Navigation #8: Marseille-Calanque de Morgiret, first mooring with our son

A Family Reunion in Marseille and a Sail to Frioul

Our next adventure began in Marseille, where we picked up our son at the bustling Marseille-Saint-Charles train station.
His arrival brought a fresh wave of excitement to the crew, and we couldn’t wait to show him the vibrant city before continuing our journey.
With a few hours to spare, we strolled through the iconic Vieux Port, Marseille’s historic heart, where fishing boats bobbed alongside sleek yachts.
We marveled at the imposing Fort Saint-Jean, its ancient stone walls guarding the harbor’s entrance, and soaked in the lively atmosphere of street performers and seafood vendors. It was the perfect way to kick off our family reunion.

From the Vieux Port, we set sail for the Frioul Archipelago, a cluster of rugged islands just a short distance offshore. The journey took about two hours, though we could have made it faster. Nico, eager to share his love of sailing with his son, let him take the wheel for much of the trip, guiding him through the basics of navigation. The gentle Mediterranean breeze and the sight of Marseille’s skyline fading into the distance made for a relaxed and memorable sail.

We arrived late before sunset, there were already 3 or 4 sailboats mooring there. 

We arrived at the island of Frioul, part of the archipelago, just before sunset. Our second mooring of the trip was in a sheltered cove, where three or four other sailboats were already anchored, their masts swaying gently against the golden sky. The timing couldn’t have been better—the island’s limestone cliffs glowed in the fading light, promising a beautiful evening.

                                           

After securing the boat, we hopped into the dinghy and motored ashore to explore Frioul’s wild, windswept beauty. The island, part of the Parc National des Calanques, is a haven of rocky trails, hidden coves, and historic ruins.

Summary of our stopover at Marseille: