From St. Mandrier to Le Lavandou

A chase of dust and storms

After being docked next to a busy dockyard, our boat was coated in a thick layer of black dust. The kids were constantly sporting coal-like faces, and our feet were perpetually covered in grime. With no decent facilities nearby for a proper cleanup, we knew it was time to relocate to a nicer marina.

Following our broker's recommendation, we set our sights on Le Lavandou, a charming summer town boasting superior marina facilities. As we prepared for our maiden voyage, nerves prickled at the edges of our excitement. Sailing a 56-footer was a daunting prospect, especially with our limited experience.

The weather, too, seemed determined to test our resolve. The journey from St. Mandrier to Le Lavandou should have been a mere four to five-hour sail, but the forecast offered little respite. Despite our best efforts to secure a skipper, none were available to accompany us on the journey.

we cast off from the pontoon on a day when the weather appeared marginally more forgiving than the rest, so we thought.

With the engine humming to life, we cautiously navigated our way out of the bustling marina. Yet, as we ventured further, the sight of boats returning to port sent a shiver down our spines. Doubt crept in. Was this truly the right decision? With gritted teeth and determined hearts, we pressed on.

St. Mandrier's bay offered some shelter, but once beyond its protective embrace, the waves grew taller, more imposing. The wind gained strength, whipping through the air with increasing ferocity. It was far from the idyllic experience I had envisioned, especially for my first voyage on our newly acquired sailboat.

With the sails safely stowed away, we relied on the engine to propel us towards our destination. The relentless motion of the waves combined with the jarring vibrations of the engine made the onset of seasickness almost inevitable. As the nausea washed over us, tending to the kids, who were experiencing their first taste of boating, became a Herculean task.

In the midst of the chaos, Reiss emerged as our steadfast anchor. His strength and resilience were a beacon of stability amidst the turmoil of the journey. With his unwavering support, we soldiered on, determined to overcome the challenges that lay ahead.

He steered us resolutely towards our destination, navigating skillfully through the turbulent seas. As we finally found refuge in the shelter of a bay, a sense of calm washed over us. The waves dwindled, and a glimmer of enjoyment crept back into our weary hearts. Yet, on the horizon loomed our long-awaited destination.

Though relief flooded my veins at the thought of solid ground beneath my feet once more, I knew the toughest challenge lay ahead: docking the boat. With a mixture of happiness and apprehension, we braced ourselves for the final hurdle of our tumultuous journey.

Bolongo boatworkx..

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