Summer Holidays

Stainless has been polished, cockpit cushions washed, fridge stocked with rosé, wooden floors vinegared, watermelon sliced...it can only mean one thing... it’s holiday time aboard Pacific Pearl; we’ve got guests!

George’s sister and family were on board last week and we had a gorgeous time circumnavigating Ibiza and Formentera. They spent a few days with us last year in Greece so we were hugely flattered they wanted to join us again! This sort of holiday is not for everyone- limited space, restricted water, the odd rolly night-  but, fortunately it can be one of the best... when the whole family is crammed together swimming, sailing and superyacht spotting all under the baking Spanish sun. It was so good to have them on board- they are brilliant company and always up for anything. Smiling even when we’re lurching side to side in a very uncomfortable sea!

Cousins hanging out in Formentera

And now, after a day turnaround, we have my sister, Emily, and her two children with us, back in the turquoise waters of Formentera! We spent the afternoon they arrived on Les Salinas, a beach in Ibiza my Dad and Aunt used to come to when they were in their early twenties. How cool were they?!! This is the Ibiza I expected, mojitos being sold on trays on a crowded beach of beautiful people dancing around with arms pounding the air! We could have got quite into this scene if we didn’t have 5 children to keep an eye on! 

It never ceases to amaze me how long the children can play in the water. Handstands, jumping waves, body surfing... hours and hours of happiness. The beach here, despite being chockablock with ridiculously tanned Mediterranean bodies, (and the odd nude) is absolutely gorgeous; sandy and shallow... children’s heaven.

It will be sad to say goodbye to all the cousins and lose the holiday vibe but it will be good to get the boat back to normal. It’s going to feel enormous... just like “The squash and the squeeze”...! I’m also looking forward to the end of August; goodbye to all the holiday tourists and charter boat madness... back to a bit more calmness and hopefully ice creams which don’t cost 5 euros each!

Holidays - when you want to be splashed by the sea!