Valetta, Malta

Taking the boat out - Captain on the right watching closely

Friday 30 September

Left Marina di Ragusa at 05.30 a.m. for Malta - 52.5nm directly south. And a beam sea all the way which may have been as a result of early bad weather during the week or because there is apparently often a 'mixed sea' in the Malta channel - but either way I didnt like it much. Arrived in Valetta at about 1.30 p.m. at the Manoel Island Boatyard and we were not exactly filled with confidence from what we could see from the boat but picked up a buoy until they were ready to take Sequel out of the water at 3.30 p.m. (Forgot to mention that we had called the boatyard on Thursday to ask if there was any chance of getting us out before Monday 03 October and were told if we arrived before 4 p.m. they could). It took a while and we were a bit worried about where they were going to put Sequel but in the end they put us in a spot with which the Captain was happy and the Maltese staff were very friendly and helpful. It was slightly odd as they all had names like Geoffrey and Andrew. Then we spent a frantic, very hot, couple of hours tidying up and putting things away and packing to come home.

Saturday 01 October/Sunday 02

Easy Jet to Gatwick and British Rail to Brockenhurst which took us all day but absolutely lovely to be home. The Captain (aka Head Gardener) has been mowing the lawn and we are getting back to being shipshape here as well. And at least seven months now on dry land!

Ragusa

Tuesday 27

Left Licata where the staff were so friendly and our departure was slightly delayed while we waited for the man in the chandlers to bring us a 'present' which was a t-shirt each - nowhere have we been so looked after. We had decided to leave for Marina di Ragusa despite the weather forecast as we thought it would be better to be at the point where we wanted to cross to Malta. Initially although it was overcast the sky was not looking particularly threatening. The Captain had estimated a five hour trip. Less than half way across a large bay the sky in front of us changed from not looking threatening to completely black. Panic began to set in and we put everything away we could possibly think of - the Captain even went forward to tie down the dinghy which sits on the front deck. He did ask if I wanted to turn and go back but there didnt seem much point to me and we were never going to out run the storm at about 7knots. I have to admit to feeling a little frightened but in the end although the storm was directly above us and we were heading into the wind so lost even more speed it was actually not too bad and Sequel was wonderful. We were however very relieved when we finally arrived at Marina di Ragusa. Another huge fairly new marina but nothing like as friendly as Licata and there seems to be a problem with flying ants!

Anyway did our sightseeing trip to Ragusa today and thoroughly enjoyed that and are off to try a restaurant on the beach tonight recommended by a very nice Belgium couple on the boat next to us.

Sciacca in the sunset with fishing boats

Sunday 25 September
In all we had five nights at Palermo and the Captain cheered up when he managed to reduce the marina price by 15% - it was still more than we have paid anywhere. And it reminded us of a cryptic comment Bruce had received by email on MedNet 'you will find the difference between the prices in Sardinia and Sicily amusing' - naively we thought Sicily was going to be cheaper. I have also decided I quite like the French (apologies to my son-in-law and my lovely French friend, Michele).
We had a lovely evening at the grand hotel and enjoyed our trip to the beach in the hotel bus on Thursday and we even managed some more sightseeing in Palermo but absolutely appalled by the filth and rubbish everywhere and whereas normally the old part of any city is the most fascinating in this case it was poverty stricken and squalid.
Set sail again on Friday morning, after our lovely crew left us, back towards Trapani and spent the night at San Vito lo Capo where, if you can believe this, an international couscous festival was taking place. And the first town we have visited that was clean and tidy, but also heaving with people enjoying the festival, and with reportedly one of the best beaches in Sicilia, which needless to say was hard to spot for sunbeds, umbrellas and bodies.
Saturday night was spent in Marsala. A kind Frenchman gave us a lift to a supermarket to buy provisions, and a bottle of Marsala of course, but without Wally we didnt have any enthusiasm for exploring and the guide book didnt rate it very highly anyway.
Left this morning for Sciacca and arrived in rain and a strong southerly wind which made mooring the boat very 'interesting' and I am sure Heather will be very pleased she missed it. We very much liked the look of Sciacca but being Sunday evening everything was closed. The Captain thought it was rather clever of him to have avoided any shopping. The harbour was absolutely full of large fishing boats and we spent the night rocking and rolling as they went out and came back in again.

