We finished the handover process after three days of sailing and 2 days of system tests and instruction. Outremer is very thorough when they hand over a boat to a new owner, and we found the whole experience to be really well managed and very valuable. We learned a lot about how to sail and operate Wildling, and the Outremer team were with us the whole time to adjust and fix any little issues that came up.

The most important were the sailing sessions where we went out on 3 different days with Jean-Pierre, who is not only an expert sailor, but also a great instructor! He gave us many helpful tips about handling the boat in different situations with a big focus on keeping the boat and everyone on board safe.

Sailing under main and jib, and getting ready to hoist the Code-D gennaker. You can see the Code-D sailbag on the trampoline.

We practiced all the basic maneuvers, tacking, jibing, reefing, and sailing with the Code-D and Code-0 headsails. We also practiced a man overboard drill when Jean-Pierre launched one of our fenders over the side and shouted out “man overboard” catching us all by surprise while we were sailing along under full main and Code-0.

Using the jib to blanket the Code-D makes it easier to unfurl. Once the gennaker is up, we furl the jib.

The Code-D is a cross between a gennaker and an asymmetric spinnaker, but it furls and is controlled with sheets like a gennaker so it’s easier to handle.

We were very lucky with the weather, because we got to sail in all kinds of conditions, from 30+ knots of wind on Friday to 8 to 10 knots on Tuesday, which gave us the opportunity to test out all the sails.

Lindsay taking a break from the sailing maneuvers to enjoy the view!

Gavin stacking the mainsail.

Each time we left and returned to the marina we did some port maneuvers and docking, which was good because Wildling is a bit bigger than our last boat, so we have to adjust to the different distances.

Back at the dock after sailing. The boats stack in pretty close togehter in the marina, so you need to use fenders to pivot in and out of the slip.

Our bed and bath linens arrived from Analu, and they look great! Lindsay and Donkey put the finishing touches on the master cabin.

And Gavin helped Donkey make up Lindsay’s bed

In between sailing sessions we had mechanical and electrical systems instruction from the Outremer after sales person, and electronic systems training from Pochon, the company that installed the instruments, navigation and communication systems. They answered all my questions, and took a lot of care to make sure we understood everything.

This is how it feels to go sailing again after many months of waiting.

Today we’re sailing with the Code-0. Jean-Pierre and I are getting ready to raise the sail.

Unfurling the Code 0.

Small girl, big sail!

The Code-0 is an upwind sail so it’s cut flat, and has to handle a lot of force, which requires a very strong and light sailcloth. Wildling’s Code-0 is made of Kevlar.

Watching the sea go by just never gets old!

Now the handover is complete, we’re finishing up provisioning and getting all the things we need to live aboard for the next couple of weeks. Our plan is to leave on the weekend to head over to Marseille for a few days before we continue East.