Finally, we received an important lesson when we berthed in Pornichet. I know many people wonder how we fill all our time but we seem to be working really quite hard not just sailing the boat but with the constant round of cleaning and maintenance, normal chores like washing clothes, shopping etc, and of course the inevitable level of admin in modern life (bills, investments, pensions, dealing with properties we let etc etc.). After we’d berthed, we were busy on ALMA with jobs when a French boat came in alongside and we helped them with their lines. Immediately the boat was tied up the French couple on board disappeared below decks only to reappear within a minute (at most) in their swimming costumes, with cushions, drinks and books and settled down on deck in the sun while we continued with our polishing, mending etc!!! Now their boat looked a bit worn and maybe hasn’t been polished in a long time but perhaps we need to reflect on just how shiny the boat needs to be. These guys looked very relaxed!!

Well next time we’ll be on the last leg of this summer’s cruise. Look forward to catching up with you when we’re next in UK. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
All the best
Helen and Iain