Episode 23: change course, not the dream
In our last episode, we left you in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône aboard the *Va de bon cœur*. Here we are, a few weeks and a few twists and turns later.
A well-considered decision
After careful consideration, we have decided to give up the *Va de bon cœur*. The boat – that magnificent cathedral – does not meet the requirements of our project and our crew. We’d like to extend our warmest thanks to Raymond for his trust, his hospitality and the time he devoted to us. The encounter remains a precious one, even if the adventure won’t be taking place on board her.
We’re setting off anyway
The decision to give up on a boat does not mean giving up on the trip. From 5 to 19 September, we’ll be together in Sardinia, setting sail from Carloforte on the island of San Pietro, aboard a 45-foot boat hired for the occasion.
Fifteen days that won’t be the Olbia–Sicily leg we’d imagined, but something we undoubtedly need even more: time. Time to sail together and get to grips with our roles on board, to test our organisation, our equipment and our routines. Time, too, to take stock of the project as a whole, get back on top of this blog which we’ve somewhat neglected, and make concrete plans for the rest of the journey. It’s a foundational stage.
The 2026 crew
This year, the crew is made up as follows:
Valérie, Dyna and Esther: they were already part of the adventure last year and ensure continuity.
Carinne and Danielle: last year’s shore team are leaving the quay to come on board.
Aline: our newcomer is joining us on board, taking over from Yvonne. A warm welcome to her, and a big thank you to Yvonne for everything she has contributed to the project.
Six women, one island, fifteen days. We can’t wait!
Behind the scenes, coming soon
What we’re telling you about here are the voyages themselves. But behind the scenes, there’s everything else: finding a boat, drawing up a budget, coordinating six different schedules, making decisions, giving things up, and starting again. Putting together a project like this is a real challenge, one that’s often invisible to outsiders.
We’d like to tell you about that too. That will be the focus of our next few articles: a look behind the scenes.
And to immerse yourself in the world of Ella and Hermine
Do the adventures of Miette and Kini inspire you?
Don’t miss the open-air exhibition in La Tour-de-Peilz showcasing their exploits on the lake and at sea!
Aboard the 6.50-metre Gipsy, the Le Havre Perlette one-design, the yawl Bonita and the pilot boat Atalante, they were the first women to sail as part of an all-female crew between 1922 and 1927, paving the way for other female sailors.
Even today, they continue to inspire us and fuel our dreams. Setting sail from Lake Geneva, then from Marseille, and travelling via Corsica, Sardinia and the Greek islands, they ceaselessly pushed their limits time and time again!
After the Bains des Pâquis, join them at the port of La Tour-de-Peilz for an open-air exhibition leading towards the Museum of Games and the men’s bathing area. On display until 29 September as part of the Vevey Images festival.
Exhibition by Carinne Bertola, organised by the “Dans le sillage de” association. With the support of the Ella Maillart and Jan Michalski Foundations, as well as the town of La Tour-de-Peilz.
And see you on 5 September in Carloforte!
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