The Dodecanese are the twelve Greek islands that form a crescent chain along the Turkish coast. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese and the most visited. In normal times (pre-COVID), Rhodes would have over 1 million visitors every summer; second only to Crete for most visited Greek island.

Rhodes is about 25 nautical miles from our current base in Marmaris; so, we set out on September 9 for a new location and change of scenery for a few days. We had a choppy crossing with winds up to 22 knots mostly on our nose. We did manage to get the new genoa partially out for at least part of the journey. In Rhodes we stayed at the marina in Mandraki Harbour. It is beautiful and very central for exploring the old walled city and other sites.

On September 12 we had a beautiful sail back to Turkey. We reentered Turkey the next morning, September 13. The entry and exit process for Turkey and Greece is complicated; we engaged agents on both ends to assist with the paperwork. In Turkey we used Irmak and Bruno at Bruno Yachting. In Greece we used Katherina and Nick at Kronos Yachting Agency.

This is the new outboard for our tender. Roger was concerned that our previous 8.8, two-stroke Johnson was not up to the task. You might also notice the lovely teak block that it is hanging on. Like so many things boat, one thing always leads to another. The previous one was not sturdy enough for the heavier engine. Oh and the crane (the lifting device that is just out of the frame) is also not sturdy enough. At one point, there was talk we might even need a bigger tender to handle that new motor. I had to draw the line there.

We had no problem selling our old engine. Or should I say I had no problem? That is a story for another day. Too bad. At one point I was going to run after the guy to try and get it back.

We are back in Marmaris to have the new crane installed and for another check on the generator which is still acting up.