Sailing Genevieve…

It’s been a while since our last post.  But as the year clicks up one, Genevieve bobs safely in Scotland while her crew head to the Cote D’Azur for the Winter.  Read on for deets…

If you have checked-out the previous video posts, you will know that Genevieve and Martin made it across the Atlantic!  In June, John joined-up for a 2-week land-based exploration of the sublime Azores. He then flew home and Genevieve was joined by enthusiastic crew, Mike and Neil, for the 8-day leg from Horta to Falmouth, UK.   

We were heartily welcomed into UK waters by a small but enthusiastic posse of groupies (Karen, Susan, Rocky) who willingly assisted the crew in making sure Falmouth pubs were as authentic as transatlantic lore suggests. 

With Genevieve secure on a beefy mooring in Falmouth Harbour and with a professional team from Rustler Yachts keeping an eye on her, Martin flew home to New York for the summer.

Come September, we headed back to Falmouth and Genevieve, and, finding her in fine condition, soon started to explore the verdant Cornish estuaries and quaint ports and harbours.  Eventually, with a careful eye on the typically spicy autumnal Irish Sea weather, we pointed ourselves towards Ireland just ahead of a big storm.  The crossing of the Irish Sea was “character-building”, or as John would say “vomit-inducing”, but by the time the really big blow (60+ knts) caught up with us, we were safely moored in Kinsale with pints of Guinness to soothe our stomachs.  

Then came a really wonderful series of daysails up the east Irish coast with stops in Kilmore Quay, Arklow, Dun Laogharie (and Dublin), Greencastle, Strangford Lough (Strangford, Ringhaddy, Killyleah) and Bangor, during which Genevieve—conspicuous ensign at the transom—and her crew were welcomed with amazing Irish hospitality.  Townsfolk seemed to know we had arrived before the anchor was dropped, local knowledge was eagerly supplied, and strangers took us to see local attractions and did everything they could to to make us feel welcome. A highlight was a day trip to the Titanic museum in Belfast

From Bangor we endured another lively crossing to Scotland and spent a few days getting a small taste of wonderful Scottish anchorages.  But with days shortening, we soon made for Genevieve’s new home in Largs and settled her in for the winter in the well-maintained, well-run, and very well-sheltered marina.  

Between chilly chores we took a marvelous break looking after doggie Hugo in his comfortable (heated!) house just down the road from Largs and made day trips to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, and the islands of Bute and Cumbrae.

As the temperature dropped in Scotland we soon headed south to the Cotswolds for a thatch-cottage Xmas with great friends and family, and a special New Year’s holiday in a big old house with a big old group of big old friends. 

Post NYE, John skipped back to NY for a quick family visit while Martin fought a virus.  But now reunited, we have just crossed the Channel via Le Shuttle heading to the weak but persistent winter sun in the Cote D’Azur. There we plan to explore the local delights, take a few side trips to Italy and Spain and generally sample South of France living for a few months before the lengthening days beckon us back to Genevieve and the Scottish cruising grounds…one of the most beautiful zones on this blue planet.