08/06/08-12/06/08 The Rolex Giraglia Cup 329nm, 2989nm Total

The crew finally joined us for three days of inshore racing then off from St.Tropez to Genoa in Italy via La Giraglia rock at the top of Corsica. Crew consisted of Richard, Dawn, Paul March, Jim McKeogh, Kevin and Susie Harris, Joe Hatcher and for a starring appearance in one race only Edel Gurry! We did OK, got a second place in class for one of the inshore races and second in class for the long race to Genoa but sadly no prizes – not even a fake Rolex for coming second!

I’m sure it’s not my job to go up the mast but…..

The “Ballerina Sisters” Jim and Joe in traditional workmans pose….watching!

Thought I’d better give them a wave

Looking for the wind or the start line I’m not sure-both were hard to find!

The party at St.Tropez was something else……

And a lot of people!

And the fireworks in front and behind us set to music were stunning..

A study in concentration….and crusty shorts. After a breezy start to the offshore race to Genoa, the wind went for a rest!

Finally crossed the line only a few minutes behind a boat 50% bigger than us – can’t be too bad!

And it wasn’t toooooo bad!

04/04/08-06/06/08 Valencia to St.Tropez 472nm, 2660nm Total

After a brief spell back at work we moved the boat up from Valencia to St.Tropez via Barcelona and Marseilles ready for our next race The Rolex Giraglia Cup. Crew that helped us along the way were, of course Joe Hatcher, Paul and Katie March and Edel Gurry.


The weather wasn't quite what Edel expected so it was safety first...


Lapping up the "sunshine"...!

The it really was sunny in Marseilles

The professional race crews were playing when we left

And so were the Grandma's!

Leaving Marseilles for St.Tropez

And finally at anchor outside the harbour waiting for the "gin palaces" to make way for us for a change!