Monday 26

Took us just over 7 hours to get to Licata and a beautiful day again until now. It is absolutely tipping down but we are in a new marina where they have been so helpful and it has been such a refreshing change. AND we have wifi for the first time since Olbia so I am very happy and a great supermarket no distance away. I have just been looking at the forecast for the next few days which does not look particularly promising for our crossing to Malta until Friday. We were planning to get to Ragusa by Tuesday from where we will cross to Malta. Ragusa town (20km from marina in land) is a UNESCO world heritage site and we are planning to make a trip there.

Sardinia to Sicily

Leaving Trapani on Sunday morning

Sardinia to Sicily - Friday 16 September
We left Villasimius at noon on Friday slightly anxious but also excited and had about seven and a half hours of day light before the sun slid into the sea like an enormous red ball. There was a period of complete darkness while we waited for the moon to rise, which was quite unnerving, but we were rewarded shortly after nine p.m. when it did appear and then being approximately three-quarters full, although waning, gave a very assuring path of light. We hardly saw any other boats but two that we did see were enormous cargo ships of about 350metres in length, one of which was going to Bristol. On my watch, between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., I saw a couple of sailing boats but too far away to be a problem. Needless to say the only time I really wanted to go to sleep was when I was on watch. The lack of sleep is like having the worst hangover without having had anything to drink and we spent most of Saturday feeling rough, and hungry, but were very pleased that we arrived safely in Trapani on the east tip of Sicily at 9 a.m. without any mishaps and very reasonable conditions.
Sunday 18
We had to move on by 9 a.m. on Sunday as the forecast was not looking favourable for the next few days and we were mindful of being in Palermo for the end of the week for Matt & Heather's flight home. The Captain and I were ready to go on time and the crew emerged as we were letting go of the lines. Unfortunately I had let go of the 'lazy' line at the bow and it had caught on the anchor and then to add to the excitement as the Captain moved the boat forward the lazy line from the sailing boat on our starboard side got caught around the stabilizer. We were berthed between a beautiful sailing boat of about 25 metres on the port side and the sailing boat on the starboard side was about the same size as us, a charter boat with about 8 Italians on board who had arrived on Saturday evening. So we all did what you do in Italy which is shout. We shouted at each other, we shouted at the crew on the charter boat and we shouted at Chris, the marina man, in his dinghy - all at the same time. Fortunately one of the crew on the beautiful sailing boat spoke English and he managed to translate for us - the Captain reversed Sequel, the charter boat let go of the lazy line and it let go of the stabilizer. We learnt a new Italian word - 'stablisario'. By the time we went forward again there was a large crowd waving us goodbye.

And then we had a lovely relaxed very warm trip to Palermo. We are in a marina outside of the city which is very quiet and from the boat the town looks inviting. But it is absolutely filthy and so much rubbish everywhere.

We had a lovely dinner cooked by the crew and woke up on Monday feeling like we had crossed from Sardinia to Sicily again. The Captain said it was the second bottle of wine that had given him a headache, not the third one.

Monday 19
The Captain and I sat on deck having our morning tea watching the sky get blacker and blacker. I suggested to the Captain that if it rained enough it would wash the salt off the boat and save him a job. He replied that it would have to be really heavy to do so - and it was. There is now no salt on the boat anywhere and there were very nearly no cushions on the back seats either. Fortunately by the afternoon it was fine enough to set forth to do some sightseeing with Wally (aka Matt) leading us all over Palermo and its many churches,

Tuesday 20
Very heavy rain again over night and early this morning but sunny again now and the crew have just arrived back with some provisions. Keeps raining on and off but enjoying a lazy day. Have been up to the hotel over looking the marina which is very grand and have booked in for dinner tomorrow night and to use the hotel shuttle to get to the beach on Thursday. All very happy with that and possibly some more sightseeing as well tomorrow before the crew leave on Friday.

