S1.27 - A Memorable Voyage Through the Corinth Canal: A Day to Remember
Sept 18 - Sunrise, Sails, and a Historic Passage
We woke up to an awe-inspiring sunrise, ready for the day ahead.
Sunrise in Galaxadi
By 8 am, we had set sail with a single goal: to anchor near the Corinth Canal. Our plan was to get a good night's sleep and be ready for our 8:00 am pre-booked slot to cross the canal the following morning.
Despite the potential risk of it being closed when we got there due to another unexpected landslide, we were determined to traverse the 130-year-old Corinth Canal, a narrow passage stretching 6.4 km (4 miles) long and 24.6 m (81 ft) wide. The canal had faced closures due to landslides, recently reopening only on June 1, 2023, with another closure looming on September 30, 2023. Crossing the canal was costly—around €300 for our 51’ 24 ton catamaran—but the alternative was an unfeasible detour around the Peloponnese, which would add days to our journey and disrupt our scheduled haul-out date in Lavrion (near Athens), plus we heard it was a beautiful crossing so we really wanted to do it.
Sailing into the Wind
Our journey began with a robust 20-knot wind on a beam reach, allowing us to hoist our mainsail and achieve a speed of 8.5 knots.
As the winds intensified to 22-24 knots at a close reach, we brought down the mainsail, and unfurled our staysail for the first time. This smaller triangular sail, positioned in front of the mainsail, is ideal for making headway in heavier weather.
First time using our Staysail
An Unexpected Opportunity
As we approached the canal, about 2 miles out, we attempted to anchor in a small bay. However, we kept dragging, and the proximity to rocky ledges made it too risky to spend the night. We moved closer to the nearby marina, only to find it was full.
Undeterred, Ryan contacted the canal authorities, hoping for an earlier crossing. To our surprise and delight, they offered us a slot in the next 20 minutes! This narrow waterway operates on a single-channel system, necessitating strict timing for same-way traffic. We quickly set up fenders along both sides of our boat, bracing for the unknown amidst the now 21-knot winds.
Leading the Fleet
Lucky Enough to Lead the Fleet
Entrance to Corinth Canal
With a stroke of luck, we found ourselves first in line for the crossing. Leading the pack through the stunning canal was an unforgettable experience, beautifully captured on a few pics and videos:
The passage took just 37 minutes, leaving us exhilarated on the other side.
Anchoring for the Night
We anchored just outside the canal, alongside a few other boats, with the wind still blowing fiercely at over 20 knots. Despite the restless night, the memories of our breathtaking journey through the Corinth Canal lingered, soothing us as we finally drifted off to sleep.