Host report
Antibes & St. Tropez
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Some guests already arrived in Nice before 6 p.m. on the first day and used the time to explore the old city of Antibes – a hidden gem…
After getting to know each other, we first showed them their cabins and then they were able to sit aft in our dining area on deck and enjoy their first dinner. The evening ended with good conversation.
Photo safari & eager monks
Sunday, September 24, 2023
After the breakfast on deck and the safety briefing, the guests had the chance to take photos from CHRONOS under sails from a dinghy perspective – part of our ‘photo safari’. We then started sailing to the island Île Saint Honorat, inhabited by monks for over 1600 years, who cultivate fields and grow grapes. The wine can be bought there… We then had our dinner off the Île St. Marguerite.
Fort Royal & Sailing history
Monday, September 25, 2023
After breakfast on deck, we set off on the dinghies to the island of Île St. Marguerite to to visit the Fort Royal there. The fortress is famous for the “Man in the Iron Mask”. He was held prisoner there from 1687 to 1698. His identity is said to have never been established, but there is much speculation about who he might have been. Some believe it was the hidden twin brother of Louis XIV. Back on board on the way to Sainte-Maxime, we learned a lot about yacht history, the construction of the CHRONOS and sailing in general from Andreas. The beautiful day was rounded off with sundowners and a delicious dinner on board.
St. Tropez here we come
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
After breakfast, Andreas took the opportunity to explain in more detail how sustainable our sailing trips are and what there is to consider. From refillable bottles instead of plastic to seawater desalination plants.
After lunch, we sailed on towards Saint Tropez, where we arrived at around 4.00 pm. The first dinghy left the CHRONOS at 4.30 p.m. with a little refreshment of coffee and cake. A perfect opportunity for guests to discover the picturesque harbor, the promenade, the pretty cafés and eat in one of the small restaurants.
sailing, vineyards & swimming
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Start was at 8.00 a.m. today towards Île Porquerolles, the captain plans about 5 hours sailing time. We arrived there after lunch and got the dinghies ready for 2.30 p.m. to explore the island. At the highest point, we had a great view over vineyards and the individual bays. Fort St. Agathe could be visited for a small entrance fee and showed the history of this fortress. Back at the bottom, the turquoise blue water invited some of us to take a dip. Around 6 p.m. the dinghies returned to the ship and Rosy was already waiting with a sundowner. The evening ended again with a glass or two of wine after dinner under the stars…
Pampelonne Beach & Fullmoon Party
Thursday, September 28, 2023
The next day we started sailing to Saint Tropez after breakfast. During the afternoon and with special permission from the authorities, we were allowed to sail very close to Macron’s summer residence. One of the highlights today were the dolphins playing in the bow, which accompanied us for quite a while. After lunch, we continued on to Pampelonne Beach – one of the most famous beaches near Saint Tropez. There you could once again take advantage of the opportunity to swim in the afternoon sun from the boat or be driven to the beach. After dinner that evening, the atmosphere was so good that the guests danced the night away to loud music, the full moon and the shimmering sea.
A typical Sailing Classics day
Friday, September 29, 2023
After breakfast, Mariusz, our “Super Mario”, explained “his” engine room. A few then took the opportunity to go ashore again and go for a walk. For everyone else, there was the opportunity to swim and test kayaks and SUP boards. We continued under good wind conditions and at the same time the crew started preparing for the Captain’s Dinner in the evening.
The winner of the photo competition was a picture of the dolphins taken by Cornelius, one of the most impressive moments of our trip.
Farewell
Saturday, September 30, 2023
The next morning, all guests started the day with the last breakfast on deck before the first dinghies set off for the harbor. Some guests stayed in a hotel in Nice and enjoyed the Côte d’Azur.
Captain Matthijs and the entire crew would like to thank you for a wonderful trip together and wish you all the best for the future. We will not soon forget such a sailing trip full of experiences and interesting conversations. Mast and sheet break and always a hand’s breadth of water under the keel!
See you soon at Sailing-Classics!