Villasimius to Cagliari and back to Villasimius

Three hours from Villasimius to Cagliari and we saw dolphins - very excited. Not so excited by marina at Cagliari which was possibly the most run down of any we have stayed in and the rubbish bins consisted on an old supermarket trolley! It was very hot and the walk to the nearest supermarket seemed like miles and then it wasnt brilliant when we got there - bit grumpy to say the least. But Ryanair arrived on time on Wednesday with the extra crew members. We were very pleased to see them until Matt made us walk back into town and then all the way up to the top of the citadel in about 30 degrees of afternoon sunshine for a bit of culture - which we did actually enjoy very much and in particular the gin and tonic when we got back into the lower town again.

We are now back in Villasimius, but no dolphins this time, and the crew are on the beach.

Tomorrow we set off for Sicily - very excited, if a little apprehensive as it will be our first night passage. The moon has been brilliant for the last few nights so we are hoping for a cloudless sky and some help from that quarter. The Captain has been completely perplexed by the fact that whatever direction we seem to set off in, the wind is blowing towards us - although apart from at the beginning it has not been too bad - famous last words? I hope not.

Wifi access has been rubbish and I am using the computer in the marina office so no photographs - hoping for better access in Sicily but somehow doubt it.

Villasimius

Friday 09 September

Had a good passage to La Caletta. Having studied the pilot book before we left we knew that there were berths available on a T pontoon but were informed that in a strong southerly this would be uncomfortable. The Captain scoffed saying the only direction the wind had blown in all the time we have been in Sardinia was from the west or north-west. But you have guessed it already - we were only half way there when the wind picked up from the south and by the time we got to the top of the T pontoon it was blowing quite strongly. I know I said I wasnt going to go on about the wind but it is impossible not to. Anyway we helped ourselves to a berth and were then told we could stay there but no water or electricity were available to us - it was there, but we couldnt have it. The upside was that it didnt cost anything to stay the night which made the Captain's day as Olbia marina was 125 euros a night.

Saturday - Sainta Maria Navaresse - which was lovely and we even managed a meal out.

Sunday - Porto Corallo - huge marina, but no other facilities - weather still hot and wind blowing from the south.

Monday - Villasimius - another huge marina now on the south coast of Sardinia not far from Cagliari - but everything already closed for the season.

On to Cagliari tomorrow and hopefully a supermarket - provisions running low and Matt & Heather arriving on Wednesday.

Olbia to La Caletta

Tuesday 06 September

Left a very grey, wet and windy England having travelled from Brockenhurst to Gatwick Airport via Chichester and Horsham by rail, which in a strange way we quite enjoyed. Had a good flight arriving more or less on time to 29 degrees and sunshine and blue skies - what a contrast!

Sequel looked a little forlorn waiting for our return but all seemed to be in order until the Captain spotted that the bimini had been taken down in such a way that a crucial fitting on each side had been completely snapped off. Marco, lovely young Italian engineer, rushed off to see what he could do and we waited patiently (after a while not so patiently) to be put back in the water. As somone has said to us the Sardinians are lovely people but are in no hurry to do anything. By 6.30 p.m. Sequel was finally back in the water but by this time completely dehydrated, starving and quite tired (thats us,not the boat) after our 5.15 a.m. start to the day. We were revived by a walk into the town for food and wine - and some water, of course.

On Wednesday we moved back to Marina di Olbia, after waiting until late morning for bimini fittings to arrive, where we had stayed in June and for the engine service by Mark, the dutchman, on Thursday. Mark had said this would take him about 2 hours - Ha! How many times have I been told 'it will only take 10 minutes' to be waiting hours later - it took both him and the Captain 5 hours and then some when the Captaiin recalled he wanted to do another crucial bit of servicing. But no problem I sat in the sunshine all day reading and trying to sort out my internet - which probably took 5 hours as well.

