We were on our way to view a boatyard where could potentially “winter over” the Lagoon 420 catamaran on which we had just paid a deposit.
The plan is to take possession of the boat in October, once all booked charters have been honoured and then have a month’s “shakedown” to learn how to sail her, before pulling her out of the water to instal new equipment and do any other necessary fit-out work.
The recommendation made by our yacht broker Yiannis of YD Yachts, was Almira Shipyard in Agioi Theodori, near Corinth, on the Peloponnese Peninsula.
We left Athens after lunch and avoiding toll roads, took the scenic route and ended up on a lonely, and rough single-lane road lined with olive groves and large clumps of fir trees. From time to time there were spectacular views of the sea.
We had found a campervan site not too far from the boat yard near Corinth. The road was windy and narrow and it was pouring with rain. Fortunately it was light enough to see where we were going although the sun was very low in the sky.
The next day we realised what a lovely site it was, well set up and with distant views of new Corinth, snow capped mountains and the sea.
When we went for a stroll we were delighted to find we were in easy walking distance of the ruins of Ancient Corinth, one of the largest and most important cities of ancient Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC.
The archeological site has been excavated by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens since 1896 and excavations are still in progress to this day. Investigations have revealed remains extending from the Early Neolithic period (6500-5750 BC) through to early modern times.
The dominant feature of the extensive site is the mid-6th Century BC Temple of Apollo which has apparently been one of the only features of the site visible since antiquity.
During our stay we visited the small but fascinating museum which houses the findings from this and other nearby archeological sites and illustrate much about Ancient Corinth through Greek, Roman and Byzantine rule.
Exhibits include statues, mosaics, pottery and sarcophagi. After going round the museum we were able to walk round the site and get up close to the ancient remains of this once vibrant and important city.
Our trip to the boatyard was a great success. We were immediately struck by the tidiness and a sense of order when we first arrived. Then at the office we were very impressed with the friendly and efficient manner with which were greeted by Co-owner/manager Stephe and her staff.
The security is fantastic- fully fenced and security guards 24 hours a day. We saw the travel lift in action and it was in great condition with a very competent operator. We were delighted to have found this great place to work on the boat and leave it safely when we are busy with land-based adventures in the winter months.
