Stay away from the warships

I almost got skunked after my first drive to Le Ciotat, but just kept driving till I found the wind that had been predicted. I didn't really know where I was going, as the Kite and Windsurf Guide didn't have any launches listed near La Seyne-sur-Mer. I was just driving along the coast road until I saw a bunch of guys unloading gear from their vans.

I stopped, and started chatting (in my limited French) with Michel and a few of the other local sailors. They said it was a good spot, no rocks, no booties required, and nice in this easterly wind direction. There were palm trees and mansions on the other side of the road. Everyone seemed to be rigging 108 litre boards and 6m sails. I did too.

But then they all sat and waited for the wind to build. It looked like there was just enough to get going, so I was the wind dummy. In fact, a 5.4 might have been enough, but I was short for time and didn't feel like re-rigging. I sailed upwind of the old fort and checked out the full view of Toulon harbour.

WAY COOL! There were 10 warships, and an aircraft carrier. There were also ferry boats, yachts, sail catamarans and freighters. This massive harbour was then backdropped by mountains. Later, Michel told me that it is important to stay away from the warships. I figured that out when an additional warship came into the harbour. I quickly turned around when I could clearly see the machine guns mounted on the escort boats that were honking for traffic to stay away.

Better earth image to come soon...

I'm nailing my downwind carve 360s and duck gybes, but vulcan attempts 109-114 were useless. I'll blame that on the big fin I chose.

Friendly group at the launch!

Water was 12c, wind 16c. The guys on the beach were all very friendly. Merci Michel et les mecs sur la plage pour votre hospitalitie. A good start to the season.

Stop taking pictures and get home!

The kids weren't even too mad when I picked them up a bit late from school!