom, good holding. The shore is deserted.
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| - | ====Orgias====
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| - | This is a small cove on the N side of the island. Only for calm weather.
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| - | ===Offshore Islands===
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| - | None.
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| - | ===Routes/Passages To/From===
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| - | Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
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| - | ===Tourism & things to do ashore===
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| - | In the small peninsula just N of [[#Vourkari|Vourkari]] is the excavated [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_age Bronze Age] site of ''Aghia Eirene''. However, there is not much to see as it is enclosed and not always open to the public.
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| - | Near the town of Kea there is an [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/gh151.jsp?obj_id=3362 Archaeological Museum] and an interesting ancient lion head carved out of rock. Also nearby at Karthaia are the remains of the temples of [http://www.maicar.com/GML/Apollo.html Apollo] and [http://www.maicar.com/GML/Athena.html Athena].
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| - | ===Marine Stores & Facilities===
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| - | ''See each Port/Stop''
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| | ===References & Publications=== | | ===References & Publications=== |
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
