Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi

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Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi

Athens to Samos-Kuşadasi

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Contents 1 Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi 2 Introduction 3 Climate & Weather Information 4 Weather Windows 5 Radio Nets 6 Navigation Charts Required 7 Distance & Duration 8 Possible Departure Points 9 Route/Suggested Stopovers 9.1 Northern Route East Going 9.2 Northern Route West Going 9.3 Direct Route West Going 9.4 Direct Route East Going 9.5 Southern Route East Going 9.6 Southern Route West Going 10 Possible Arrival Ports 11 Forum Discussion Topics 12 External Links 13 References 14 Personal Notes 15 Contributors to this page 16 Cruising Wiki Navigation

Introduction

These are mostly west to east or east to west passages. The general strategy is to minimize the time spent in areas of strong or contrary winds and rough seas. The two areas where strong winds and seas are prevalent are: the Kafireas Strait (between the islands of Andros and Evia) and the Ikario or Sea of Ikaria (between the islands of Mykonos and Ikaria).

The more direct route with the shortest distance is the least desirable because it spends more time in these two regions.

The Northern route has the fewer stopovers and larger distances in between, it also crosses the Kafireas Strait. However, it is a fairly efficient route, not much longer than the direct route. It is a better route if you are going from east to west.

The Southern Route has the more stopover possibilities as it crosses the Cyclades and avoids stronger northerly winds. It is the longest of the three. It is a better route if you are going from west to east.

Most cruisers in the Aegean prefer day sails with many stopovers, so the suggested passages assume this. But a cruiser with a more tight time allowance can easily adopt them. However, do keep in mind that during the July to mid September period when meltemi gales are possible, you may have to stay put for several days in a safe anchorage until the gale subsides.

Climate & Weather Information

See Aegean Weather.

Weather Windows

In general, the best sailing in the Aegean Sea is during the period from late May to mid October. But this does not preclude earlier in the Spring or later in the Autumn. Sailing in the winter months can be problematic due to stronger, more volatile, and less predictable weather.

Radio Nets

See Aegean Sea.

Navigation Charts Required

BA

1038 Stenó Sífnou to Stenó Kafiréa

1040 Nísos Íos to Vrakhonisídha Kandhelioússa

1446 Samos Strait to Güllük Körfezi

1537 Nisides Fournoi with the straits between Nisos Samos and Nisos Ikaria

1645 Nísos Khíos and Izmir Körfezi

1657 Saronikós Kólpos

1662 Nisos Milos to Nisos Paros

2682 Kolpos Petalion to Nisos Nisiros

3926 Lero island and approaches

3927 Patmos, Arki and Lipso

Imray-Tetra

G14 Saronic and Argolic Gulf

G28 Nísos Khíos & the Coast of Turkey

G31 North Cyclades

G32 Eastern Sporades, Dodecanese & the Coast of Turkey

G34 Southern Cyclades (West)

NIMA

54320 Kiklades Nisoi to Kriti

54332 Nisoi Paros & Naxos

54340 Nisos Spetsai to Nisos Vorioi Sporadhes

54344 Saronicos Kolpos & K. Petalion

54355 Nisos Andros & Dhiekplous Kafireos

54380 Tuzla Burnu to Samos

54386 Khios Strait Greece and Turkey

54389 Fener Adasi to Samos Strait

54400 Samos to Rodhos

54402 Island of the Aegean - Fournoi

54403 Samos Strait to N. Kalolimnos

Greek

42 Andros to Chalki Island

334 Chios Island & Opposite Coast of Asia Minor

413 Saronikos Kolpos

421 Karystos to Naxos

422 Naxos to Samos & Opposite Coast of Asia Minor

423 Paros to Astypalia

451 Leros to Rhodos

See also Aegean Sea.

Distance & Duration

See:

• Samos & Kuşadasi to Athens Northern Route
• Samos & Kuşadasi to Athens Direct Route
• Athens to Samos & Kuşadasi Southern Route

Possible Departure Points

• Marinas in the Attika Coast (Athens Region)
• Corinth Canal 37°54.91′N, 23°0.61′E
• Pythagorio, Samos 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E
• Kuşadasi, Turkey 37°52′N, 27°15′E
• Vathi, Samos 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E

Route/Suggested Stopovers

Northern Route East Going

This route does not avoid the Kafireas Strait indeed it transits it against the prevailing meltemi. However after the Strait the sail becomes a close reach and after Chios a broad reach. One drawback of this route is that the distances between stopovers are greater than on the other routes described below.

