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Matakana Blue - Day 9 Alderney



What a beautiful place.  We ducked the day walking tour and opted for an extra lie in.  After much debate I decided to blow up the tender which only leads to exhaustion and frustration as the outboard that worked fine 10 days ago fails to show any signs of life.  We water taxi ashore and the driver, having witnessed my pain offers to take a look at it.  


Back on dry land we are all amazed by the beauty and size  of settlement here taking a walk through the beautiful town before sheltering for lunch in a restaurant on the high Street. We follow one of the guided walks after lunch finishing up down on the beach just as the final rain shower passes through and clears quickly revealing azure blue skies.   The children take to the sea for a swim whilst Karen and I enjoyed a glass of rosé at the fabulous Braye Hotel. 


The flying sun umbrella that whizzed an inch past my right ear was an ominous sign of what was to come and the rising winds provide a dramatic backdrop to a nervous gathering at the final skippers briefing in the sailing club.  I recorded a steady 25 knots at 6 pm.  


The prize-giving dinner at The moorings is great fun with much banter, storytelling and discussion of ambitious plans for future cruising.  Claire is showing a reel of photos of the week that really capture how far we have all come and provide great memories.  Charlie leads the prize giving and the children are delighted to be recognised for their achievement of crossing the channel in their pyjamas. 


The passage home by water taxi is treacherous, waves are breaking over the harbour wall as we contemplate a very lumpy and noisy night aboard. The only joy being the star filled and cloudless sky above.


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