Superyachts Superyachts

On the way to St Tropez it was like a rolling motorway, with superyachts approaching and overtaking us; their wakes were ridiculous! We decided to stop at the St Tropez beach (the ones to be seen on… miles away from St Tropez) we anchored off, surrounded by huge superyachts with all their toys – a water slide like an aircraft emergency escape chute, and a James Bond like toy. Leighton dived off the boat only to be stung by a jellyfish!! So we left the beautiful jetsetters and found a sheltered cove nearby. Flat sea, no wind but we were seriously rocking and rolling – the wash of 3 million superyachts (slight exaggerationJ) putting on a show for the paparazzi helicopter buzzing them. Next day a swarm of jellyfish for an hour and then they completely disappeared. A cautious swim then a dinghy ride to St Tropez. What a bustling place, superyachts lining the quay with who knows who aboard. After a lovely lunch and people watching back to our boat in St Tropez…

Who has right of way?

Our boat in St Tropez!!

A lovely 4/5 knot breeze – a pleasant sail to Agay. We awoke to a strong wind so moved around the point for shelter and then picked up a mooring buoy for the night. Next day motored to La Napoule marina for provisions and fuel, Al told them it was too expensive at 48 euros a night so they said OK 28 euros and stay on the welcome pontoon………… bargain.. (Al now has a job)

Next day off to the Iles de Lerins just off Cannes. About 500 boats nestled between the islands during the day and about 100 overnight. Crystal clear water, beautiful. Unfortunately Al was unwell for a few days – so resting no exploring. Spent a night at Villefranche then off to St Laurent du var to prepare for daughter’s arrival. Sheryl has not been well but is a very determined young lady and between resting and pacing herself achieved a lot. We took a day trip to Antibes on the bus…………….. Horrendous trip…….. Caught the train back. A delicious chocolate shop …………….. with chocolate walls!!!!

A restful day at Cap Ferrett (Madonna was there the previous evening) next day we motorsailed to Cap D’Ail bordering Monaco (Shez slept). WOW how many luxury supercars can such a small area have! Al wasn’t impressed with a black Ferrari as it had a gaudy yellow badge stuck in the middle of it! Hahaha. Toured the circuit used for the grand prix had a flutter in the casino and had a relaxing evening. Next day to Ventomiglia (Italy) on the train, strange little place. Next few days were spent relaxing on the beach then au revoir Shez. Xx

Off to Italy – wind on the nose 8 to 10 kts and cloudy so motorsailed to San Remo. Good lively town and we were surrounded by humungous superyachts! Thunderstorm this evening very humid. Motorsailed to Alassio where for 30 euros you have access to a beach, a parasol and two loungers or a free beach next door! Weird.

Off to Finale Ligure Al unwell again so lazy few days, short trip to Savona which was a lovely town once past the industrial port and through a lifting bridge. A coffee and relaxing stroll through the town. Our Italian neighbours kindly offered us a plate of their mussels to try, simply cooked but delicious. I gave them one of our black garlic to try, they will either love or hate it. They looked at it very dubiously.

15kts leaving harbour, lovely, a good sail anticipated……. But… within two miles died to nothing. Motored to San Marguerita Ligure, where the wind picked up as we arrived. Very sheltered anchorage but quite a wash from passing ferries. A lively town. Al had a tumble getting into the dinghy (no alcohol involved) a wet bottom and a few pulled muscles but OK. A lovely meal out Al had a mixture of fried fish which included a battered prawn (shell and head included) and a battered langoustine in shell, strange but very tasty. Looked around Portofino, didn’t land, looked a bit too touristy. Apparently 8years ago it was 20 euros for two beers!

Portofino

Along the coast of the Cinque Terras. Dramatic coastline with houses perched in almost inaccessible cliffs not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights!!!

Next to Grazie nr La Spezia, at anchor a lovely quiet night haha next to the church that chimed the hour, half hour and quarter with melodic tunes to accompany. Luckily it stopped at about 10 for the night.

Next stop a bit of culture………