👉Not always a bed of Roses

Not Always a Bed of Roses — But Always an Adventure

People imagine sailing life as endless sunsets, calm seas, and those dreamy anchorages you see on Instagram. Reality check: sometimes it’s tangled ropes, surprise storms, sleepless nights, and learning to laugh while muttering “REALLY.”

But honestly? That’s where the best stories come from.

This past week aboard Novera reminded us that travel isn’t just about the places you go — it’s about the people who unexpectedly join your journey.

Roses: Where the Drama Began

Our time in Roses kicked off with one of those marina moments you couldn’t script. A lovely couple from China arrived by catamaran… except they weren’t supposed to be at the helm. Their captain had been injured in an accident, leaving them to bring in a large vessel they’d never steered before.

Cue: a fire truck, six port staff, and half the marina watching with bated breath. Watching them come safely into Port Roses — thanks to the incredible port team — was something none of us will forget. I cannot imagine how terrifying that must have been.

Later, over chats about sailing, YouTube channels, and dreams of life at sea, we welcomed them aboard Novera. They were huge fans of Sailing Delos and were thrilled to step aboard an Amel. (Tim, of course, has followed Delos for years and was equally delighted.) In return, they filled our fridge with food they couldn’t take on their flight to Paris. Strangers that morning — part of our story by evening.

Enter Becky & Stu… and the Chaos Continues

After welcoming our friends Becky and Stu — flotilla buddies (fondly nicknamed the incompetent crew) from many Greek adventures — the Costa Brava decided to remind us who’s boss.

The swell in Roses Marina had been relentless, pushing Novera hard against her lines. What should have been a simple adjustment of the passerelle turned into every sailor’s nightmare: a lazy line wrapped itself tightly around the propeller as Tim started the engine to reposition.

Engine dead. Boat stuck. Stress levels rising. Tim mentally rehearsing every worst-case scenario known to man.

But chaos often leads to unexpected happy moments. “Operation Distraction” led us to a tiny tapas bar down a quiet street — fabulous food, our favourite wine, and a lovely chat with the owners… in French, not Spanish, because of course they were from places we’d just sailed through.

The Divers, The Heroes

The next morning, two divers appeared like superheroes, vanished beneath the keel, and resurfaced minutes later with the magic words: “You are free.”

The relief was enormous. Tim slept properly for the first time in days.

Onward to L’Escala — Finally Sailing and celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary

With a very cautious departure from Roses, we headed for L’Escala for our first proper sail together aboard Novera with Becky and Stu.

It was a little bumpy — not ideal with a hangover — but thankfully a short hop. It was our 30th Wedding anniversary so a new stop meant a little research and the excitement of discovering a new place to eat at for our celebrations. Then came the surprise - all our friends who could not join us at home contributed and forward some Euros to ensure we had a fabulous meal💕 ! We also finally opened the Champagne Joe sent us all those weeks ago in Port Napoleon. It had safely made it all these bumpy miles! So it was champagne for our 30th wedding anniversary, and dramatic storm clouds rolling across the sky while we sat safely, laughing at the madness of it all. Sunshine one minute, thunder the next — early May sailing at its finest.

Estartit: A Surprise Favourite

Estartit quickly won us over: a beautiful marina, cosy tapas bars, and shops perfect for a good mouch around. And yes — everyone apparently does have a twin. As we dashed for shelter from torrential rain, we found Stanley Kubrick’s doppelgänger running a tiny tapas bar. We stayed longer than the storm and left with full tummies and big smiles.

Palamós: The Final Chapter (and a Missing Crew Member)

Our last stop with Becky and Stu was Palamós — a huge port and a surprisingly charming town. Over a fantastic cider recommended by the bar manager, we watched a cruise ship depart and soaked in the atmosphere.

Then came the next calamity: Where was the fourth fender on the port side? Had we miscounted? No. Sam — as he was quickly named — had been lost at sea.

Thankfully the marina shop had a replacement, and Novera gained a shiny new crew member.

Becky and I spent a few hours wandering colourful shops full of unusual clothes and crafts, happily contributing to the local economy. Meanwhile, the boys investigated long‑dreamed‑of electronics: a small TV and a small freezer.

We ended our stay with an incredible meal — a treat from Becky and Stu — easily the best tapas and restaurant food of the trip. The wine flowed, the laughter was loud, and yes… we were absolutely in bed early.

Reflections & Goodbyes

Having Becky and Stu aboard was wonderful. Sailing Novera is very different from flotilla life in Greece. The weather rules everything. The sun is not guaranteed. There’s no lead boat to fix your problems. And the Med is not all calm bays and lunchtime swims — especially not in early May.

They got a glimpse of real life aboard: Toilets a 10‑minute walk away. Prop wraps. Stormy seas delaying plans. The constant dance with the weather.

Not a holiday — an adventure.

We waved them off with the beautiful crochet baskets Becky made for us hanging proudly aboard Novera, reminding us they’re still part of this journey. We hope we haven’t put them off 🤣 and that they’ll be back later in the year.

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