Now Friday morning and absolutely clear blue sky and NO blowy stuff (said I wouldnt mention the W word) so we are off down the east coast to La Caletta - about 4 hours away.

So I am now under starters orders - the engines are on and I have to go and run round the deck taking off the lines. But no, hang on - error signal on starboard engine - so lets see how long this takes to sort out.

Sequel from Sardinia to Malta for the Winter

Monday 05 September 2011

Posting this from home when I should probably be finishing the packing but we are off early tomorrow morning for four weeks and our plan is to leave Olbia in Sardinia by the weekend, all being well and after Sequel has had an engine service. You are possibly thinking that maybe we should have arranged for that to be done before we returned to Sardinia but the shipyard in which she is in wanted an arm and a leg for doing so and we have found a very nice Dutchman who will do it for just an arm when she is back in the water which is probably the best time anyway.  We are heading for Cagliari on the south coast of Sardinia where we are being joined again by our first crew from earlier in the year, Matt & Heather, on 14 September.

We need the extra crew to accompany us across from Sardinia to Sicily which will take us about 24 hours and they are staying with us until Friday 23. 

Our plan then is to get to Malta by 03 October where we have organised for the boat to be taken out of the water for the winter and we hope to return home on Tuesday 04 October.  Knowing us we will probably make it to Malta early and bring the date forward.

I have said that I will try to avoid going on about the wind and cleaning the boat endlessly - I am not sure if that is going on endlessly or cleaning the boat endlessly - but on the whole those two things seem to be our main concerns.

We are looking forward to returning if for no other reason than we are fed up with the cold and fairly gloomy English summer and a little sunshine before the winter will be lovely.

Needless to say we have to return by early October anyway for our grand-daughter's first birthday or we would be disinherited by my daughter.

First Class Passenger

Enjoying the ship's pool and the showering facilities

Wednesday 15 June

Unfortunately XC Weather forecasts are just too spot on sometimes and since the last blog the wind blew constantly until Monday afternoon although the sun continued to shine. We moved from Porto Rotondo on Friday to Cannigione recommended by some Dutch sailing neighbours but despite the fact it was quite sheltered the town was not very inspiring and we moved on to La Maddalena on Saturday after an attempt to anchor in a bay, which we did and managed to have lunch before deciding we had had enough of being buffeted by the wind. We spent two very noisy (windy) nights in La Maddalena before heading back to Olbia on Monday not just because of getting back so the crew could get their flight on time today but because the battery charger has now decided to pack up. This means we have had to shut down one 'fridge and the beers are now competing with the food for space and we have been relegated to the marina showers, (apart from the First Class Passenger) which fortunately are very good being a brand new marina. The Captain has told us more times than I can recall about the workings of a battery and the charging process but the wind has blown it straight through one ear and out the other side with no information being retained (he would probably say that usually happens!) The oven has also packed up - not a coincidence apparently - so still have the hob but it makes catering even more interesting and innovative.

The crew and the First Class Passenger leave this afternoon and we have decided to head for home earlier than previously planned. We are going to Cagliari by train on Friday afternoon after Sequel is out of the water and then fly to Marseilles on Saturday and hopefully get the ferry from Cherbourg on Monday 20. Have had a lovely time and the weather today is absolutely perfect - typically - but so looking forward to being home, where everything works and doesnt rock.

New Crew

Thursday 09 June
The new crew arrived dead on time and the Captain now has a new First Mate, I have been demoted to Galley Slave (although think I might have been that already). Unfortunately the weather has been appalling since Saturday afternoon and we have had enough rain to float a ship, especially on Sunday when it didnt stop all day and not just showers but torrential downpours - not quite what we had in mind. We moved to Porto Rotondo just round the headland from Olbia going back towards La Maddalena islands on Wednesday and just managed to get tied up when the heavens opened again and a thunder storm too - new crew not very impressed. But today the sunny is shining again AND we have the mistral blowing again at force 5/6. Have managed to walk around the marina, spent 5 minutes on the beach (too windy) and the First Mate had half an hour in her paddling pool.
We plan to move again tomorrow to Cannigione in the gulf of Arzachena just opposite the Maddalena islands - but the winds are not looking good until possibly Tuesday of next week when we will head back to Olbia.

