Hi All!
Pegassus is quite a large ocean going ship, she looks magnificent in brilliant white, with a large 'winged horse' in blue on each side of the prow. The main cabin I think would seat about 80 people. It has powerful twin deisel engines and once out of the harbour goes at a fair rate of knots! There is a large cargo area at the stern which carries fruit,veg, livestock, grain, beer(in barrels Phil),calor gas, fuel in cans, in fact anything you could possible use on the islands as it is the 'supply' ship. There is a forward observation area up some steps at the front, next to the captain which seats about 20. The main cabin has T.V. if you get bored, but the locals just sit and gossip for the journey. The island priest was on board last May when I went, he blessed the boat and all who sailed in her with holy water and prayers. I thought 'is it going to be that rough'! I went on a flat calm day with a head wind, and it did get very 'bouncy' once round the point off Sidari, spent most of the hour and a quarter journey up front, looking out of the wheelhouse windows, holding onto the rail as we headed towards the islands. You get great views of Gravia and lots of smaller islands, the approach to Matharaki is stunning as Pegassus seems to approach the tiny harbour entrance at breakneck speed and then just calmly stop! I stayed onbourd for the 'round trip', getting off at each island whilst the cargo was being loaded/unloaded, so I could have a wander and take photos. If you ask, the crew will tell you how long you have at each stop, anyway, they give a blast on the ship's hooter before she sails on. It was definitely the 'high' of my last visit to Arillas. Getting there on time to catch Pegassus is not easy as there is no transport other than ordering a taxi which is about €30. Not sure if Olga could sort it. Dorita kindly took me to the harbour and picked me up on my return at about 15.30hrs.
I have lots of photos but can never seem to get them posted on this website. I'll send you some Janis and Viv, perhaps you could 'do the magic' and put them on the forum.
Yammas,
Martin.
