The morning’s almost windless calm was a stark but comfortable contrast to the driving winds of yesterday, and that meant we were going to be setting all the highest sails on Sea Cloud. We only made about six miles in the three hours of sailing, but gathering guests on the working fo’c’sle for the explanation of the jibs, bowsprit, and anchor windlasses was worth the price of the becalming. Afterward, we struck the sails in favor of a late-morning swim from the ship before heading into dock for the afternoon at the port of Katakalon. This is the busy gateway to the great site of Olympia—home of the original Olympic Games and a sacred sanctuary, the spirit of which is still felt in the shade of the pine and olive trees. In the late afternoon, we had the site and exceptional museum all to ourselves for an unforgettable visit to one of the most revered spots on the planet.
9/20/2024
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Sea Cloud
Kotorfjord, Montenegro
Sailing into Kotor, Montenegro is a breathtaking experience. As the ship glides through the narrow fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the towering mountains embrace the crystal-clear waters, creating a majestic natural amphitheater. The medieval town of Kotor slowly emerges, its ancient stone walls and red-tiled roofs a striking contrast against the lush green mountainsides. The air is filled with the scent of saltwater and pine trees, as the ship docks in the charming harbor. A short boat ride from Kotor leads to Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), a tiny, man-made island steeped in legend. The island, crowned by a beautiful Catholic church, is said to have been created by sailors who laid stones in the water to honor an icon of the Virgin Mary. The church’s interior dazzles with intricate paintings and silver votive plaques, each one a token of gratitude for answered prayers. Surrounding the island is the calm, sapphire sea, reflecting the sun’s rays and the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Visiting Gospa od Škrpjela offers a serene, spiritual pause, enhancing the timeless beauty of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.