Navigation #7: Anse de Bonnieu-Marseille

 We left our first mooring at 10 in the morning.

 
Yesterday was windless, but today we had 14-knot winds. We had to tack for the first few hours, but I didn’t feel too seasick despite reaching 9 knots in a choppy sea.

Tacking is still a work in progress for me—I’m not quite nailing the rhythm yet, but I’m getting better with each maneuver. Nico and his dad, ever patient, offered pointers as we worked together to keep the boat on course. Their encouragement, paired with the thrill of harnessing the wind, made the challenging sail feel rewarding.

We covered 30 nautical miles at an average cruising speed of 4.4 knots, arriving in Marseille after a six-hour journey.

Originally, we hadn’t planned to reach Marseille until Sunday, when we were set to pick up our son at the train station. Our intention was to moor at a quieter marina closer to our starting point, but every nearby dock was fully booked. With no other options, we pressed on to Marseille’s bustling Vieux Port, a decision that brought both excitement and a few surprises.

Marseille’s harbor, nestled right in the heart of the city, is a sailor’s dream for its central location. We docked in an enviable spot right in front of the Hôtel de Ville, Marseille’s grand city hall, with its ornate façade looming over the quay. It doesn’t get more central than that! However, the vibrant urban setting came with a downside: the constant hum of city life—honking cars, late-night revelers, and street musicians—made for a noisy night. Still, the lively atmosphere and stunning views of the harbor’s twinkling lights made it a memorable stop.

Here is a summary of our 24h there: