Cassini blog#156 Back on Cassini for the 2025 cruise back to UK
Cassini's blog
Simon and Sally, Nigel and Catherine
Mon 21 Apr 2025 13:52
Our blogs are resuming as we are now back onboard Cassini.
We arrived at Marseille on Tuesday lunchtime after an early flight from Heathrow. As we were transporting two new hatches, an awning, a sail bag, a polisher, numerous spares, a grease gun, we packed two old suitcases. In addition we had our hand luggage holdalls and small bags. The reason I'm explaining this is because Robert, from the marina, said he would bring a big car rather than his small Fiat. What arrives, a Renault Modus!! The suitcases just about fitted in the boot, Sally, Simon and I were like sardines in the back with holdalls on our laps. Robert was very helpful giving us lifts to and from the boat/airbnb.
Back on the boat we started the three page list of jobs. Simon and Sally were Team Polish working on the hull, we were Team Scrub washing and scrubbing the decks. As the boat was out of the water, we stayed in an Airbnb for two nights. A welcome retreat after our hard work and our last chance of proper beds and showers.
Thursday morning Cassini went back into the water. A stressful time seeing the boat lifted off its supports and hanging on the strops, fortunately all went smoothly despite the gusty wind. The rest of the day we finished the "in the water” jobs and checked for leaks (none found). We rounded off the day with a delicious meal in the Yacht Club then an early night sleeping on the boat.
Today, Friday, a sunny day with less wind (yesterday it 20-24kn) and after breakfast and coffee we prepared to depart the marina. Before we left we were fascinated to watch a 70 feet catamaran lifted out of the water. Two huge cranes, counter weights placed on an adjacent lorry then the boat lifted, quite a sight to see, probably a very nervous owner!
We are now have the headsail up and sailing along at 5.5 - 6.5kn to Marseille where we will moor in the marina. Just the sort of sailing the girls enjoy.
Catherine
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