The Crazy Waters Bridge in Chalkis sits at the narrowest point between Evia and the mainland, where the strait is only about 38 meters wide. Because so much water is forced through this tiny opening, extremely strong currents are created — the reason sailors call it the “Crazy Waters.” The bridge is in the middle of the city and opens only once a day to avoid disrupting the constant road traffic. Boats may only pass at slack tide, the brief moment every six hours when the water is calmest. That’s why sailors often go through at strange times like 1:30 or 3:00 a.m. While waiting, boats are not allowed to tie up along the quay because the turbulence is so strong that it would be dangerous. Instead, everyone must anchor in the bay and wait for instructions from Port Control. We anchored there with about fifteen other boats and waited until slack tide at night. At midnight, Port Control suddenly called all boats in order — we were number three. Passing the bridge in the dark was surreal: strong currents below, quiet city lights above. The bridge didn’t lift; it actually slid sideways into the quay walls, disappearing completely. Once through, we moored safely just 100 meters further in the city. Experiencing this natural phenomenon at night, in such a narrow and powerful channel, was something I will not quickly forget!

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Yachting Monthly's Dick Durham gives a quick lesson in oarsmanship. Read more in the November 2012 issue of Yachting Monthly

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“We love this tour and we love competing” 🏆 ⛵️ A record-breaking ninth, and third consecutive, World Match Racing Tour title for Ian Williams 🇬🇧 🎥 1080 Media TV

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Book your next shore excursion in Cozumel with Fury Cozumel!

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Lots of boats were locked up in tight racing during the SLYC Regatta 2026. The team at bottom up boats hope you are enjoying our shorts action from the 2026 season.

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