Telltales 78

Back to the first Race week in Imperia, Italy

Sylphe had participated in some of the Classic Races from 2000 to 2004. However, we had been absent for the last 2 years, due to cruising in other areas. This year we would join again and do the last three races of the season, meaning Imperia, Cannes and St. Tropez. Three consecutive weeks of racing with only classic boats. One thinks that he dreams when you look around.



To get Sylphe to her first race on the mainland in Italy we had to sail her over from Sardinia. Gary (picture below) and Maynard had already joined me in Porto Rotondo. Boniface (picture above, left), who was to crew for the next month, was picked up in Santa Theresa on the north tip of Sardinia. And off we went for the 350 mile trip to Imperia.

And below you will find Gary, who took all the pictures for this week (thanks Gary, they are great)


After a night stop in the by now very known Bonifacio town, we sailed on to Calvi, on the north west side of Corsica. Just another splendid harbor and setting.



And Calvis fort remains a sight. They claim that Napoleon Bonaparte was born right here in Calvi.




The following picture is not a trick photo, just a reminder that we had to get some sailing done, otherwise the mast would certainlty start growing leaves. Don't worry, we would get our fair share over the next weeks.



We left Calvi on a sunny monday afternoon, after a last swim in the bay. At 7 in the morning we sailed into Imperia, after a night crossing of 90 miles, where the first other classics were already in port.



And normally, Roland can always say to his charter clients: "You will find Sylphe easily, as she is the only wooden mast in port". This certainly applies to the areas where we normally sail, but not anymore. Wooowww, what a beauties around us, and soo many familiair faces as well.





And since a picture says more than a thousand words..............










This weeks race week crew consisted of (from left to right): Adrian, Boniface (crew), Roland (skippeeeeeh, according to Adrian),  Jean (crew), Maynard (Il Commodore), Paul, Bryce. And of course Gary (not in picture).





But this is what we all came to see and above all do ourselves. Moonbeam (sail no 8) and Lulworth battling.







Did we have one day cancelled due to too much rain, I think sooooo???




But there were also moments for joy and fun, especially sailing back into port after the races. We leave Maynard to do the HARD and LONELY job of helming, while thre rest has fun on the ALOHA deck:



After a glorious week of sailing and fun ashore (as this is definately part of the week, especially in
Imperia), we said goodbeye to the best hospitality EVER. Imperia you remain TOP.



On to the next week in Cannes

AHOY
Roland
www.sail-in-style.com