Guests on board

It is a rare thing to find vegetarian food in Morocco, so when the guidebook suggested a place within walking distance of our marina – we were off. Jan, from The Repose runs a restaurant and guest house in a stunning Riad that her and husband, Rachid have lovingly restored.

Of course, we got talking – and invited Jan and her three children, as well as Jan’s Mum, to visit Novara. It was such a joy to have them on board; Miriam (studying for her GCSEs), Anwar and Imam are all home schooled, so this was a change in the curriculum for the day.

Questions abounded – why are boats ‘she’? How fast does she go? Why the names Port and Starboard? Miriam was curious about latitudes and longitudes, Anwar wanted to know all about the engines and Imam took the helm. After the tour we enjoyed a delicious selection of pastries and coffee around the saloon table.

And then it was our turn to ask the questions of Jan. Where can we find a replacement computer charging cable, which supermarket is best, can she recommend somewhere to get knives sharpened?

I get a real joy from sharing Novara with people who are curious about her – it was a delight to have them on board. Who knows, maybe one day, they will join us sailing.