But if nowadays we crave isolation, for thousands of years previously communities were searching for means of connection with other settlements, a long way away. The first people to try and address the problem were the Greeks who devised coded torch systems to send specific letters or messages over long distances. But it wasn’t until the middle ages that watchtowers across Europe and the Mediterranean, like the Genoese towers in Corsica, using fire and smoke for warnings They could only convey very simple information such as “enemy sighted”.

Initially we chose four things to spend money on, to make the cruising we intended to do, more enjoyable. In this video we explain what we have done and try to provide the rationale around our choices.

MATILDA’s shakedown passage from Le Lavandou to Corsica in 20-30 knots. Loving and learning along the way.