Long tiring leg WNW to Port de Cap D`Ail, immediately W of Monaco

chrisandjane aboard Liveloula
Chris Cooke
Fri 10 Oct 2014 15:07
43:43.5N 7:25.0E

Friday 10 October Long haul WNW to Mainland France, just.

Depart Macinaggio 0400 Arrive Port de Cap D`Ail 0045 (Saturday) 110nm M15
S5.45

All sorts



Last check of forecast. Hoist main and put in 2 reefs whilst alongside
breakwater as conveniently head to wind. Unroll half genoa as soon as
cleared W cardinal just N of marina. Wind dead astern as head N for first
few miles, when clear Corsica N  Cape curve round W. Wind curves too. Jane
heads below. Eventually gybe onto port as several ferries/liners approaching
around N tip of Corsica, and want to show them a clear green light. Comfy
5.5knts. Bright nearly full moon 30degrees to port. 0600 wind suddenly dies.
Have sailed out of squeezed Sirocco, sooner than expected. 100nm 295degrees
to Monaco. Just before daylight frequent lightening way to N. Like a giant
Belisha beacon illuminating the clouds from inside. Can`t hear the thunder
so must be way off. Sun dries us and boat after damp Sirocco.
Motorsailing/sailing as SSWf2, then nothing, then NWf2. Keep plodding on.
George does long watch. 1830 able to ease sheets on stbd and motorsail at
5+knts. 1930 engine off, 30 miles to go. Soon need to put in 2 reefs. Still
doing 6/7knts, occasionally 8. Dark now. Moon not up so steer by the pot
handle! (Plough). More lightening inside clouds to N and astern, so should
avoid it. Eventually see twinkly orange lights of Monaco and surrounds. Seas
become flat as get inshore – good fast sailing, but sail into coastal
doldrums 2315, so motor last 6.5nm Decide may be all sorts of customs
complications if arrive Monaco, so head for Port de Cap D`Ail, French
marina on W boarder of Monaco. Many huge myachts. Supposed to be 24hr VHF,
but nothing heard so tie up on fuel pontoon. Opens at 0800 so must be gone
by then. Chuffed with successful long crossing. Well done Jane – longest hop
just the two of us have ever done. Sleep well.

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