D-1
The day dawned bright and still breezy. Breakfast was delivered with another inspirational quote and taken in the sunshine in the cockpit.
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| Breakfast by Panerai at D-1 |
We had a slow start - last night we attended the Officine Panerai Crew Dinner at the very exclusive Hotel Grande Villa Italia. The children continue to be the centre of attention and their behaviour was impeccable, despite the very late finish after midnight.
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| Matthew waits for his supper |
Today was "boat show" and press day, so I fielded questions and ensured the children were admired for their good looks and stoicism for the forthcoming adventure. The lads finished the very last chores and
Croix des Gardes is ready for the ocean. The children were especially impressed at being the centre of a French news story, with Elizabeth demonstrating the lifelines. Footage will be shown "in nearly 200 countries" we were told.
The Panerai official photographer pored over our boat and children. Panerai also delivered a large mystery parcel with treats for us to open and enjoy at the half way point.
So now we relax. The crew have gone into town to watch the rugby, the children and playing in the park and we can prepare for tonight's exclusive supper. This time it is owners only and the CEO of Panerai will be in attendance. The Committee Boat is in position at anchor to mark our start - a glorious 80m four masted classic schooner. Tomorrow's forecast is for blue skies and fair winds. In less than 24 hrs we will be off.
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| The start line awaits us |
The Panerai official photographer pored over our boat and children. Panerai also delivered a large mystery parcel with treats for us to open and enjoy at the half way point. 
godspeed, enjoy your adventure.
ReplyDeleteMay your winds be favourable, I hope to keep up with your journey here. Very proud of my God son.
ReplyDeleteI miss quote "And all I wish are fair winds and a Star to steer you by"
ReplyDeleteBonjour,
ReplyDeleteJe suis le fils de Jean Carré, l'ancien propriétaire de la Croix des Gardes, de 1970 à 1975.
J'ai découvert votre blog il y a quelques jours, en cherchant 'Croix des Gardes" avec Google ...
Voici quelques informations sur la vie du bateau pendant ces années.
*** Jean Carré était architecte. Né en 1918, il a vu enfant, Alain Gerbault, partir du port de Cannes à bord du Firecrest, des collines de la Croix des Gardes, d'où le nom donné à son bateau.
*** La Croix des Gardes a eu comme port d'attache Hyères, puis Toulon, au Cercle Nautique de la 'Royale' (Cercle Nautique de la Marine Nationale)
*** Elle a démâté en 1973 au large des iles d'Hyères, et le nouveau mat fut monté en Juillet-Aout 1974 au chantier Scotto à Sanary.
*** Aucune autre avarie à signaler.
*** Elle était équipée d'une bôme à rouleau, et de génois + focs (sans enrouleur)
*** Le moteur de 50 cv était très faible, et ne permettait pas, par mistral et vent de travers, de se mettre vent debout ...
*** Elle a navigué, durant ces années, en croisière familiale avec un équipage de 2 adultes et 4 enfants, en Provence, en Corse, en Sardaigne et aux Baléares.
Très cordialement, et en vous souhaitant de belles navigations avec ce qui restera pour nous le "plus beau voilier du monde"
Thibaut Carré
PS : je tiens éventuellement à votre disposition, de nombreuses photos du voilier.
Thibaut Carré
For those without a Winsome, it is possible to get a reasonable translation of this fascinating post through Google.
DeleteSelect all the text, then right-click and copy. Go to translate.google.com (or .co.uk or .com.au) and google will detect the language and attempt an english translation. It's not perfect but it certainly gives the gist.
Un grand merci Thibaut
Hi Thibaut,
DeleteThank you for the fantastic information on our beautiful boat. We met Odile in Cowes adn she has sent us her book, but we'd love to hear any more you can reember on her history and photos. Please do email me on glidergoth at gmail dot com.
Sarah
Yo ho for the Azores!! (also a probable mis-quote :) ). Interesting about Criox du Gardes' history!! How cool is the Internet! Yes I know it is des not du, but my stupid iPad won't let me edit :-/. Anyway, have fun!!
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