46:13.0N 1:30.4W

Friday 10 July Short sail to lovely Ars-en-Re12NM

Jane gets lie in as skip raises anchor and hoists sails solo at first light. Brisk sail under bridge connecting Ile de Re to mainland, along N coast of Ile to arrive buoyed channel up to Ars before half tide – want to get in before others with greater draught. A few spaces, so grab one. So good to be back at our favourite marina in Bassin de la Criee. Two other Brit boats. Chap from one approaches up catway with huge grin. Mike Bradley. Turns out he knows Spud and all the Merlin lot from Exe from years ago, AND he was the first owner of Dragonfly, buying her new from Parkers launching June 1990, 25 years ago! Had to show him round. Mike now has something much larger, with a warm cosy wheelhouse. Visit the wonderful market, and our favourite bar. Fabulous son et lumier after dark in main village square.