We had been given as meeting point at the boat at Quai S of the harbor of Saint-Laurent-du-Var at 4.30p.m. There we met our skipper Karin and another couple. Together we made up the list of provisions for the week (based on a template of the skipper) and drove to a supermarket nearby. After having stored all the goodies in the kitchen we went for dinner in a restaurant at the harbor. For the next morning we got the advice not to make noise before 8 a.m.
Sun 14.07.2024
After breakfast we had a 2 hours safety briefing. At around 1.30 p.m. we set off for our 1st destination: Île Saint-Honorat near Cannes. Wind_max: 9,8kn, Vmax: 6,8kn. Anchoring in the bay between the two islands (Île Sainte-Marguerite). 13 nm were noted in the logbook. But the evening also held a small disappointment for us. The bay is frequented by many boats and there is a pizza boat. Unfortunately, we were too late and our order was no longer accepted.
Mon 15.07.2024
Today’s destination was St. Tropez. Our skipper Karin had called the harbour office the day before and so we were lucky to get a place in the harbour of St. Tropez where we arrived after 26 nm. The city was full of people and the Quai de l’Epi was very crowded. The crew strolled through the small town and bought Pizza „da portare“ for the boat.
Tue 16.07.2024
The 34 nm from St. Tropez to the golf of Saint Juan were our longest distanced sailed on one day. Again, we could sail almost the whole stretch. The bay in front of Antibes is also called „Bay of Antibes Billionaires “. The bay is gorgeous. This is where the rich and famous hang out. There are plenty of magnificent villas.
Wed 17.07.2024
We sailed 24 nm to Menton near to the Italian border and anchored in the bay. Three attempts were needed until the anchor held with 75 m of chain length. Whenever we were at anchor we benefitted from swimming in the sea and/or just sunbathing on the bathing platform.
Thu 18.07.2024
A short stetch of 16 nm only to Villefranche-sur-Mer. Again, we anchored in a beautiful bay. We decided to make a little tour through the picturesque town. To get there, we used- the one and only time on this trip – the dinghy. First, we let the dinghy into the water – which was easy. It proved more difficult to put the outboard motor on the dinghy. The last hurdle was to start the engine. Karin succeeded after a view attempts. The special feature of Villefranche-sur-Mer is that it is situated on a steep hillside. It is small with only a few stores/bars/restaurants but deserved by a train station.
Fri 19.07.2024
Our last day sailing brought us back to Saint-Laurent-du-Var. After 21 nm we arrived in the harbor where we have fuelled the boat and I went to the nearby station in order to buy a new bottle of gas for the kitchen. We had a very good dinner in one of the many restaurants situated just alongside of the harbor.
Sat 20.07.2024
After our last breakfast on board, we packed our stuff said Good Bye to everyone and left the boat before 10 a.m.