1. The first convenient stopover after leaving the Attika Coast (Athens Region) is Vourkari in Kea 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E, 34 nM from Kalamaki Marina 37°54.7′N, 23°42.0′E or 66 nM from the Corinth Canal 37°54.91′N, 23°0.61′E.
   
2. The second leg is in the NW direction and has two possible stopovers from Vourkari where you can wait for good weather window for crossing the dreaded Kafireas Strait:
   • Karistos in Evia 38°0.7′N, 24°25′E - 22 nM
   • Batsi in Andros 37°51.5′N, 24°47′E - 26 nM
     
3. The third leg is an ENE long sail to Salagonas in Chios 38°13.2′N, 25°54.8′E. The distance is:
   • From Karistos in Evia - 76 nM
   • From Batsi - 72 nM
     
4. Finally from Salagonas you sail to ESE 38°08.5′N, 26°0.4′E and from there SE to your destination:
   • Vathi, Samos 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E - 59 nM
   • Kuşadasi, Turkey 37°52′N, 27°15′E - 69 nM
   • Pythagorio, Samos 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E via via the Mycale channel - 74 nM

The total distance from Kalamaki Marina along the route outlined above is:

• Vathi, Samos 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E - 193 nM
• Pythagorio, Samos 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E - 237 nM
• Kuşadasi, Turkey 37°52′N, 27°15′E - 232 nM

See also Samos & Kuşadasi to Athens Direct Route Table.

Northern Route West Going

This route exactly the same as the route described above, but in the opposite direction. This is a preferred route because while heading NW you are in the relatively shelter waters of the Kuşadasi Körfezi, when crossing the Kafireas Strait you wil be heading SW with the wind on your stern.

Direct Route West Going

The main goal of this route is to travel fairly efficiently and at the same minimize exposure to northerly head winds. Because this route crosses both the Sea of Ikaria and the Kafireas Strait it is best undertaken while the meltemi is not very strong (May-June, September-October) and with a favorable forecast.

1. The first leg of this passage depends on your starting point and the weather.
   1. If you start from Kuşadasi, Turkey 37°52′N, 27°15′E and the weather is benign you can sail 19 nM SW to Vathi, Samos 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E, but if there are strong winds it is better to take the longer route and sail to sail S via the Mycale channel Pythagorio, Samos 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E, 20 nM. The reason for this is to avoid the Samos - Fourni channel, see below.
   2. If you are starting or continuing from Vathi, Samos 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E you have two weather dependent choices:
      1. With low wind conditions and a good forecast sail 36 nM W, along the N shore of Samos to Perokopió in Fourni 37°33.6′N, 26°29.2′E.
         Warning: The channel between Fourni and Samos is subject to very strong gusts. Usually the wind in the channel is one force point stronger than elsewhere in the neighborhood. When you transit this channel stay as far as possible from Samos with its very strong katabatic winds down Mt. Kerkis.
      2. With strong winds, it is prudent to take the longer route and sail to sail S via the Mycale channel Pythagorio, Samos 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E, 19 nM.
   3. If you are starting or continuing from Pythagorio, Samos 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E, sail WSW for 26 nM to lovely secluded anchorage of Vitsiliá in Fourni 37°32.6′N, 26°30.5′E.
      
2. In the second leg you continue sailing WSW to South Bay in Rhinia 37°23′N, 25°14.3′E of the uninhabited little island of Rhinia. If you start this leg from Perokopió 37°33.6′N, 26°29.2′E the distance is 61 nM. If you start from Vitsiliá 37°32.6′N, 26°30.5′E the distance is 64 nM.
   Warning: fierce gusts are very common on the S side of Ikaria. If you are just transiting in the area it is best to sail at least 3 miles south of the island.
   
3. The third leg 43 nM. First you sail NW from South Bay 37°23′N, 25°14.3′E to the northernmost tip of Syros 37°31′N, 24°52.8′E and then to Loutra in Kythnos 37°26.6′N, 24°25.9′E.
   
4. The final leg starts from Loutra 37°26.6′N, 24°25.9′E and ends in either Kalamaki Marina 37°54.7′N, 23°42.0′E, 47 nM or in the Corinth Canal 37°54.91′N, 23°0.61′E, 81 nM. In either case, the sailing direction is NW.

The total distance from Kuşadasi, Turkey along the route outlined above is:

• Kalamaki Marina 37°54.7′N, 23°42.0′E - 193 nM
• Corinth Canal 37°54.91′N, 23°0.61′E - 240 nM

See also Samos & Kuşadasi to Athens Direct Route Table.

Direct Route East Going

This route exactly the same as the route described above, but in the opposite direction.

