👉The Heat Is On
The biggest challenge in sailing is always the weather, and for me this week it has been the heat. But with lots of fans and a little fun with the hosepipe we managed to find a few cool moments!
7/3/20264 min read
As I look in the wardrobe on Novera at the two sailing jackets, a denim jacket and at least four jumpers, it seems crazy that just a few months ago I was wearing them every day. Even in May, when friends joined us to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, my denim jacket got an outing!
Now, putting on a bikini feels like overdressing.
I have never experienced heat as intensely as this. I guess on a boat there is very little escape. The cockpit offers a little shade but no real cool spots, and the once-spacious cabin below suddenly feels quite oppressive. On one occasion I even felt a sense of panic. Would I ever cool down? How would I ever sleep? In a harbour you are surrounded by cool water but none you can jump into to cool off!
As with so much of our sailing life, though, a little positive thinking, a willingness to think outside the box… and, of course, a cold beer, all help. The fridge is most definitely earning its keep!
Out came the cockpit shower, and before long we were trying to catch each other out with unexpected blasts of cold water. Much laughter followed, and finally the feeling that we might actually be cooling down.
There are many challenges in sailing, with the weather being the biggest. Stripped of many of the modern comforts we’ve become used to, you are completely exposed to the elements, for better and for worse. I love seeing the stars, feeling the wind on my face and listening to the water against the hull. But heat? Heat is definitely my biggest challenge.
So I’m embracing a headband as my hair begins to resemble Jack Sparrow’s from Pirates of the Caribbean 🤣. I’m also trying not to panic as sweat finds its way over every surface of me. It’s a perfectly natural process that we spend so much of modern life trying to hide with sprays and lotions. Instead, I’m embracing the cold shower, a cockpit spray-down and even a wet tea towel as both bedtime companion and duvet!
Easy is not what this adventure is about. And it’s amazing how quickly your perspective changes. When the temperature drops from 35°C to 29°C it feels wonderful. A little breeze or a passing cloud suddenly becomes something to celebrate. And the waiter delivering that cold beer gets the biggest smile!
So I giggle as I look at the jumpers that served me so well from March to May 🤣. At least our washing bag is lighter!
Despite the heat, the wind has been quite fierce. With waves of over 1.5 metres, we’ve had to stay safely in port a little longer here in La Grande Motte.
I’m excited for the weather to settle so we can get moving again. Seeing dolphins on the way here always makes the journey extra special, and I can’t wait for more moments like that.
La Grande Motte itself is a fascinating place. Its architecture is based around pyramid-shaped buildings, making the skyline look like a row of sharp teeth against the horizon. It’s certainly distinctive!
It has simply been too hot to tackle the boat jobs we’d planned, so this week we caught the bus to Montpellier - twice!.
It’s funny how fate works.
I plucked up the courage to ask a policewoman, in my best French, where the bus stopped because we thought we’d missed it. We ran to the correct stop and, thankfully, the bus was running late, allowing us to jump straight on. Hot and flustered, we grabbed the only two seats left—right underneath a missing air-conditioning vent cover. A hurricane of icy air was blasting straight onto us.
Perfect!
For the first time all week… I actually felt cold!
When we reached the final stop, though, we realised we weren’t where we’d expected. There was no cathedral or café-lined square. Instead, we found ourselves in a huge shopping and entertainment complex.
We both looked at each other and said almost in unison, “Actually… there are a few things we need and.....we cold get a burger and fries!”
So we bought a new mattress, a cockpit table, and, as it happened to be sale season, a few bikinis and loose-fitting tops for me, plus some linen shirts for Tim.
Not exactly the adventurous day we’d planned… but absolutely perfect.
Sometimes you simply need an ordinary day and a little bit of luck.
Strangely the wind blew in the perfect direction that night and the boat felt cold! yes cold. I had to grab my blanket (i wasn't risking turning off the fans 😂)
Feeling refreshed, we were up early giving Novera a much-needed clean and tidy. We’d definitely been living like pirates in the crazy heat, so it felt so good to get her back to the calm, organised space we love.
We jumped on the bus again this time determined to explore the historic heart of Montpellier.
Montpellier certainly didn’t disappoint. It’s a beautiful city with stunning classical architecture, leafy streets, and such a relaxed atmosphere. We ended up staying until late, soaking it all in
It was great to get out and explore a little. It is easy to give in to the heat and sometimes you have to. But if anything this journey has taught me so far, it is to push through your natural resistance, be prepared to feel uncomfortable a little as the best moments are never the easiest ones.
However, not to complain as it is raining at home, but I would welcome it a little cooler! I cannot wait to get sailing tomorrow and feel the wind again and get those sails up!
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