We sailed the Patras Gulf so you don't have to. Sailing SV GOAT ep 62

In Episode 62 of the Sailing Goat Series, we continue our journey toward the Corinth Canal by sailing from Petalas to the island of Trizonia—the halfway point to the canal’s entrance. This leg of the passage offers everything from peaceful breezes to wild, gale-force winds. We begin the sail under ideal conditions: a steady 15-knot tailwind and light swell make for a calm and easy ride—until we pass beneath the iconic Rion-Antirion Bridge near Patras. That’s when everything changes. On the other side of the bridge, we get hit by violent catabatic winds, rapidly shifting angles and ramping up in strength. Within minutes, we’re facing 35 knots, with gusts pushing toward gale force (45+ knots). We quickly reduce sail and make a dash for the shelter of Trizonia Island, just in time to avoid the worst of the blow. 🌉 Sailing Under the Rion-Antirion Bridge: Sailing beneath one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world is awe-inspiring. This calm stretch of the journey lulls us into a false sense of ease before the chaos hits. 💨 Catabatic Winds Strike: As soon as we pass the bridge, the weather turns. Powerful down-slope catabatic winds kick in, changing direction constantly and pushing us hard. It’s a fast shift from smooth to survival mode. ⛵ Quick Reefing & Smart Sailing: We reduce sail just in time and navigate toward Trizonia, where the island's protection shields us from the worsening conditions. 🏝️ Safe in Trizonia: We drop anchor safely before the winds reach full gale-force, proving once again that timing and quick decisions are everything in sailing. 💬 Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced a sudden catabatic wind or sailed under the Rion Bridge? Share your stories and tips in the comments—we’d love to hear from you! 👍 If you enjoy the thrill of weather shifts, tight calls, and iconic sailing routes, give this video a thumbs up, share it with fellow sailors, and subscribe to the Sailing Goat Series for more! 🔗 Connect with Sailing Goat: Instagram: @nobodysride Instagram: @sailing_svgoat 📌 Hashtags: #SailingGoat #RionBridge #CatabaticWinds #SailingTrizonia #GaleForceWinds #CorinthianGulf #SailingGreece #LifeAtSea ⛵ Join us as we sail under engineering marvels, outpace dangerous winds, and discover safe harbor in the nick of time. Fair winds and following seas await!