Having waved the family goodbye we returned back to the chaos of Ile’d Yeu with its familiar summer multi-rafting mayhem. That said, we got lucky this time. As we entered the marina, a boat had just departed from a peaceful pontoon at the far end and the Capitainere let us have it! We settled down to a few days on our favourite island.
Alongside us was an elegant, wooden racing yacht. The owner seemed a pleasant chap and was clearly on vacation learning the skills of sailing. He headed out for a few hours each afternoon with, we thought, with an instructor and a couple of younger friends.
We proceeded to share a few jokes and laughs with this unknown chap, who was no doubt trying to enjoy his daily sailing lessons. Now anyone will tell you that the most stressful part of sailing is the arriving and departing a marina. The slower you go, the more your boat takes control! Unlike cars, there are no brakes, just reverse.
The inevitable fun and games of parking became a daily event as he gently bumped his way in, initially by the pin-ball method where ‘once most of it is in you cannot really miss’. He seemed to enjoy the banter especially when we applauded a success or teased him by placing more fenders around the boat. That said, we did invite him for a glass of wine (from a box of course) or a local brew lager which he graciously declined.
Just before we left the island, we were told our neighbour was none other than Philippe, the King of Belgium. Nina had identified the Belgium flag earlier in the week but had just assumed the crown across the flag was possibly the Royal Belgium Yacht Club or similar! We ate humble pie for tea and slipped away before he sent his personal security for a ‘chat’.
On to Pornic which we haven’t visited for several years (previous visit – click here) . It was at this point I struggled to write something as we’ve been here before and the shops, the view are all very nice but still the same as 2019 when we were last here. Having said that we had a couple of good cycle rides out on the Bromptons.
Spain is looking more inviting every moment.
5th – 8th August 2024
Trip Mileage 61 miles
Mileage Completed 2461 miles