Once out of the shelter of Cape Sounion the night before, we could feel the developing meltemi wind from the north, but the Sea Cloud rode the waves with a seasoned ease and grace. In the 20 to 25 knot wind of morning, the chief mate of the vessel, Phil Sacks, gave an introduction to the sails and sailors of this elegant, hand-sailed, four masted barque. South of the Cycladic island of Paros, the sailors took to the masts, and soon we were sailing only under the power of the wind in the lower and upper top sails and a jib sail, moving the ship at an impressive 6.7 knots even under partial sail. We continued in this way, passing through the strait between Ios and Sikinos to arrive in late afternoon at a protected anchorage south of Santorini. Although the weather conditions had made it seem unlikely, the ship’s captain positioned the ship to create a lee where a safe first swim could take place … and the guests rejoiced in the water!
Our first day at sea also afforded time for Jose Calvo to offer “Photography Techniques” and Dr. Rebecca Ingram to present “The Middle Ages and More: Greek Islands after Antiquity”. After the refreshing swim, we gathered for the Welcome Cocktail and Dinner, feeling at ease and at home on our Cycladic adventure aboard Sea Cloud.
