The third day turned out to be simple and, perhaps, the most pleasant and engaging of all. The goal was reached, the task completed. We had to depart a bit earlier than planned due to a change in the wind. We simply raised the anchor at the island of Kalymnos and left the bay, having breakfast already underway.

According to the plan, we needed to reach the marina located on the eastern side of the island of Kos. Course to the east, wind on the port side — everything is perfect, full speed ahead.

But even here there are nuances. For immigration and legal reasons, the skipper cannot leave Greek territorial waters. In short, the boat’s exit clearance was not оформed, although all documents were otherwise in perfect order. And our route runs right along the border. What’s more, this line on the chart is drawn rather unfairly — one might say incorrectly — right through the middle. From the island of Kos extends a sandbar, a shallow stretching almost to the border itself. By the way, how it formed there is quite a mystery.

I am somewhat of a formalist when it comes to the law. If there is no special necessity — for example, a clear safety issue — there is no point in breaking any rules. So we switch off the autopilot and steer the boat manually, passing literally 0.2 nautical miles — about 300–400 meters — from the border line marked on the chart. The depth drops from 50–60 meters down to 8, while the shoal remains off the starboard side.

We approach Kos Marina and request a berth. They ask us to wait at anchor nearby. We drop the anchor and wait. Then we’re accepted. We enter and moor stern-to, Mediterranean style, rather than alongside as yachts of our size are often placed — closer to the entrance, where the depth allows.

It must be said that this marina on Kos is a real anthill. The staff, in their inflatable boat, squeeze one yacht after another into the space, as if the marina were made of rubber. But somehow, they fit us in.

For the first time in three days, we are moored in truly comfortable conditions. Not because we were saving money — there simply were no marinas along the way before. We refill our fresh water tanks, although it turns out we already had more than enough: the yacht Ganesh carries a full two tons of water!

A shower, lunch and dinner at a restaurant. A sandy beach. All thirty-three pleasures at once! A walk around the town. And… the chance for the skipper to sleep for a couple of hours after a sleepless night standing anchor watch.

The goal of the week-long yacht tour through the Greek islands has been achieved. We are on the island of Kos, just as planned. And from here, we begin our journey back.