Vathi (Samos) - Docking
This harbour is open to the north and north-west and the land formation is like a funnel, so the swell from the consistently blowing N, NE or NW winds pushes water into the bay, which circulates around setting up a confused swell inside the bay.
Big ferries coming and going on the opposite side of the town quay also create a lot of wash so conditions can be challenging here. Although not dangerous, it is uncomfortable. See Cruisers tips below in comments on best places to moor.
Moor to the quay in the NE corner, keeping clear of the ferry berths. The area next to these berths is reserved for mega-yachts. If berthing alongside it is wise to lay an anchor to keep the yacht pulled off the quay.
Mooring on the quay is reported to be free, as is water and electricity.
If you are a small yacht, there may be space in the small yacht haven SE of the quay. There is approximately three meters (10 ft) depth here and laid moorings.
Water and electricity is available on both quays. Fuel can be delivered by mini-tanker.
Last updated: August 2016
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There is a sewage discharge in the middle of the quay, which was visibly pumping raw sewage into the bay. The entire area stinks and the water is heavily polluted. We were there on a fairly calm day, but a ferry came in and created a large and dangerous wash, which almost lifted us above the very low quay wall. Laid moorings are installed at some bollards, most however, are undersized at 10mm. There are some very heavy lines also laid, these have been sitting in sewage so beware if handling. We found the swell too dangerous to harbour in, so refilled with water and left.
2016-07-25 Samos
Pier is free, so is water and electricity. Try to moor as close as possible to the front of the Samos Hotel. Less rolly. I broke two 20 mm rubber line snubbers here.
I should have put out my winter springs also. I ended up getting permission from the Port Authority to use the bowline when the wind was predicted to top BF 7+.
This is a manila line, 22+ mm diameter and very hard to let and install. But it did take the pressure off my anchor and made the mooring a little safer.
The only decent marine store in town (http://www.tsoumakis.gr) can get nearly ANYTHING from Athens but you need to order it before Monday noonish for it to be on the next ferry into Samos from Piraeus.
The items I ordered were cheaper here than Chios and also Turkey. Upon checkout, they wanted to see my crew list from our departure from Turkey.
No clue why and I asked, but probably not nicely. They got flustered. It seems that they believe they are Gods and people have to be at their beck and call.
Just visited Samos over New Year’s 2015-16. Two boats were there to winter over. Water and electricity, both 16 and 32 amp, were open, available and free.
No charge for the days we were there and the authorities waived all forms and fees (less port fee of 15€ pp) because “they were in a good mood.” Winds first day we 40+ but great holding with two lazy lines.
Got better by day two and on day three, the wind was low and the seas were as flat as a sheet. All three days were cold.