Cassis has a strict evacuation time, so we didn't delay, and were off by 10.30, giving way to a tripper boat whilst still in the confined port area, we pulled out into what looked like water level mist, but no... Smoke on the water!
We're aiming for La Pointe-Rouge, but having tried the phone number in the pilot a couple of times with no luck, J is forced to use the (hated) VHF to raise a response from the port - but still nada?! They could be on lunch break of course. Odd, but we decide to go for it, and pull in at the fuel quay at 12.45, with A tieing up while J hot-foots it to the capitainerie - the fuel guy has been very specific on the short duration of stay he'll allow us for not buying his product.
And short duration works, as they haven't a single space to offer us, and were caught with the nautical equivalent of their pants down - their VHF had been switched off! With a sailing regatta breezing through we were once again stymied in our planning, but they were helpful in suggesting alternatives, and we set off again with numbers to call.
The modern structures somehow fit with the ancient originals, and we're looking forward to staying - yep, you guessed it, there's a mistral coming through, and by 14.25 we were moored up on the 'quai d'accueil' in the Old Port in Marseille.
Although works are underway to renovate the quay side and nearby road, we seem to be far enough away that the noise doesn't disturb, and even the passing ferries are so respectful of the speed limit that they leave little wake. The same cannot be said for the divers in their RIB, who set us off on a rock n roll ride which seemed endless.
There are a surprising number of English & Irish pubs at the quayside - even compared to Cannes - and we were directed to a park for the hound, where she found not only grass and greenery, but friends and an improvised swimming spot to boot. Finally she's happy!
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