Ok ok, so I totally titled this Yacht week for click bait! But… keep reading, there is a boat involved in this post. I promise.
So as I couldn’t run away to all the fun in the sun that is ‘Yacht Week’, I was pining for a sun, sea and maritime fix. Lucky for me I received an invitation to my beautiful cousins’ birthday party on her and her husbands boat. A little more Yacht Day then Yacht Week granted.
All aboard! It was time for some serious fun which involved old skool tunes, current ‘bangers’ and a lot of champagne.
We met up at the marina after lunch and people arrived slowly as the afternoon heated up. Merriment was overflowing, naturally. The champagne was chilled and the sushi was fresh. The ladies lounged on the sundeck and the gents talked driveshafts and other such nonsense on the flybridge.
The horn was sounded to signal that we were off. We clicked into gear and the engines growled to life. Off we went into the great blue yonder!
The south coast fell away into the distance and the sea grew deeper and greener.
Its only when I am on the water that I realise just how much I really love it. Being by, in or on the ocean is my happy place. It’s something about being an islander. We seem to have an affinity for the water. And the more coastal you are the stronger that affinity seems to be. Since moving from the coast, 25 miles inland, I realise how much I miss being by the Sea and the truly calming influence it has on me whenever I am near it.
We are so lucky to live on the South Coast of England. It really is beautiful. Dorset is particularly breathtaking, although I may be a little biased.
We arrived at our destination, a sheltered bay across from Old Harry Rocks in beautiful Dorset. Its a picturesque and sheltered bay where the countryside rolls into the ocean.
The anchor was dropped and the party commenced.
It wasn’t long before the frivolity spilled over into the water.
Inner mermaids were released. The battle for the paddle board commenced – Mermaids V Pirates whilst we took it in turns to keep watch for sharks!
None were spotted I’m relieved to report.
The water off the south coast is cool but comfortable in the summer months. On a still day it is clear and pleasant and the perfect setting for some water-based fun.
Mermaids won the paddle board battle. Naturally.
We eventually dried off our tails and gathered around to wish the beautiful birthday girl a very Happy Birthday.
The party continued on board and the merriment whipped up into a frenzy.
We even caught and initiated a stray mermaid!
Isn’t she beautiful!
The sun dipped behind the clouds and the evening started to draw in. It was time to head back to the mainland.
The captain made a check on her crew and we headed back home. Our veins overflowing with champagne and our hearts 2 sizes larger.
We changed into our land clothes once we were back in the marina and prepared for supper on dry land.
The birthday girl sported a very delicious pair of Velntino Rockstud shoes. A rather delectable birthday present. Aren’t they gorgeous!
Once back on Tera Firma we admired the last of the day light and walked to the restaurant in the old town.
If you should find yourself in Poole, head to the old town. It’s a bit ‘spit and sawdust’ along the Quay but the old town has a few nicer spots to eat and drink. During the day, opposite the Marina there are a few nice eateries, a delicatessen and a lovely hair salon and Spa at Robin James – although not a patch on my ‘Hair God’ whom you can find right here.
We arrived at our supper spot, a lovely hotel restaurant called Hotel Du Vin. As the name suggests they specialise in wines; the drinks menu is extensive and there is something for every taste and budget.
It’s tucked away along a side street and so is easy to miss. Ask a friendly local for directions if you get lost.
It is a beautiful Georgian town house over 4 floors. Elegant but relaxed is how it describes itself. The decor is comfortable and stylish with a nod to it’s nautical location. The original features have been retained and some are even the star of the show!
We perused the not so extensive food menu and continued our nautical themed day settling on fresh scallops and Moules Frites.
The Scallops had to be returned as they were disappointingly raw. The Moules were good, but nothing to get too excited about.
The restaurant has a lovely outdoor terrace where our group sat. The atmosphere is relaxed and perhaps a spot better suited for an intimate dinner date or night cap.
We sat under the festoon lights and wound down as the day drew to a close. It had been a heady mix of sea air, laughter and litres of Champagne.
We said our goodbyes and then made our way home; very jolly sailors indeed.
Amellia Mae
