menton travel guide

Menton travel guide: a sailboat journey on the French Riviera

The sun was just beginning to cast its golden hue over the horizon as we set sail from Cannes on the 25th of June, 2020. The gentle hum of the boat’s engine as we left the port, the soft lapping of the waves against the hull, and the distant cries of seagulls created a symphony of sounds that signaled the start of an unforgettable journey. As the iconic silhouette of Cannes faded into the distance, the vast expanse of the azure Mediterranean Sea lay ahead, beckoning us with promises of adventure and discovery. From the very first moment, the French …

Read more

visit cannes by boat

Sailing on the French Riviera: a day to visit Cannes by boat

The allure of the French Riviera is undeniable, and there’s no better way to visit Cannes than by embracing the gentle waves and the azure expanse of the Mediterranean. Our journey began at the picturesque Santa Lucia Marina in Saint-Raphaël, a hidden gem that’s often overshadowed by its more glamorous neighbors. As we set sail, the promise of adventure and the thrill of the unknown beckoned us forward. The Corniche d’Or unfurled before us like a golden ribbon, its beauty unparalleled and often whispered about in hushed tones among seasoned sailors. This stretch, which lies between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes, is …

Read more

Santa Lucia Marina life

Life in Santa Lucia Marina while preparing for our Med sailing trip

The world had been still for so long. The once bustling Santa Lucia Marina lay silent, boats tethered to their moorings, waiting for the winds of change. But as the calendar flipped to June 1, International Children’s Day, a sense of childlike wonder and anticipation bubbled within us. The lockdown had been a cage, but the open sea? That was freedom! With the sun casting golden hues across the marina, we felt the day’s significance not just as a global celebration for children, but as a rebirth of our own adventurous spirits. The sails, which had been dormant for what …

Read more

maiden voyage sailing lessons

Puzzle’s maiden voyage: a memorable sail amidst the pandemic

Picture the salty sea air filling your lungs, the gentle sway of a ship beneath your feet, and the endless expanse of the Mediterranean Sea stretching out before you. This was the exhilarating scene as we embarked on our maiden voyage aboard our beloved sailing ship, Puzzle. A maiden voyage, for those unfamiliar with the term, is a ship’s very first adventure on open waters. It’s a significant event, a baptism of sorts, marking the transition from a vessel being merely a vessel to becoming a seasoned sea traveler. For us, this maiden trip was more than just a nautical …

Read more

used boat inventory list

Used boat inventory discovery before sailing the Mediterranean Sea

The salty scent of the sea, the gentle lapping of waves against the hull, the promise of uncharted waters, and the allure of distant shores – these are the dreams that led us to our decision. We were going to sail the Mediterranean, and we were going to do it on a budget. The Mediterranean, with its azure waters and sun-drenched coastlines, was a siren call for us. But we knew that such a journey required more than just dreams and desires. It required careful planning of the boat inventory and sailing route, a frugal mindset, and a willingness to …

Read more