👉Size definitely doesn't matter even in Saint Tropez

Two days in Saint Tropez has been fun and who needs a 35-metre yacht when you can arrive at the same place in a 46-foot Novera💕, drink a fabulous glass of rosé and enjoy doing the people-watching rather than being the people watched!

9/19/20264 min read

After several peaceful days in the Porquerolles, we started to head up towards Saint-Tropez. Given the £121-a-night berth fees, we decided to stop en route in a nearby bay and enjoy two decadent nights rather than three slightly more well-behaved ones!

As we set off, there was no wind. It was as calm as could be. So we thought it might be the perfect opportunity to get some fabulous footage of Novera during a passage.

Out came the drone, along with our excited expectations… which unfortunately didn’t last very long!

The drone was supposed to be able to fly over water. However, looking at Tim’s face — and the trajectory of the drone — it appeared that perhaps it couldn’t!

“It’s gone rogue! It’s not responding!” shouted Tim. “We need to grab it!”

So, as instructed by the Captain, I did just that. Apparently there is a right and wrong way to grab a rogue drone and, as I saw blood all over my finger, I realised I had chosen the wrong way!

But it was a great save. Any goalie would have been proud!

So, after a few kisses from Tim to say thank you and sorry for my rather sore finger, we settled back into the journey.

The day may have been calm, but it would seem all things sailing were far from it.

“What’s that on the deck?” Oil!!! Leaking from the sail motor.

Having been so pleased with fixing the motor, the gearbox had now decided to complain. This could unfortunately be a journey stopper, so there was a rather sobering moment, followed by some research, checking and discussion before our smiles returned.

Thankfully, we were able to continue.

Having reached our bay, we decided to grab a buoy. A first for Novera. We’ve picked up buoys on flotilla holidays, but usually there’s a helpful chap in a dinghy who takes the hook for you and, of course, collects payment. This time it was just us!

We pulled alongside and quickly discovered that a little brute force — and five working fingers — were required. Which meant… yes, I needed to steer the boat while Tim caught the buoy!

Well, I was a little anxious but took the helm.

Tim, multi-tasking with ropes while leaning over the bow, somehow managed to knock the boat hook into the water. Engines stopped, I tried to grab it but failed as it floated serenely past me.

Determined not to lose it, Tim dived in. Saved! Two rescues in one day!

Once safely tied up, we soon realised something wonderful… No anchor alarm.

It was the joy of anchoring without the threat of dragging.

“Buoy” did we both sleep well! 😂

Waking refreshed, there was even enough wind to get the Genoa up. Engines off and suddenly all we could hear was the ocean around us.

Bliss. Well… until we got near Saint-Tropez!

The humming of engines around us increased as did the size of the boats. Some were as big as ferries, although the décor was certainly not alike!

They were shiny, extravagant and quite clearly a display of wealth and status.

Novera suddenly felt tiny at 46 foot, or 14 metres, as these 35m-plus boats whizzed past us.

Arriving in the port, we saw a speedboat with a 007 logo fly past. Well, of course I giggled. It’s Saint-Tropez!

I soon stopped laughing when I realised we had to squeeze between these boats, each worth more than every asset to our names and then some!

Breathing in, headphone earpeices in, we manoeuvred slowly and moored Novera safely.

Big hug for Tim!

I may have managed to moor next to a buoy, but wow… I would not want to do the marinas, especially this one!

We washed up and wandered around the marina for a cold beer.

The boats lined up fender-to-fender are huge and opulent. Crew running around after their owners. Everything polished, perfect and incredibly luxurious.

And yes, it is quite the show of wealth and fabulous people in designer fashion. But that’s not what we signed up for.

I love feeling the ocean as it moves us, rocks us and sometimes soaks us. I love the sense of achievement that comes from pointing Novera in a direction, navigating our way there and getting there safely.

So, size doesn’t always matter. Novera is perfect for us. She’s not the shiniest, newest or biggest, but she’s probably more loved — a bit like the moggy cat that snuggles up to you rather than the beautiful but slightly standoffish pedigree.

And anyway, who needs a 35-metre multi million pound yacht when you can arrive at the same place in a 46-foot Novera, drink a fabulous glass of rosé and enjoy doing the people-watching rather than being the people watched!

🥂⛵️