Les Sables d'Olonne is a lovely town with an incredible sailing culture. Every other boat on the dock is a mini 6.50, a 20ft solo racing class that is prominent in Europe with a race across the Atlantic called the Mini Transat. Racing classes like this one, with smaller and more affordable boats, forms the roots for most of France's finest sailors.

Although I much prefer sitting at anchor in a picturesque and quiet bay, I have quickly learned just how nice being docked in a marina really is - a stark change from my attitude just a few months ago. Having access to unlimited electricity and water is certainly no small luxury, just as much as is to be able to take a nice hot shower every single morning or having the grocery store and bakery just right there whenever I have the need to go.

The break from the past week straight of sailing is welcome, and gives the chance to cross some much needed boat chores off the list. Some such chores include splicing anchor rope to the chain rode for both the spare and main anchors, and attaching pad eyes to the roof of the cockpit for hanging lines and fruit nets, cleaning the dinghy, and repairing the mainsail clew strap.