On the hardstand at Yacht Marina, Marmaris

Narrow entrance into Marmaris Bay

Finally we were able to switch off the engine!  By 1300 Hrs the wind had increased to 15 Knots from the SW and we had a two hour cracking sail with Marmaris Korfesi in sight.  And then the wind died...... and we motored into the Bay in the late afternoon, anchoring right outside Yacht Marina opposite Pupa Yat Hotel.  As a bonus we got wifi from the hotel next door:)

Sun setting over Marmaris Bay

Dolphin to greet us at the anchorage

We organized a liftout via Skype and we were at the dock beside the  crane and checked in by 1100 Hrs.    At 1600 were were finally moved to our resting place at the end of the concrete (4 cans of coca cola kept us off the dust and gravel!).

We've been preparing the bottom for antifouling and checking out the suppliers for stainless steel work on the stern to hold our aerials and reinforce the bracket for the liferaft.  Marmaris is a mecca for all kinds of boat work and we having mesh sun covers made for the windows and attachments to be zipped onto the bimini.  The extra anchor chain that we require for our gypsy is proving hard to get, only being manufactured in Turkey for the export market.     We take the dolmus back and forth into Marmaris which can be fun when it's crowded, with people holding other people's purchases and offering opinions about all and sundry ;)

There is a Charter Boat Show on the Quay in Marmaris for four days and our Turkish friend from SevenSeasSailingAcademy is there in his Jeanneau 49DS, by far the smallest boat there alongside all the gullets and  visiting motor yachts from as far away as Valetta.  We'll swing past while the first coat of the anti-fouling is drying!

Lots going on all the time at Yat Marin or Yacht Marina as it's called.  John and Georgina are here in the water on Shamal, having all their teak renewed.  We've met them for dinner at the restaurant (18TL for a fillet steak) and they've introduced to their Atlantic Crossing buddies and maybe we'll all meet up somewhere, sometime.  People are very helpful and friendly.  There's a Turkish canteen for the workers but it's open to everyone, so we sometimes go there for lunch 7TL!!  Also met up with an SB3 sailor from Singapore...David Clancy is here in the water on Peajay, his Contest 50.  Truly a small world!