We took the sails down at Kara Ada but it had been a great sail. I was given a new home in the marina too. Nothing unusual there. Every time I come back I always seem to be given a new home! Still, it’s a great way of meeting new people and practising my berthing skills!

This second trip from Bodrum was a trip around Kara Ada itself, this time with just Salih and Bilge. For me this was an important moment as it was the first time I had ever sailed a boat as the most experienced person aboard. Even on the Aquarium trip I accompanied by three qualified skippers, two of whom were Yachtmasters, so this was a great mental leap forward for me.

Having got quite pally with my neighbour Mustafa it was only natural that I should invite him along on my next trip, which was to be a simple sail across the top of Kara Ada. We were to be joined by Salih and Bilge, two local Turks who Liz and I have befriended through Nilgun. [...]