Hi all,

After doing lots of jobs for nearly a week – putting the boat back together for the season, setting up a new anchor and chain, new gas pipes, electrical bits and of course stocking up with food and booze not to mention local banking issues etc. we finally set off for a shake-down cruise.

So Friday we set off in a brisk F5 easterly wind towards the Island of Porquerolle -  a great reach. Arriving off one of the islands sandy beaches we dropped anchor for lunch and a leisurely afternoon in the sun. Late afternoon we moved into the marina for a couple of nights. Saturday we had a long walk around the Island visiting the lovely Langoustier Hotel on the East side of the Island – If you are feeling flush treat yourself it is rather nice.

Whilst on the Island I tested the navigational lights only to discover we have a problem with the forward lights – virtually no power is going down the wire. Fixing this one is going to be a big job. The cables were put in before the cupboard and interior of the boat was fitted so I am going to have to find some way to fish a new cable. A job for Monday, back at base.

Today we set off back to Port Bormes in a lovely F4 from the east – so a long fast beat back with numerous other French boats about to race against. On the way back we stop off for a late lunch at the Island of Cros – the weather continues to be great and with the water temperature just over 18 degrees now I thought I would brave swim – I guess you would be lucky if the sea was that warm in the UK in August, so not too bad.

Now we are back tonight at Port de Bormes to complete the wiring repairs and a few other bits and pieces – mid week Bob arrives and hopefully the weather will allow us to head off to Corsica later in the week.