Olbia

Last night with Matt & Hev

Friday 03 June

Arrived in Olbia yesterday, another year older, and have told Bruce I will have the next two birthdays away if necessary but not the one after that. It was lovely to have Matt & Heather here to start with and was very spoiled by gifts and cards that had been cleverly and secretly arranged before we left - thank you. But then M&H left us - and then the day went down hill - we walked with them to the airport about 40 minutes from the marina and very hot and waved them goodbye after they had gone through security - not quite the same back on the boat and we both agreed we felt a bit like the crew on some of the big boats we have seen, cleaning up and waiting for the next set of guests to arrive. But feeling happier today and have hired a car to do some sightseeing on land - it was the first time we have driven anywhere for 3 weeks.

And we are very pleased to have found somewhere this morning to take Sequel out of the water on Friday 17 and to keep her on dry land until we return on 05 September (or thereabouts) - quite a relief to know that thats sorted. We are now planning what to do until Tuesday 21 when we fly back to Marseilles and back to Port St Louis to collect the car before returning home on 23 June. But before that we have the arrival of our little granddaughter - oh, and Claire & Gordy too, of course - to look forward to - and a week with them on board. Very exciting.

As for Olbia - great marina but miles out of town - so car a bonus - but from what we saw this morning a working town and nothing like as pretty as everywhere else we have been to - but we still have a bit of discovering to do.

Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda

Wednesday 01 June

Sitting in an internet cafe waiting for the wind to die down again! Have had a lovely few days since we left Bonofacio on Sunday. Had a short trip to La Maddelena the main town of the islands. Helped ourselves to a nice berth and sunbathed on the pontoon while Matt & Hev swam in the sea as it was clean and clear enough even in the marina.

On Monday we moved to a bay locally known as 'Tahiti' and very popular with the 'Riva' set (whoever they are?). There were about eight other boats, large and small, but the sea was beautifully clear and you could see the fish swimming around below the boat. Decided to stay the night and by early evening we were the only boat there - fantastic. Had a great evening - but then discovered why we dont like anchoring off. Spent most of the night rocking and rolling and Bruce & Matt were up moving the boat at 5.15 a.m. as the wind had changed and Sequel was getting too close to the rocks!

Moved on to Porto Cervo after lunch on Tuesday afternoon. Thought this was somewhere we needed to experience - it is a-maz-ing (ly awful) - but we are stuck here - had a terrific storm last night and the wind is blowing at 30 mph - force 6/7 - and the boys have decided its too windy to go. It is the first time we have resorted to sweatshirts as the wind is chilly too - but forecast is better again for tomorrow. We are on a stern-to mooring in the old port and the picture says it all - can you spot Sequel? We are surrounded by FB boats - I have shown them how the other half live today by hanging out my washing.

Bonofacio Haut Ville

Saturday 28 May

Have had two lovely days in Bonofacio and walked miles up and down to the Haut Ville and along the top where the views are fantastic. Everyone has collapsed in a heap on the boat reading and the boys are looking forward to the footie tonight.

It has been very windy today but the forecast is good for tomorrow and we are off to Sardinia and the Maddelena islands and then Porto Cervo by Tuesday - where berths can cost over £2000 in the high season - and Olbia by Wednesday. The forecast is looking good up until 02 June when Matt & Hev return to the UK.

