Had a great meal with the Alcocks at the Café Bleu – jazz night. Took their family photos in front of the super yachts on the quayside and met up with the captain of Splash, the very large sunseeker which is normally in Empuriabrava. They are trying to charter it in the South of France at the moment but are struggling to find a berth. Said our goodbyes to the Alcocks and got our last good nights sleep for a while!

Saturday – left Golfe Juan after a quick trip to the supermarket and motor sailed to Villefranche, the last time we were here was when we were on our Med cruise with Jon and Beth. There was a large cruise ship anchored in the bay and we managed to find an anchorage to the East of the bay. We had a very rocky, sleepless night, with a very gentle swell coming directly into the bay. Tried, unsuccessfully to keep us into the swell using the kedge but it just wouldn’t hold!

Sunday – up early, as we had been awake most of the night! Took the dinghy ashore for breakfast followed by a lovely walk around the citadel. Left just after lunch to try to find a more stable, sheltered anchorage. Motored just around the corner past Cap Ferrat into St Jean Ferrat. Some fantastic villas on the cap, one of them is owned by the Rothschilds with its own marina etc. Anchored with a lot of superyachts and had a much more confortable night.

Monday – due in Baie des Anges tonight ready to receive the Hodgsons tomorrow – we were woken by the wash of yet another super yacht – Abramoviich’s support yacht complete with helicopter, Sunseeker on deck and yacht ready to be lifted. We took the dinghy ashore, had breakfast on the front at the marina and then went for a beautiful walk around the Cap, stunning views. Raised the dinghy and went to have a look at his yacht – not him on board but obviously some high powered guest as body guard in a rib kept us a reasonable distance while he was swimming around the yacht. Motored most of the way to Baie des Anges, moored on the fuel berth, only to be told that the berth we were due to have wasn’t available as the owner was ill and couldn’t go on holiday – anyway they found us a berth for the night and promised to sort something out. Baie des anges isn’t very French but very comfortable and should be great for Jon and Beth’s visit. Quite a lot of building work going on in the area but the beach is fine and we hope to go out sailing most days.

Tuesday – most important job this morning – get the laundry done! Le Lavoir obliged, a café with a laundrette attached. Returned to the boat only to find that the owner of our berth was arriving and we had to move the boat straight away! Went onto the fuel berth where Jon and Beth joined us having taken a taxi from the airport. Moved over to the other side of the marina only to find the owner of that berth arriving (very stroppy woman!). Moved again onto the quayside alongside the boat yard, very convenient but a little noisy. The capitain was very apologetic and promised to find us a better berth if he could. Brilliant to see Jon and Beth – went for a swim on the beach, went to the Geant casino supermarche and had a lovely meal on the boat. Quite a noisy night though with the bin men emptying the bins on the quayside at 4.30 am!

Wednesday – another hot day – Jon and Dad went for a run early morning followed by a swim in the sea – great! Took Belle Helene over to the Cap D’Antibes to a bay which was very choppy so continued on to the Islands. Anchored and had another lovely day swimming, snorkelling etc. Returned to find that we had a better mooring – much quieter.

Thursday – Another early morning run and swim for Jon and dad! Trip to Villefranche where we anchored close to the town – much less swell today!

Friday – Another run!!! A bit of wind today so went for a leisurely sail in the bay – swimming off the back of the boat and plenty of sunbathing and sleeping!

Saturday – Set off early to the Islands where we had a brilliant day at anchor – took the dinghy ashore and went for a walk to the village where we had a drink overlooking the bay and Cannes. Mum swam back to the boat – very energetic for someone who had been asleep most of the day! Motored back and Mum put the boat back on the mooring – stern to – very impressive! Jon and Dad managed another pitcher of beer at the local bar and Mum cooked a beautiful gluten free chicken gumbo for tea – a perfect end to a perfect day!
Sunday – Another day out at sea sailing in the bay – very relaxing. Helen took the boat out and brought her in again. Dad is going to be out of a job!