If you want to immerse yourself in Greece's rich culture and vibrant community, consider owning a boat. Whether exploring the dazzling coastline, soaking up the sun on secluded beaches, or just enjoying the company of friendly locals, it's the perfect way to experience all that Greece has to offer.
The vessel Sumeru and Peter purchased boasts a rich history, including a storied career of loyal service to a Greek family, ferrying them around the Ionian Sea to various islands for leisurely family vacations.
In 2020, it belonged to a local man named Giorgos, and was "commandeered" by smugglers. The thieves used it to transport immigrants to Italy. After a while, Giorgos was informed that his vessel had been impounded in Italy. It took several years for it to be returned to him. Now in his 80s, he decided to put his beloved vessel up for sale.
Sumeru, an accomplished aerospace engineer, loves working with his hands and the wonders of transportation—from trains and airplanes to boats. Peter, from Germany, has a wealth of experience restoring cars. Last October, the two joined forces and became proud owners of Giorgos's boat.
As winter approached, Peter returned to Munich. But Sumeru is not one to sit idle, and he set about starting an extensive makeover on the boat.
Sumeru plucked the boat from the safety of San Stefanos's Harbor in Corfu, and welded a steel frame to host a new sunshade on her deck. It added protection and a touch of elegance to her appearance. He then sanded with excruciating care to remove the old, worn-out paint. Finally, he added a layer of waterproof paint to give the vessel a polished look and protect her from the harsh marine environment.
In just a few short weeks, Peter will return to Corfu with a brand new engine.
We're looking forward to experiencing boat camping, and discovering the hidden gems of the nearby islands. It will be a thrilling journey… filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable memories.
Meanwhile, Sumeru has been spending long, lazy afternoons at the harbor, soaking up the warm Greek sun and getting to know the friendly local men who work there. One of his new buddies, Dino, speaks fantastic English and has lived in the US.
Dino has been an invaluable resource, helping Sumeru find talented workers to help sand and paint the boat. He's also shown Sumeru the best local chandler—a boat outfitter who could custom-make steel pipes to the exact specifications for the new sunshade.
Thanks to Dino's help, the vessel will be in tip-top shape for new adventures on the crystal-clear waters of Corfu.
Last week, my husband spent the afternoon with Vangelis, an old hippie who wears a red bandana across his head, and sports a beard that reaches to his chest. Together, they searched for logs and telephone poles to support our boat while it was on land. Vangelis, an expert in sanding and painting vessels, will soon be working on ours.
As my husband drove from town to town, harvesting materials, Vangelis casually drank six beers in the backseat. Vangelis is a well-known local character, and is adored by everyone—his presence is always accompanied by smiles, laughter, and warm hugs.
On one occasion, a telephone pole needed to be cut up. Vangelis came to the rescue by calling upon his enormous muscular friend, Yianni. Yianni, perhaps channeling his inner Hercules or Ajax, hoisted the pole easily as if competing in a Scottish caber toss.
My husband has immersed himself in the world of fishermen, construction workers, and sea-faring locals via regular trips to the port, the chandler, and the hardware store. Even at the local café, he's now greeted by familiar faces, and it seems everyone knows him.
His efforts to integrate himself into the community have paid off… he's become a part of it so naturally, in a way that couldn't possibly be achieved through ordinary shopping trips and dining out.
As the boating season approaches, the plan is to get her back into the water.
This summer, the men will install a table between the seating areas to create a more functional space. The table will be adjustable, so it can be lowered to level with the bench seats to make a bed in the cabin. This will allow us to comfortably spend nights aboard during our trips. After they wrap up this project, we plan to embark on an exciting adventure to Paxos.
Watching her bob up and down in the harbor's rolling swell, our boat transcends a mere physical object—it represents a myriad of opportunities and adventures… all waiting for us out on the open sea.
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