Sailing Stories » EMYR Updates » Ko-Ko 2nd June
Girne, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Due to its strategic location , it has been occupied since Neolithic times (10.000 years ago).
Girne is on the beautiful north coast beneath the Kyrenian Mountain range. Disagreements between the Greek and Turkish communities hampered the struggle for independence. In 1974, when a coup forced out the president of Cyprus, Turkish forces landed and took control of the northern third of the island for the Turkish minority.
It is a beautiful island and they have a fascinating history. We went to visit he Othello Tower and the Venetian Palace. We saw the impressive Gothic style St. Nicolas Cathedral and St. Barnabus Monastery.
We had some great days in Girne and the people here are nice and friendly and very helpful. We left Girne Commercial Harbour at 1900 and headed for Mersin, Turkey. We had a quiet crossing over with almost no wind so we were motoring all the way.
The lovely full moon followed us all the way and we arrived Mersin Old Fishing Harbour at 1000 the next morning.
In Mersin, Ko-Ko finally got crew from her sister ship Tango, a NAJAD 570, Kirsten and Truls.
Mersin is a provincial capital and one of the liveliest cities of Turkey. The sun shines more than 300 days a year, and the sea is always deep blue, which is all a dream for Northern Europeans.
The Mediterranean slow pace of daily life suddenly gets livelier. Market places, bazaars and shopping get bustling.
Historical sites from early Roman times also surround Mersin. Lots of interesting places to see!
We attended to both classical and modern jazz/flamenco concerts with great enthusiasm, visited museums and historical sites, a fantastic way to combine slow 'yacht vagabond' life with culture.
Due to the current political situation in the Middle East, with the Israeli attack on the Gaza convoy, combined with the Kurdish attack on the Turkish military, with 8 Turkish soldiers killed in our next port of call, Iskenderun, our plans were suddenly changed.
We have had an extra day here in Mersin, and then directly off for Lattakia in Syria tonight. A pity to miss out of historical Iskenderun in the eastern part of Turkey. Numerous participants who wish to see a new, comfortable, modern, safe and fast-sailing yacht are visiting Ko-Ko.