Final week in Frontignan

Ahoy there me hearties!  The Mistral finally blew itself out after 4 days.  At it's peak it was gusting nearly 40 knots (mph plus a bit).  The strange thing is it was hot and sunny throughout.  We've also had lightning-only storms - no thunder or rain - not seen that before.  Anyway, enough of the weather forecast - here's our latest news:

Saturday 10 August - Frontignan

Skipper spent most of Saturday morning checking the rigging for our sail tomorrow.  We managed a swim in the afternoon but the sea had lost several degrees in temperature from the recent Mistral - it was as cold as Whitstable bay (but not as murky)!    First Mate nipped into Frontignan town and, per chance, arrived at the town's celebration of all things Andalusian.

The Andalucian parade (y un caballero guapo!)

Sunday 11 August - sailing in Frontignan

Skipper had completed most of his engineering and mechanical chores so it was the perfect opportunity for our first sail on "Reward" since her remast and, indeed, the first sail since we bought her.  You may recall we took ownership late last year and, as Skipper had a hernia op at that time, we were unable to take her for a shake-down.  And I'm sure I don't need to remind you long-suffering Brits that the weather, too, was so awful over winter that we didn't get the opportunity to sail at all.

Fortunately, the conditions were perfect today: south-easterly breezes 12 knots and clear blue skies.  In fact, we got up to 4.5 knots under sail - Skipper was in his element.

Skipper helming off Frontignan coast

First Mate is learning fast but still has to get used to the wheel helm on "Reward" having just got used to the tiller steering arrangement on "Reverie" - only a matter of time though.

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First Mate helming - must sort that muffin top!

It was lovely to stop the engine and cut through the Big Blue.  In fact, "Reward" is such a good sailing boat that she sailed herself.  It helped, too, that Skipper really knows how to trim (set) the sails. 

Monday 12 & Tuesday 13 August - Frontignan & sailing with "Splodge"
We'd promised Alan & Jackie a sail as soon as the boat and the weather were right and at last we were able to take our friends out.  We sailed around the bay to Sete and back and both Alan and Jackie had a go at helming - they both said what a peaceful experience sailing is - all you can hear is the boat gliding elegantly through the water.

Look no hands!

Budge over Alan!  Jackie looking comfortable at the helm

Wednesday 14 August - Frontignan: boat lift & Water Joust
"Reward" was lifted out of the water first thing so that Skipper could check her undersides.  We wanted to antifoul (apply a special protective paint to the undersides) and check the anode (which protects the propeller).  Before you can do that, though, you need to clean off all the grunge that accumulated from the canals - not the best of jobs but strangely satisfying when you've finished and certainly not for those with OCD tendencies!

Before: undersides covered in grey/green gunge...

After: back to original GRP and ready for antifoul

"Reward" resplendent with newly antifouled undersides

We lived aboard while we were on the hard standing (out of water) which means climbing quite a long ladder to board which tests your agility - especially after a couple of Kirs!

It wasn't all work though - we had a great evening watching the crazy French in one of their favourite pastimes (the other being fishing) - the water joust.  Two teams of 8 people approach one another with the aim of toppling the other from his boat.  There are also two musicians aboard - an Arabic-type clarinet player and drummer for added suspense!

The water joust - moment of contact

We were also entertained by a floating jazz band who drifted around the harbour - one of the best we've heard actually.  You can see the jousting in the background of this video.  Can you name that tune? 

And it didn't end there: all this was was rounded off by a great fireworks display but one which did not rival Macon.  The French really do like to party in their unique way and, as ever, the Brits could learn a thing or two!

Thursday 15 August - Frontignan and farewell swim with Splodge
While Skipper was antifouling I took the opportunity to do a supermarket trawl before we move on - yawn!  We had planned a swim in the afternoon but Alan invited us for a buzz out in the bay and swim off of "Splodge".  He also wanted to introduce us to the new crew member - Wilson - an inflatable being that was rescued from sea when Nathan & Gemma visited last week.  We had a great time diving and bombing off the boat whilst trying to convince Wilson to keep still for long enough to float on him but no chance.  In fact, he jumped ship as soon and drifted off across the bay.  Photos to follow soon...

So, a great day but one tinged with sadness: we spent our last evening with Alan & Jacqui with whom we've travelled many miles.  We've had some unforgettable times with them and we'll miss their company.  Safe onwards guys and see you again soon.

So, that's a round-up of our time in Frontignan.  We've really enjoyed the last two weeks or so here and feel very at home.  We needed to relax, enjoy the Med and prepare "Reward" for her sail to the Spanish border which we could achieve in as little as 5 days weather permitting.  So, until the next post I'll say 'bon soiree' et 'a bientot'.  The sooner I get to Spain the better - help Catherine - I'm getting the hang of French!