Navigation #22 San-Peire-Cap Taillat, I made so many mistakes!

 

Our journey back to Hyères is progressing at a leisurely pace, one nautical mile at a time. Today, we covered 20 nautical miles, battling light winds that made our progress feel like a crawl. What should’ve been a straightforward sail stretched into a nearly seven-hour marathon to reach Cap Taillat. 

The Mediterranean was calm—almost too calm—with barely a breeze to fill our sails, leaving us at the mercy of the engine and a lot of patience.

I started the day at the helm, full of confidence and ready to steer us toward our destination. Let’s just say it didn’t go as planned. My attempt at helming was, in a word, disastrous—think zigzagging like a novice in a bumper car. After a few cringe-worthy moments and some good-natured ribbing from the crew, I wisely handed over the wheel and stayed clear of it for the remaining five hours of navigation. 😅 Lesson learned: sometimes it’s best to leave the steering to the pros and enjoy the view instead.

On a brighter note, the day wasn’t without its highlights. We crossed paths with the *Ganany*, a stunning catamaran that turned heads with its sleek design and inflatable wings—yes, wings! It looked like something out of a futuristic sailing magazine, slicing through the water with an effortless grace that left us all a bit envious. Spotting such an impressive vessel was a reminder of how diverse and exciting the sailing world can be.

When we finally arrived at Cap Taillat, we were ready to drop anchor and relax. But, as is becoming a theme for this trip, our plans hit a snag.

The mooring spot we’d chosen was far too exposed, with relentless waves making the boat rock and roll more than we’d bargained for.
The constant billowing was enough to test even the most seasoned sailor’s sea legs. After some debate, we decided to relocate to a calmer spot, which meant hauling up the anchor and finding a new place to settle for the night.
It was a hassle, but the promise of a steadier boat and a better night’s sleep made it worth the effort.

As we inch closer to Hyères, today was a mix of slow progress, humbling moments, and a few awe-inspiring sights. Here’s hoping tomorrow brings stronger winds, steadier hands (not mine at the helm!), and a mooring spot that doesn’t fight back.