Samos is clearly identified from a distance because of the high mountains. On the west coast (Phournoi-strait) and off the south coast violent gusts may occur. If you are coming from the north and heading for the west of Samos, reef the sails in time. Even in previously calm weather there can blow strong gusts from the mountains. It is recommended to continue only with the Genoa, as the wind can also move from N to NE and NW.
This wind reaches 20nm SE till Agathonisi and creates the related sea. Coming from the south, I recommend the Kusadasi-Strait between Samos and the Turkish mainland, as the heavy northerly winds make the Phournoi-Strait almost impassable. In the Kusadasi-Strait also strong gusts may occur, but without big swell.
In the northern part of the Kusadasi-Gulf is usually little wind. Off the NE-cape of Samos, it usually blows from the west, so that a close-hauled course to Cape Doganbey should be possible. If you want to head for the new Marina of Sigacik (opening April 2010) you can tack the last couple of miles or travel under power, because in the Sigacik Gulf only small waves are building up.
If you want to go directly from Doganbey to Alacati, you cross the Sigacik Gulf in relatively flat sea usually in a close reach to Cape Teke Burnu. For the remaining 12 nm the course will be mostly against the wind. Heavy gusts can come down from the mountain ridges but close to the shore the waves will be small so that you can tack or motor easily up to Alacati.
On this way, between Samos and Çesme, there are a lot of attractive stop-over possibilities both at Samos-coast and at the Turkish coast.
About 15 nautical miles northeast of Agathonisi located on the southeast coast of Samos
Pithagoreion 37° 41.3'N 26° 57,2'E, Port of Entry
Pithagoreion is named after the famous mathematician Pythagoras, who lived here. The port is absolutely safe. Drop the anchor in 3-4 meters and go stern to the quay. Good shopping options and numerous cafes and restaurants along the waterfront.
Alternative: Anchor off the beach east of the E-pier in 4 m on a sandy bottom.
Just east of Pithagoreion
Samos Marina 37° 41.3’N 26° 57,2'E
Approaching to Samos Marina is easy. You can head for the windmills. They lead you directly into the marina.
Moorings and facilities of a modern Marina (VHF 73).
Anchor Bay Posidonion 37° 42.4'N 27° 02.9'E
Approx. 5 nm further east the beautiful and safe bay of Posidonion is located on the southeast corner of Samos. When entering, keep a "good distance" from the SW point of the cove, as there are underwater reefs. Anchor in front of the middle of the beach in 5m.
The bay is famous for its excellent fish restaurant.
Alternative: 0.5 miles east of the Cape in the small bay Sidera opening westward in 6m
Kolpos Mourtias 37° 44.5'N 27° 02.6'E
Huge bay with several beautiful anchorages on the eastern coast of Samos.
1. Ormos Kervelis
Anchoring in 6-8 m; taverns on the beach
2. Kasonisis
Anchoring in the southern part of the channel between the island and Samos in 8m on a sandy bottom. Passage to the north is not possible.
3. Mourtias
Anchor in 5-6 m on sand; turquoise, clear water; road to Vathy, the main town of Samos,
located about 4 nm further west of the north-east cape of Samos.
Vathy 37° 46.7'N, 26° 56.3'E, Port of Entry
Samos port is busy with ferryboats. Accordingly it’s noisy and busy. With northerly winds swell comes into the harbour.
If you do not want to sail to Samos, you can sail to Çesme along the Turkish coast, via Kusadasi, Doganbey, Sigacik and Sarpdere (Nergis).
Kusadasi has a modern marina with all service facilities. From here excursions to historical sites, such as Ephesus, are worth to do. In Sigacik a new marina currently is built, which will open in April 2010.
Doganbey and Nergis I have described in Itinerary 4, Çesme – Kusadasi - Çesme.
Whether you return to Çesme via Samos or sail along the Turkish coast, both are worthwhile routes and the wind and distance are almost identical.
