Astipalea is far from neighbouring islands - our next stop Kos town was 7 hours away - but it is an island well worth visiting. There are many lovely anchorages and coves to tuck into, particularly along the southern coast.

The well protected bay you see in the attached images is called Ormos Agrilithi, situated on the south east coast. It feels very remote and we were the only yacht anchored there. There is a small church and what looks like the remains of an old pottery factory with it's t...

The last 24 hours have really highlighted for me the wonderful contrast that makes life onboard such a rich and vibrant experience.

We're sailing in the Cyclades and have had more full-on sailing days in the last 5 weeks than we did in 3 months last year. Some of the days out at sea and nights at anchor have had us in a state of total focus and complete concentration and in the case of Catherine, some anxiety.

Then a day pops up in which everything is perfect.

Last evening we anchored off...