Episode 1: The Marmax Story Begins

Hola Everyone! 

Sorry for the late report; we have a major issue with getting wifi over here! I am currently aboard the good ship, M/Y Mystere Shadow in Port Forvm trying to get some correspondence out. Not possible to do either a video right now so you will all have to read through a blog.

Les and I flew via Singapore to Barcelona last Thursday to meet the beautiful yacht, Marmax and reunite with my sister, Glenys, brother-in-law, Bruce, niece, Janelle, my son, Nick, and his gorgeous Tash. Just thought I’d introduce that way as we have many people following us who are probably wondering how we all fit in! 

My sons and their girls work on the super yachts based over here, so how lucky was I that one of my sons is moored on the same marina as us in Barcelona! It has been a dream to catch up with these guys after so long away. The crews put on a welcome BBQ for us with good ol’ Aussie rock music in the background; kind of amusing to hear in the land where no one seems to speak our lingo. The Chorizo sausages of Spain...to die for!

A giant solar panel at Port Forvm!

The view from the water

What a magnificent sailing facility here!

Some of these yachts make your eyes water!!!

Check out the glorious marina we are in! Port Forvm is only a couple of minutes walk to everything we need. The metro transport system is also only 5 minutes away. First question our followers have asked…is it cold? Check out the photos below. 4 degrees at night to 14 degrees during the day, sunny and delightful! We have plenty of clothes, so as long as we dress appropriately, the days are terrific! 

First day here, we got a tour through the city of Barcelona with the kids. Oh WOW! I am in love with this place! Many of you will have been here before, but if you have not, put it on your bucket list. Astounding beauty, so much history in every road and wall, clean as a whistle. NZ and Australia have so much to learn about efficient transport and shopping! We walked 16 kms the first day just playing tourists in town. After years of coming in and out of Barcelona, the kids know the place inside out. What an experience for us virgin European travellers! The market fruit and veges here must be on steroids; they are HUGE! For those of you who know Les Marsh of Fishing Cairns and NZ...yes, he managed to blow off  NZ$1300 on the first shop!

Les found the one and only fishing shop!

Barcelona is just magnificent...everywhere

The beautiful streets of Barcelona

 Barcelona Market Fruit on steroids

On Monday, Glenys, Bruce and Janelle flew off to London for family reasons while Les, Nick, Tash and I flew to Italy for a half day, a night and a full day with my second son, Sam and his gorgeous girlfriend, Emily. Double WOW! So excited to be with at least 2 of my 4 sons and their girls! Sam is a Captain over here, but at present, Project Manager on a $50M, 65 metre new build in Italy for his Russian boss. We were very privileged to be invited by Sam and Em for a tiki tour aboard the new boat; as it is currently under tight security with 85 workers aboard and a hot new design under wraps. Obviously, no photos of the boat allowed. We visited the quaint town of Carrara where the famous Carrara marble comes from way up in the clouds! The township of Lucca was breathtaking. Another bucket list job for those who have not been here! Robyn and Davo...next time you come back to Italy, I'm coming with you!

Up in the mountains of Carrara

Two of my fantastic creations - Nick and Sam

The 8th century township of Lucca...wow, wow, wow!!!

  

Cheers to brother No. 4, way back in Australia. Happy 22nd Birthday Jett! Pizzas and beersies in Italy...why not?

Marmax has just come down from being on the hard with her mast currently being re-rigged for NZ Cat 1 insurance so she has been floating high on her waterlines with no fuel, water or mast in place. We fuelled up, topped her up with water and a thousand other jobs including endless shopping trips for food and storage containers for it all!

Sitting high in the water without fuel, water or the mast!

Fuelling for the big trip! (emptying Bruce's wallet)

    

Glenys and Janelle getting stuck into the shopping

Les loading

Finding room for everything!

Bruce and Les doing some winch maintenance

Another winter sunset at Port Forvm Marina

We are stepping the mast in the morning, sea trials out in the Mediterranean Sea, a farewell roast dinner aboard Mystere Shadow tomorrow night, and fingers crossed, Palma and Ibiza, here we come! Stay tuned, and from our family to yours, we do hope you are all going strong!

Adios from Debbie and the Marmax crew!