S2.16 - Preparing Lucky Enough for the Atlantic: The Big Canet-en-Rousillion Maintenance Stop
Aug 22 – Sunset Sailing with Purpose
Happy to be sailing off into the sunset once again with just the two of us, we set out on a 30 NM hop to anchor at Plage de la Franqui, Leucate. It would be an early night, but not too early to capture yet another unique sunset.
Sunset in Leucate which sits between the warm Mediterranean Sea and the Lagoon Étang de Leucate.
This time, though, there was a sense of urgency. With weather on its way, and our Atlantic crossing fast approaching, we were now on a mission to get to Canet-en-Roussillon. There, we had a haul-out scheduled and a dedicated Privilège maintenance team coming in all the way from Les Sables d’Olonne, France. Their task? A critical round of upgrades and warranty work—including installing hardware for Lucky Enough’s brand-new parasailor. Now we just need to learn to fly it!
Aug 23–25 – Ferris Wheels and Flu Symptoms
As we sailed further west along the Mediterranean coast, one odd detail kept catching our eye—ferris wheels. It seemed every seaside town had one. A quick Google search confirmed they’re called “Grandes Roues”, touring attractions that pop up for summer festivals along the French Riviera.
One of many Ferris Wheels along the coast
We arrived at Canet-en-Roussillon just ahead of a few big blows—perfect timing to be safe in the marina. The town itself is a bustling tourist hub near Perpignan, a place we’d soon get very familiar with while chasing down parts, equipment, and provisions.
Unfortunately, Ryan was coming down fast with the flu, so we prioritized the to-do list, grabbed a rental car, and hunkered down.
Speaking of Rental Cars… This photo proves that Ryan has officially mastered the art of parallel parking in Europe’s impossibly tiny spaces. Somehow, he managed to wedge our rental car into this spot with millimeters to spare between a van and a truck.
Parking Olympics!
Honestly, there should be an award ceremony for this level of precision! 🏅🚗
Aug 26 – Haul-Out Day
Haul-out day went smoothly thanks to the marina manager and his capable crew.
Lucky Enough getting lifted from the water for her big maintenance stop in Canet-en-Roussillon. Always amazing to see 25 tons of catamaran hanging in the slings like it’s nothing!
Within 30 minutes, Lucky Enough was on the hard, her hull being pressure washed while Jean-Michel and his Privilège team (Sebastien and Nicolas) safeguarded our floors for the weeks of work ahead.
We did notice a growing crack on the front Starboard hull, but thankfully it appeared cosmetic—no water intrusion into the hull. Still, it was unnerving to see.
Turns out, it was just the gel-coat that had cracked, so it was a relatively easy fix.
Aug 27 – Sept 5 – The Maintenance Marathon
The Privilège team deserves medals. Every day, rain or shine, they showed up at 6:00 am and worked straight through to 6:00 pm with only an hour for lunch. Always smiling, always professional—they were a joy to have aboard.
The maintenance list was long (too long to list fully), but here are some highlights:
Bilge pump alarms tested, AC serviced
Rigging checked and hardware inspected
Ryan, Nico and Jean-Michel inspecting rigging
Main Hallyard Soft Shackle Block
Preventive maintenance and throttle lubrication on Ugh (our dinghy)
…and deep cleaning
Watermaker upgrade with controls moved up to the salon chart table (no more trips to the engine room every time we fill tanks!). GAME CHANGER!!
Anchor chain cleaned and windless sensor replaced
Anchor chains washed while windless sensor is replaced
Galley sink drain fixed, toilets and shower drains adjusted
Nico, still young enough to be a contortionist, craft fully maneuvers himself wherever needed to get the job done.
Installation of a 220V plug for fender inflating
Bubbles in Flexiteek smoothed out, and bow gel coat repaired
Sebastian’s feet dangling from the roof top
Swim ladder repaired
Jean-Michel, Seb, Nico and Ryan working on swim ladder
Bottom job complete with fresh anti-fouling and new sacrificial anodes (you can see before / after pics below):
Before…
Painting new water line
After…
Most importantly, the parasailer hardware was installed. With the enormous loads that sail generates, this was non-negotiable work—and we were grateful it was handled by Jean-Michel, the man who knows the Privilège 510 better than anyone.
If you zoom in, you will see Jean-Michel under a make-shift tarp installing rigging for the parasailor in the rain
Meanwhile, our boatyard neighbor—a once-stunning Privilège 750—rested sadly on its stilts. Word was its mast had snapped and speared through the hull, sinking the boat. It had been salvaged but left abandoned, a haunting sight for anyone in love with these beautiful yachts.
Recovered sunken Privilège 750
Sept 6–9 – Back in the Water (and Sick Bay)
By September 6, under the watchful eye of the manager’s dog, Lucky Enough was back in the water.
Lowering Lucky Enough where she belongs.
We managed our first med-mooring at the dock with a mooring ball (instead of slime lines) and said our goodbyes to Jean-Michel and his team.
Unfortunately, by then both Ryan and I were down with the flu. In fact, Ryan’s symptoms were hanging on so long that he went to see a doctor in Perpignan just to rule out pneumonia. For a mere €29.41, he received amazing care, several tests, and a clear confirmation that it was indeed just a lingering flu. Thorough, professional, and inexpensive—we were seriously impressed with the French healthcare system.
Stocked up on our favorite French potato chips (Brets) and caramel-flavored cough syrup (Humex), we surrendered to rest.
We did rally long enough to enjoy an amazing meal at Brutus Cave à Viandes, a local restaurant famous for its steak and duck—a must-stop if you ever find yourself in Canet-en-Roussillon.
Note: Whatever you do, don’t ask for ketchup on your first visit—it’s strictly forbidden until you’ve tried their fries as they are. Trust us, the French really do know how to make fries! 🍟🇫🇷
Sept 10–13 – Cannes Boat Show (Kleenex in Hand)
Next up was the Cannes Boat Show. With Lucky Enough secured at the dock, we packed the rental car with tissues, cough syrup, and a lot of optimism, and drove 4.5 hours east to Cannes basically retracing our steps (passing Marseille, Toulon. St. Tropez, Fréjus) that we had just done by boat. Ryan walked the show, while I sadly mostly stayed in bed sniffling, but we did connect with Brendan, Theo, and their PPF group from South Africa for a drink and worked on the contract for our new 650 - Lucky Stars. No pics of this event sorry.
Sept 14–17 – Reinforcements Arrive
We were thrilled to welcome Byron back onboard. If you’ve been following since Season 1, you’ll remember he taught us how to sail. Now he was joining us as an extra hand for final preparations for the Atlantic crossing. Having two captains aboard for that journey brings a lot of peace of mind.
Despite lingering flu symptoms, the final prep days were full throttle:
Inventory
Multiple grocery hauls (dry goods, meat, fresh produce, bread, and yes, wine)
Propane refills (always an adventure abroad)
Sticky task notes tackled one by one
Exterior cleaning and detailing
Here’s a shot of Byron being hauled up the mast to give everything a thorough inspection. From lights and antennas at the very top, to rigging checks and fittings along the way, it’s all part of making sure Lucky Enough is in top shape before our Atlantic crossing.
It’s a bird’s-eye view up there—just don’t look down!
By September 17, Lucky Enough gleamed, stocked with provisions, sealed meats, and cases of French wine. With Ryan and I feeling better, Byron back onboard and her systems tweaked and upgraded, “she” and we were ready for the next leg of the journey.