NSHSA Cruise on the French Riviera
June 2009
The Happy Crew
In late 2008 Frederique and Marc Lienard suggested a sailing trip in the south of France. Their enthusiasm and email updates brought what seemed to be a mere suggestion to reality when the crews of Adventure Bound, Carpe Ventum, Champagne, Contigo and Padazory met in Port de Bormes on June 19 th for what proved to be a memorable and exciting week of sailing and exploring.
The flotilla departed Bormes on June 20 th and arrived to anchor in St Tropez where we spent time touring the St Tropez citadel, sipping wine shore-side, walking the streets and star gazing (both celestial and mega yachts). A fitting end to the St. Tropez visit was evening cocktails aboard Padazory during which we all neglected to observe (or perhaps out of ignorance ) the 3 white flashing lights indicating an approaching storm.
As the storm arrived we watched helplessly from the stern of Padazory (all 19 of us) as our vessels swung side to side. Somehow they managed to hold anchor. Unfortunately the same was not true for Padazory (could it have been due to 19 people in the cockpit???), but with ample crew abroad the anchor was reset and no harm done. Most importantly we all made it safely back to our vessels to spend a restless night on anchor watch.
The following days found us in Frejus, exploring ancient Roman ruins like the coliseum and amphitheatre. We also witnessed a wonderful jousting event that will attempt to be recreated at the Labor Day Kids Raftup. Next stop was Cavalaire, a town that celebrated our arrival (actually it was the Fete de St Pierre or perhaps a feast of a long summer evening) with a town parade, muskets firing late into the evening and a bonfire on the beach.
The following day we departed Cavalaire for the Ile de Port Cros and while enroute we were greeted by the French navy who kindly requested that our imposing fleet detour easterly as they were conducting ‘war games’. This was a most pleasant surprise as it extended the day’s sail much to everyone chagrin. Port Cros is a must visit. Its tropical-like setting with an old stone fort overlooking a small cove or port with just a couple stores was simply outstanding. The afternoon found us on an invigorating hike to an adjacent cove were we spent the afternoon snorkeling in cool turquoise waters.
Unfortunately, Friday found it time to return to home port but not without a lunch, swim and raft at the Ile de Porquerolles, which to the dismay of local boaters found the raft up a bit unusual and a good photo opportunity. The kids on the raft (okay, the big ones included) enjoyed the ice cream delivered to our raft via the floating ice cream vendor.
In the end all returned safely. We manage to lose only a boat hook, a life ring and Earl. We tried local wines, food and even a word or two of French. (The French was not so good as evidenced by several attempts to raise the Port Cros Port Captain to which the captain of Carpe Ventum offered a despairing “Marc, Frederique they are not answering me”)
Overall what’s not to like about sailing the Med, surrounded by cool Azure waters, warm weather, a beautiful country side, friendly and helpful people, and great company.
Thank you Marc and Frederique for being such wonderful organizers and good friends!