Seasonal· Serifos / Sifnos· Greece — Cyclades
Katabatic Gusts at Livadi & Kamares
37° 8.4′ N · 24° 31.2′ E · approximate
In a meltemi, the high, bare hills of Serifos and Sifnos throw violent fall winds down into the harbours and lee anchorages, often harder than the wind at sea. Livadi and Kamares are the classic cases.
Practical
Serifos: SailingIssues says to expect about 1 Beaufort more than the prevailing northerly in Livadi, and recommends the inner basin over the bay. mySea warns of strong down-gusts on both the quay and the anchorage, with commenters (2014-2015) reporting strong gusts from north and south. Koutalas can get 'potentially very violent' gusts from the north, and Kalo Ampeli has very strong gusts but no swell. Sifnos: at Kamares, mySea says severe downbursts fall at an angle in a strong meltemi and an anchor without good hold becomes dangerous; Vathy and Faros get NE gusts; the Platis Gialos mole takes violent N–NE gusts. The area guide also lists Serifos (Livadi) and Sifnos (Kamares, Vathy) among the Cyclades' katabatic hot spots. Tactics: set the anchor hard with all your chain, use laid moorings where available, add a second anchor or lines ashore, and never leave the boat unattended on a marginal set. Gusts usually build from late morning with the meltemi. The coordinate is approximate, at Livadi bay, as a representative location.
Best for
Planning safe berths in meltemi season
Season
Jun–Sep (meltemi), peak Jul–Aug
Nearby
- Taverna Marina (Livadi, Serifos)0.2 NM away
- Indiga Bakery (Livadi, Serifos)0.3 NM away
- Kondylis Supermarket (Livadi, Serifos)0.3 NM away
- Livadakia Beach (Serifos)0.3 NM away
- Livadi Bay Anchorage (Serifos)0.3 NM away
- Livadi Harbour Quay (Serifos)0.3 NM away
- Livadi Port Police (Serifos)0.3 NM away
- Livadi Tavernas & Bars (Serifos)0.3 NM away