First of all the 5 Terres in June 2018, a delight of deserted anchorages in front of these jewels that are Vernazza, Sestri Levante… with superb hikes between the villages.
Then a month of August to cross the French Riviera between Porquerolles and the Italian border with the arrivals and departures of the whole family.
We particularly appreciate the boat’s autonomy, which allows us to do without the ports that are not very available in August. Another major asset of the NEEL 51, the sun-deck for aperitifs at sunset, widely appreciated by the crew !
After the Cannes Boat show in September 2018, direction Capraia, the island of Elba then descent to the Pontines and the Amalfi coast, almost alone at this time with all the
advantages of summer without the crowd! Then climbed up through Sardinia (only to Calla di Volpe) with in addition some bonito and dolphinfish at the end of the fishing line (and yes
now there are some in the Mediterranean!)
What about the boat?
- There was a lot of light airs in the Mediterranean but we were still sailing under sail in 3 to 4 knots of wind at about the same speed while around us the sails were furled… we even got some close-ups to check if we weren’t using the Volvo breeze!
- The steering line changes me from the hydraulics of my previous catamaran; in fact we find the same sensations as the monohull… even if we entrust it most of the time to the pilot!
- The Cockloon initiated on the 51 is well thought out; the bay windows disappear completely, the layout of the different zones is optimal: chart table with perfect vision under the sails, closed kitchen with vast work surfaces, several straight benches allowing as many nap stations or even at night in extra…
- I was doubtful on the sun-deck and in fact on the one hand it does not interfere with the manoeuvres around the boom and on the other hand it is usable even when sailing, the boom passing 20 cm above the heads. At anchor it is a very busy place, especially as it is spacious.
- Finally the magic central hold; no more contortions, we have all the technique at hand and a great storage capacity.
Of course some finishing touches and tweaks are needed to adapt the boat to the way we sail and make it evolve but the shypyard is listening; it’s the most of an SME!
Forwards this year, to Greece and Turkey.
Download testimonie (pdf)