We have been back at base for just over a week now.

 

The weather, like the UK, is very hot and it is now weeks since there has been any strong winds (Mistral), which is a big change from last year when we frequently had strong winds - the sea is now 25 degrees so swimming is lovely.

 

Having said that we have had some great sails - the hot weather is creating some thermal winds during the day, often reaching F4/5 for a few hours, but very constant (not gusty) so perfect for sailing.

 

We spent a night last week anchored off the Island of Porquerolle - Whilst at popular anchorages you often see little boats selling ice creams and drinks, this time it was a girl selling Pizza's. Well she was taking orders and then delivered them a bit later. What next?

 

We have been busy socially dinning out with various English friends. On Sunday (14th = Bastille day) we went to a friends house up in the hills on Cap Benat - they have a great view over the bay and Le Lavandou, so an ideal location to watch the Bastille day firework display.

 

Yesterday we went off again for the night to Port Mann on the island of Port Cros. After breakfast this morning the wind picked up again so we took advantage of it with a stiff up wind sail using our new staysail. The boat bombed along with a bit of spray over the bow - even Alison seems happy with this new sail.

 

After 3 hours of sailing, we then turned downwind towards home anchoring off Cap Negra for lunch and a swim. By 4.00pm the wind had dropped to nothing again so we had to motor the last few miles home.