Bonifacio

Thursday 26 May








Entrance into Bonofacio

Left Ajaccio at 8.45 a.m.not quite such an early start as Wednesday as not quite so far to go to Bonifacio and another beautiful day with flat calm seas all the way. Have had a short stroll around to see whats here but plan a walk tomorrow to the Haute Ville (blooming steep walk - couldnt face it today!) but forecast is for gale force winds Friday and Saturday. Matt & Hev have gone to find the beach and we are relaxing on board until dinner at the Kissing Pigs. Have managed to get on a random unsecured wifi network so hoping I can keep doing so for a few more logins.

Calvi Again and on to Ajaccio

Ajaccio - Wednesday 24 May

Matt & Heather arrived safely Sunday afternoon and we set off back to Calvi. The weather looked very promising and the sea was beautifully calm but when we got out of Saint-Florent bay there was an incredible swell although the water was really smooth and unfortunately it finished off Heather who spent most of the four hours to Calvi curled up asleep!
Anyway they loved Calvi as much as we did and we decided to stay until early Wednesday morning with a couple of trips to the beach and a little sightseeing before we left. Set off at 6 a.m. to try to make the most of there being little wind at that time of day and also armed with some Mal de mer tablets - and there was no wind for the whole eight hours and the sea was perfectly calm. We did, however, have a little hiccup - there's always one - about an hour and a half from Ajaccio a sea fog appeared out of nowhere and we could not see anything. To cap it all Bruce had been polishing his horn - I know it makes you go blind - but unfortunately it didnt work! That will teach him to keep cleaning everything. So with Hev and me on the front as look outs we crawled into the Vieux Port at Ajaccio - it was very spooky especially when a sailing boat would appear out of nowhere just by us and then finally the marina wall was there and a massive cruise ship - and then the fog cleared! Anyway it didnt take us long to decide one night was enough in Ajaccio.

Saint-Florent

Thursday 19 May

Left Ile Rousse after a coffee in town and a trip to buy bread and cheese and had a three hour trip in lighter winds along the coast to Saint-Florent. As usual there was this mild feeling of anxiety about available spaces but we need not have worried as the marina is huge and there is more space than we have ever seen. We had also been led to believe that it would be really expensive here as it is supposed to be a very popular place but it isnt as expensive as expected and there is a very relaxed atmosphere in the marina with boats mooring anywhere they feel like it.

We have found a wi fi cafe to blog and Bruce is on his second book already - he had to finish the one he was reading last year first!

Now Saturday 21 and only one more day before Matt & Heather arrive - cant wait. Weather is absolutely beautiful.

L'Ile Rousse

Wednesday 18 May

Left Calvi into brisk north westerly winds which werent quite what we had in mind which slowed us up although we only planned to go a short way along the coast to Ile Rousse. We were intrigued to be called on the radio almost as soon as we left Calvi to be asked where were we going, length of boat and how many passengers. We assumed that it was the coastguard but never have we been so checked up on - fortunately we werent attacked by Corsican pirates.

By 1.30 p.m. we arrived at the marina at Ile Rousse - there was one space available so we took it - the place was more or less deserted and although there was a Captainerie office there was no sign of anyone despite the fact that we kept returning to check in. We gave up in the end and went for a walk to the town and the lighthouse and spent a very quiet night.

Calvi from the citadel

Sunday 15 May

As predicted it is blowing a hoolley - a mistral, and although the sky was quite grey to start with it is now brilliantly blue and warm but impossible to sit out on deck. We went for a walk up to the citadel to see what the sea was looking like on the other side of the bay and made sure that we absolutely did not want to go anywhere today and probably not tomorrow either. So going to get down to a lunch of bread and very smelly French cheese in a moment and a walk to the beach this afternoon. Have found a great shop full of Corsican food, wine and beer so have a plan to go back there to stock up as well - we are really having to suffer the wind.

Monday 16 May

Had a complete change of plan last night - must have been the beer and wine. Decided it was crazy to go to Ajaccio and back in the next few days especially as it is so lovely here and we are now staying until Wednesday when we will make our way east towards St Florent which is in (hopefully) easy reach of Bastia airport and our visitors arriving on Sunday - very excited about seeing them. So actually went to the beach this afternoon and have now got that out of my system - it didnt look too busy yesterday afternoon and we found a nice spot today and then everyone else decided they rather liked it too. But a beautiful day and the wind has dropped almost completely.