Southern Route East Going

The main goal of this route is to take advantage of the prevailing northerly winds in the Kafireas and Cyclades region by moving south. Then to sail west keeping well south of the Sea of Ikaria, and finally to sail north in the more sedate Samos Sea.

1. The first convenient stopover is Fikiada in Kythnos 37°24.7′N, 24°23′E which is 44 nM WNW from Kalamaki Marina 37°54.7′N, 23°42.0′E or 78 nM from the Corinth Canal 37°54.91′N, 23°0.61′E. Alternative stopovers are:
   • Loutra in Kythnos 37°26.6′N, 24°25.9′E - 44 nM from Kalamaki Marina, 100 nM from the Corinth Canal
   • Vourkari in Kea 37°40′N, 24°19.5′E - 37 nM from Kalamaki Marina, 71 nM from the Corinth Canal
   • Koudouros in Kea 37°34.7′N, 24°16.6′E - 35 nM from Kalamaki Marina, 69 nM from the Corinth Canal
     
2. The second attractive stop is Finikas in Syros 37°23.5′N, 24°52.5′E which is 33 nM SW from Fikiada. If you are is a hurry you can skip this stop and proceed directly to the next one.
3. From Finikas or if you had skipped it from Fikiada you have two options:
   1. You can stop in the delightful South Bay 37°23′N, 25°14.3′E of the uninhabited little island of Rhinia. It is 21 nM W sail from Finikas and 54 from Fikiada. Alternatively, if you like fashionable social life you can go to Mykonos 37°27.8′N, 25°19.6′E 25 nM from Finikas). If you have time you can visit Delos 37°23.8′N, 25°15.9′E - which is about two miles NE of Rhinia.
      
      1. Then, sail SE to Dendro Donousa 37°05.7′N, 25°48.2′E which is 33 nM from Rhinia.
      2. And from Donousa sail SSE 15 nM to Aegiali in Amorgos 36°54.2′N, 25°58.5′E.
   2. Alternatively, you can sail 27 nM SE from Finikas to Ayios Ioannis in Naoussa Bay, Paros 37°08.6′N, 25°13.96′E.
      1. Then, sail 25 nM SSE through the Paros- Naxos channel to Mersini in Schinousa 36°52.3′N, 25°30.6′E.
      2. And from Schinousa sail ENE 25 nM Aegiali in Amorgos 36°54.2′N, 25°58.5′E.
         
4. From Aegiali a nice 28 nM E sail brings you to the delightful little island of Levitha 37°0.14′N, 26°28.06′E, inhabited by a single family.
   
5. If the wind is not northerly or if it is not too strong you can sail 28 nM NE directly from Levitha to the beautiful little island of Marathi 37°22′N, 26°43.6′E. Otherwise:
   1. Sail 23 nM ENE from Levitha to Xerocambos in Leros 37°06.45′N, 26°52.3′E, an easy and pleasant anchorage.
   2. Then, sail from Xerocambos 20 nM NW to Marathi 37°22′N, 26°43.6′E.
      
6. Finally, from Marathi it is a 24 nM NE sail to Pythagorio, Samos 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E.
   1. If your final destination is Kuşadasi in Turkey 37°52′N, 27°15′E you continue for 19.5 nM further N via the Mycale channel.
   2. If your final destination is Vathi in Samos 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E you continue through and then turn back westward, all together 19.6 more nM from Pythagorio.

The total distance from Kalamaki Marina 37°54.7′N, 23°42.0′E along the route outlined above is:

• to Pythagorio 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E - 221 nM
• to Kuşadasi 37°52′N, 27°15′E - 240 nM
• to Vathi 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E - 240 nM

See also Athens to Samos & Kuşadas Southern Route Table.

Southern Route West Going

This route exactly the same as the route described above, but in the opposite direction. There are, however some disadvantages in using this route in the west direction during the meltemi season because you sail S in the Samos Sea where the wind is less strong and then from the Cyclades you sail NW against the wind.

A good strategy avoiding the meltemi headwinds is instead of heading NW from Naoussa Bay (step 3.2 above) is to continue sailing W to Serifos and Hydra and then head N to the Attika Coast (Athens Region).

Possible Arrival Ports

• Pythagorio, Samos 37°41.2′N, 26°57′E
• Kuşadasi, Turkey 37°52′N, 27°15′E
• Vathi, Samos 37°45.3′N, 26°58.3′E
• Marinas in the Attika Coast (Athens Region)
• Corinth Canal 37°54.91′N, 23°0.61′E

Forum Discussion Topics

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

See Aegean Sea.

References

See Aegean Sea.

Personal Notes

• I have used these routes many times over the last 25 years. --Istioploos

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Contributors to this page
Names: Istioploos, Nereus

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