Paula has for many years taken holidays on Hejira and her predecessors, mostly with her two friends, Marie and Kate who go all the way back to Southampton University. These holidays have always been static and invariably in my absence. They have included locations like the Canaries, the Algarve, the Riviera and various UK destinations like central London! This current visit was to break new ground in that they have not replaced, but joined me in Ajaccio in Corsica and for an actual passage!
Our itinerary is to sail to a bay and anchor overnight and then on to Calvi from where we are to make the 100 mile overnight crossing back to Baie des Anges near Nice.
Something of a spanner was dropped into the works however. A courtesy Email to Baie des Anges marina notifying them of our return was met with the news that they donāt have a berth available until we take up our booked winter berth on the 1st of September. Apparently, no amount of juggling could make anything available sooner and I couldnāt expect Paula to move Hejira around in my absence when I return to Blightly and to leave her on board with her girlfriends. Thankfully, Sonia in Baie des Anges used her contacts and influence to secure a berth in Saint Laurent du Var which is between BDA and the Airport. My Cruising Association app notes āThere are plenty of bars and restaurants alongside the marina so it was a little noisy but not too badā, ideal then for 3 ladies on holiday! It goes on to note that it is a 30 minute walk from the Airport so ideal for me back and forth.
Our overnight in Girolata was universally enjoyed with a trip ashore in the complimentary water taxi.
At ā¬64 for the privilege of being packed into the bay with fore and aft mooring buoys it seemed a little steep but the crystal clear water was a joy to swim in
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An evening game of dominoes in the cockpit became surprisingly competitive and argumentative ā apparently it is my influence!
Our passage to Calvi took us along the stunning Scandola Nature Reserve with its rugged cliffs and no sign of habitation or human interference.
Paula, Kate and Marie write:-
After our initiation into knot tying, {three new types learnt} we managed to not lose any fenders or mooring ropes, we received our level 1 knot tying badge which we all are wearing proudly on our official crew chests!
Having a great time, weather lovely, calm sea {thus far} wish you were here.
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