Canet, France
October 4
Daysailing on a Catana 471
By Lois Joy     

It was a wonderful day for a sail.  The wind was light, less than 20 knots, but steady.  The sun was bright.  Simone and Andreas stayed home with little Manuel—who had his fill of sightseeing.  Helga and the Kriegs—Roland, Marlies, and Julia—joined Gunter and me.   Catana graciously agreed to assign two sailors to take us out, since Pacific Bliss is not yet ready to sail.

Photo: The Kriegs enjoying their sail.

What a great feeling to be at the helm of a Catana--at last--sailing “the Med.”  We sailed over to Collioure, about fifteen miles down the coast.  Although we didn’t anchor there, we sailed past the castle on the shore, and, of course, took plenty of photos!  On the way, the wind was at our backs and we sailed at seven or eight knots, but gently.  The wind was blowing in a perfect direction for sailing straight to Gibraltar.  I hope this continues. It is ideal!
Photo:  Lois and Helga at the helm.

Photo:  Collioure Shoreline.

Sailing back to Canet, with the wind on the nose, was rougher, but acceptable.   We were reminded us of the typical bon voyage wish, “May you sail with the sun, and may the wind be always at your back.”    That’s what we’re hoping for!  Sailing today made us all the more eager to begin sailing Pacific Bliss.

In the evening, the Kriegs treated us for an excellent French dinner at Clos de Pins.  Manuel was awake and alert after his restful day!

Photo: Manuel with his grandparents at dinner.

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