Today’s postcard comes from Porquerolles, the largest and most visited of the Îles d’Hyères – a dreamy archipelago off the southern coast of France, nestled between Toulon and Saint-Tropez. We anchored off Plage d’Argent, where aquamarine waters sparkled under warm skies, and paddleboards became our taxis to shore. The anchorage was blissfully calm, shared...
From Sanary’s Markets to Bandol’s Vines: Sipping Rosé & Dodging Dump Trucks
We’ve officially fallen for the charm of Sanary-sur-Mer with its colorful pastel façades, charming old port, and a timeless blend of Provençal architecture and seaside vibrance that feels straight out of a postcard. Wednesday mornings in this town mean one thing: the dockside market stretching along the port in a swirl of color, scents,...
Day One Under Sail & Sunset Anchorage at Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer
We’re off! Had a very smooth push away from the docks for our first sail with light winds. As the day progressed Kora stretched her wings, gennaker up, gliding along the Provence coastline of France at a steady 6 to 7 knots. Picture-perfect views, calm seas, and the Côte d’Azur welcoming us by early...
She Floats Again!
After a full day of howling winds, the skies calmed just in time for Kora’s grand return to the water – and what a moment it was. Watching her suspended by the crane, gliding through the boatyard like a flying elephant (a graceful one!), was awe-inspiring and nerve-wracking all at once. We held our...
Reunited with Kora: Ladders, Winds, and a Hint of Chaos
After smooth travels we arrived in Marseille and made our way to Kora – still perched proudly on the hardtop after her long winter nap. Kora wintered beautifully: no mildew, no mysterious smells, and remarkably still looking showroom-fresh. A very promising start Of course, boarding a boat that’s still on land adds a bit...
Bon Voyage: Kora – Season Two Begins!
Our last post (Aug 21, 2024) marked the end of Kora’s incredible maiden voyage: a dream-filled journey from La Rochelle to Marseille, France, hugging the coastlines of Spain and Portugal, with a magical detour to the Balearic Islands. And now… we’re back! Thrilled to share the perfect gift from our sailing friends, the Gammarinos – custom shirts commemorating...
Anchors Up: A Bittersweet Farewell to Season One Aboard Kora
As we watched Kora being lifted out of the water on August 20th, marking exactly three months (92 days) of life on board, a swirl of emotions hit us. On one hand, the idea of heading back to land, reconnecting with family and friends, and indulging in the simple luxuries of a long, hot...
Packing Up Kora: A Bittersweet Goodbye
Well, we’ve arrived at Port Napoléon in France, and it’s time to pack up Kora for the season. The process of storing the boat is more than just a physical task; it’s a poignant reminder that our incredible adventure is coming to an end. We’re diving into a full-scale operation: scrubbing the entire exterior,...
Marseille, France: Our Final City Day in Europe
Our final day exploring a European city brought us to the vibrant and historic Marseille. This bustling port city, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, was the perfect place to end our European adventure. Having deliberately skipped the little tourist trains in other big cities, choosing to walk instead — see more, get...
Final Sail: Barcelona to Marseille – A Bittersweet Ending to an Incredible Season
As we set sail on our final passage from Barcelona to Marseille, the emotions were a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and a deep sense of accomplishment. It’s hard to believe that the first season aboard Kora has almost come to an end, and what a journey it has been! From the joy of sharing...