The Corinth Canal

It is easy to see how from ancient times to more recent times the idea of a canal through this small isthmus was something to be desired.  Of course, the thought and the reality of actually digging a canal were two different things!  Eventually the canal was finished and is now used by mostly pleasure craft. The body of water to the left is the Gulf of Corinth. The Gulf of Corinth is reached directly via the Ionian Sea.  On the other side of the Isthmus (which the Canal cuts through) is the Saronic Gulf which leads directly to the Aegean Sea.  

 Quite a feat to cut that canal especially when you consider that they started digging by hand!!!  You can see how narrow the canal is which means the boats go through single file.  All boats have to wait until they are told they can go through and which boat they are to follow.  After the traffic goes one way they will close that direction and then allow the boats on the other side to file through.  

 You can also see that there are a few bridges but they are high so sailboats with tall masts go under without any problem.  

 It looks pretty peaceful motoring through there but there is actually a significant tidal current in the canal.  And as you can imagine, the wind will funnel through that narrow passage.  That being said Andrea's 16 year old daughter drove the boat through there without any difficulty!  So now they are on the other side of the canal and in the Aegean on the way to the Cyclades.  Now that they are in the Aegean they have good steady wind which is perfect for sailing.  A few more days and they should reach Turkey.