Continuing on with our 'Cruising in Company' column, Craig and Donna, the lovely owners of a new Nautitech 40 Open called 'La Luna', have shared their journey so far of picking up their new boat and cruising to Lagos. If you are interested in saving time and money on your new boat with a European delivery, get in touch with us! Read on of their exciting story...
"The emotions are hard to describe. Seeing our beautiful new Nautitech 40 Open, standing at the front of the Nautitech Factory in Rochefort, France, was a -stop your heart- moment. Ordered sight unseen over 18 months earlier during COVID lockdowns, this was the final day of the working year before French Summer Holidays. Our vessel was the last one off the line, just a few days past the original delivery date. Ensign Yachts had supported us with personal assistance and advice all the way; now here we were, living in our own dream!
Above: First night on board La Luna
After rigging, sea trials and commissioning, we began training for a few days with our French skipper, Capitaine Pierre, who introduced us to the workings of our boat, exploring from the bilges to the masthead and helping us learn to sail our sleek machine. We marvelled at the nimble handing of our 40 and loved feeling the surge of power and speed as the gennaker set, accelerating us past 10 knots in a blink. Along with the performance also came luxury finishes and inclusions — all beautifully constructed, elegant and stylish. This was truly a boat to be proud of.
A month in gorgeous La Rochelle whizzed past and it was time to go. We were ready. So was La Luna. Crossing the Bay of Biscay was a milestone and waiting for us on the other side was the North Coast of Spain. Unexpectedly green - with rolling hills, picturesque small harbours and quiet anchorages - we were amazed by the sea-life and awe inspiring coastal cliffs. It would have been easy to spend a season there, but La Luna was on a mission to get to Lagos - her Winter stop in Portugal.
Above: Rounding Cape Vincent and anchoring in Spain
Day sailing down the Portugese Coast, La Luna easily travelled the average 60nm days between harbours, visiting Porto, Lisbon and other destinations along the way. Rounding Cape St Vincent, a forbidding wind-swept cliff scape, brought us to the end of our 1100 mile Atlantic voyage and into protected waters. As Winter approaches, La Luna will be safe in beautiful Lagos until we return from packing up our Brisbane home, downsizing to two bags, and flying back on one way tickets to head for the Med, early in 2023.
You are welcome to follow us along on Instagram at (Sailing La Luna)"
