LOCAL REVIEW | BALI 5. 4
82 | TRADEABOAT.COM.AU
LEFT The standalone navigation station has space for several
plotter screens and provides a safe space for solo watch-keepers.
BELOW The author eyeing off sail trim as he rolls down the
coast toward the next port.Leaving the hectic Cannes boat show behind,
we motored west towards the tranquil coastline
that would lead us to the turquoise waters of
Saint Tropez bay. Under power the 57hp Yanmars
effortlessly pushed us along at 8.7 knots while
turning at 2400rpm before I pointed us windward
to hoist the mainsail. Along with company
representative Will, we quickly hoisted the sail
through the lazyjacks using the electric Lewmar
winch before unfurling the genoa. Lacking
a window in the sail, this obscured my view
so required me to occasionally go downstairs
to watch for shipping. Trimming the genoa
also required me to go down to the main deck
winches on each side but at a pinch these sheets
could be run on blocks to the flybridge. Seeking
the sea breeze, we neared the red sandstone
mountains that roll down to the old Roman
town of Frejus where there was 7.8 knots of
wind which gave us 5.8 knots of boat speed at
100 degrees. Then, with the engines stilled and
propellers folded I clicked the autopilot as the
shout from below came – “le déjeuner!”. About as
good as it gets, in terms of both the Bali 5.4 and
the cruising ground.“Leaving the hectic Cannes boat
show behind, we motored west towards
Saint Tropez.”