Sarandë will be a short post.
It’s not that there was anything wrong with the city. In fact, it seemed lively and energetic, with a busy waterfront lined with apartments, restaurants, beach clubs, and holidaymakers. It simply didn’t capture our hearts the way the Albanian Riviera had over the previous few days.
Our main mission here was checking out of Albania. Like most visiting yachts, we hired a local agent at €73 to handle Customs and Immigration, and for the first time had to anchor stern-to at the Customs dock. I’d give us an A+ on our docking job!
Karen, Kate & Buzz journeyed ashore to explore. Doug stayed aboard to ensure all stayed well having read several bad reviews about water conditions in this very dock. At first, all seemed well.
Then the SOS message arrived.
“Please get back to the boat NOW. I need help!”
Between the swell, ferry traffic, and constant surge, KORA was being thrown backward and forward so violently that our stern seemed intent on introducing itself to the dock.
It was time to get out of there.
A hurried retreat back to the boat followed, complete with a careful dash across the passerelle, ball fenders on the back swim platforms being compressed to alarming proportions, and two sacrificial shackles attached to a makeshift bridle that exploded apart with great force, ultimately giving their lives protecting the boat.
We relocated to an anchorage overlooking the bay, where 3–5 foot swells ensured nobody felt particularly inspired to return ashore via dinghy.
Fortunately, by morning the sea had settled enough for Buzz and Doug to make one final dinghy run to Customs & Immigration to complete the checkout process.
And with that done, it was farewell Albania.
You surprised us, impressed us, and delivered some of the most beautiful water we’ve seen in the Mediterranean. We leave with wonderful memories and every intention of recommending your coastline to fellow sailors.
Next stop: Greece.
