The mistral stopped during the night. The next morning the French weather service Meteo forecasted light winds with swells of up to 2 meters. Further away from the coast there was still "gale warning"
- "C'est beau aujourd'hui" explained the lady in the neighboring boat as she loosened the moorings to sail out on the holiday's last trip to her home port of Marseille.
Shortly thereafter we left the guest bridge as one of the last.
The waves were not very high when we got out of the harbor. But when we got farther from the coast and the water depth rose, they grew and reached the forecasted 2 meter. Heron led us easily and effortlessly up and down the big waves while we sat safely in the cockpit and ate breakfast.
Some distance out in the bay, a black fin appeared on the surface close to the starboard side. After a short time it disappeared, and suddenly we thought we could see vortices of 15-20 meters in length on port. But a little later they also disappeared from the surface.
After a good three-quarters of sailing we reached the reef at the beginning of Cap Sicie. Here the waves were broken and sent warning white clouds to the air. As we passed the bouy that marked the reef, we changed the course with 120 degrees and steered almost east to the island of Porquerolles.
Now we got the waves in from aft. They became frighteningly tall when we looked back. But as we looked ahead, they were reduced to almost nothing.
Next to Toulon, the digits showing the water depth on the echo sounder were replaced by flashing lines. On the chart we could see that the water depth was over 2.500 meters. When we entered lower water again, the sonar worked exactly as before.
Porquerolles is one of three islands in the archipelago of Iles d'Hyères, located a few hours sailing from the town of Hyères. They are said to be the Mediterranean's answer to the Caribbean.
As we approached and saw bays with white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, anchored yachts, palm trees and low pink houses down to the harbor, we understood why.
After the hike we went ashore and through the village's only street. Here was a relaxed holiday atmosphere with cafes, restaurants and fruit stalls. At the end of the street we went on a gravel path that led us through a tropical landscape to a bounty beach. From here we bathed in the clear water, which was surprisingly cool.
The next day we cycled across the island to the lighthouse, which stood high over the sea on the rocky and unwelcoming south coast of the island.
After lunch we discovered another bounty beach. It was close to the harbor and was used as a landing place for rubber dinghies when sailors transported themselves to and from the boats at the anchorage out in the bay.
We bathed again and when we got up from the water the cellphone rang.
That conversation changed our world in a few seconds.
Carls sister Karin had suddenly and completely unexpectedly passed away. In the next 1 1 / 2 hours we found ourselves in a shocking bizarre unrealism.
We informed the closest family, arranged home transport and stay in Denmark and spoke with a priest and a caretaker.
When the worst shock after 1X / 1 days had gone by, sailed to the town of Le Lavandou on the mainland. Here Heron was taken ashore and we started the journey home.
The funeral will take place in silence in Humlebæk church with the participation of the closest family.
Warm hug to come home!
Anne-Grete & Søren
Sorry for grief
Condolences. It was terrible though.
Even in Florida I'm up to 11. August.
Many thoughts, of
Dear both, it was terrible to hear that we condolences hope in coming back to your good boat trip.
Best regards Gitte and Peter "Gittepigen Humlebæk havn"
Dear Carl and Pia.
I'm reading right now your speech. Where's the sad Carl that you've lost your sister. It's just so harsh life, and suddenly one is unexpectedly confronted with human loss, which so clearly shows our vulnerability.
Loving hug to both of you
Pia