Calvi, Corsica

Saturday 14 May

Beautiful warm sunny day in Calvi, Corisca. Left Port de Frejus on the south coast of France early on Friday 13 and took just over 13 hours to get to here at 19.45 p.m. There was no one to greet us and plenty of room which we were very relieved about as we had found it quite difficult along the south coast of France again even at this time of the year and couldnt go to Cannes as we had hoped because of the Film Festival. We were pleased to leave the south of France behind us. FF. We had a good crossing although I made the mistake of having a shower after we had got underway and that finished me off for at least the first six hours but that did mean I had coffee, lunch and tea made for me. I must remember this for the next long voyage!

We had a passenger for a little while who looked absolutely exhausted and in need of a little rest.

Calvi is very pretty although quite a tourist trap and we get the impression that it is absolutely heaving in the height of the season. It is just right as it is at the moment though.
Latest plan is to stay here for a couple of nights, although I have just checked the wind and it is going to be very strong through tomorrow which will leave Monday a little frisky - so will probably stay til Tuesday when we are going to head towards Ajaccio and then back here and along the coast for the end of next week so we can catch up with Matt and Hev next Sunday - so exciting.

Tuesday 10 May

At last leaving smelly shed.

Sequel safely back in water again by 4.30 p.m. yesterday afternoon and everything seems to be working - at the moment. Bruce has spent hours fixing the broken bed and it is now a work of art - I have washed the floors inside the boat three times and have decided if all else fails I can get a job as a cleaning lady - in fact have thought I might start my own business and even have a name 'Lady Muck'.

Weather lovely here - about 23 degrees and nice breeze. Needless to say mistral is on it way - at least by Sunday but we hope to get ahead of it if possible and are heading for Cannes by Friday - Saturday latest and then we will check forecast again before crossing over to Corsica which is about 100 miles(nautical) and will take us at least 12 hours - cant wait.

Back to Port St Louis

Thursday 05 May 2011

Left home early to catch ferry from Poole to Cherbourg. Good crossing. Drove south for approximately 5 and a half hours to a B&B recommended by Mr Sawday. Very large and old farmhouse, strong smell of cats, badly in need of complete refurbishment but had possibly the best dinner we have had in France! Swore I would never go into that much detail on a blog but had beef from one of the farm's cows and quite the best rhubarb tart we have ever eaten.

Arrived at Port St Louis half way through Friday afternoon. Sequel is undercover in an enormous shed - she was also undercover of a large amount of merde d'oiseaux and very dusty but we got to work straight away unloading the car and getting everything on board via ropes. AND THEN Bruce washed the aft ******* deck - so we wouldnt walk in any bird poo, of course.

Saturday was spent washing off the remaining dust etc. Bruce bought himself a disposable pair of overalls so he could safely put on the anti-foul and looked like a giant teabag all day.

Sunday I have left Bruce anti-fouling and am waiting for the washing (nothing changes) as there is going to be no power for the next two days. I am also having a lovely time catching up with a few emails etc. and seeing what I may be missing at home - although Chelsea dont play until this afternoon.

Back in the water tomorrow, Monday, and then all being well away by Wednesday latest as the forecast is looking good. Have to get to Corsica by May 22 to pick up Matt and Heather!

Departure date 5 May 2011

Thought I would start a new blog with a different name as we will be leaving the South of France - apologies for the long winded name but maybe you can save it your 'Favourites' so you dont have to keep trying to remember what it is - I have enough trouble myself.

Anyway we are off again on Thursday 05 May from Poole to Cherbourg with an overnight stop along the way before arriving back at Port St Louis on Friday afternoon. We are booked into an hotel room for the first three nights while we sort out various things on Sequel and get her back into the water before departing east along the south coast of France to Cannes and then crossing to Corsica. Wind and weather permitting, of course.