Mathieu Morel invites you aboard
Célesteis forty
Alba is dressed in signal flags. They spell her name.
Mathieu invites you aboard Alba
turns forty, at sea
Saturday, 19 June 2027 · Antibes
Come aboard
A note from the quay
For forty summers Céleste has watched the classic yachts slip out of Antibes and said: one day, I’ll spend my birthday on one of those.
This June she will. I’ve chartered Alba, a 1934 mahogany sloop, for one long afternoon: out around the cape, dinner at anchor off the Lérins islands as the sun goes down, and a slow sail home under the harbour lights.
She would love to have you aboard. No gifts, please. Your company is the present.
With love,Mathieu
Where to board
Berth14
Quai Henri Rambaud
Port Vauban · Antibes, France
- Boarding3:30 pm
- Cast off4:00 pm
- Ashore9:30 pm
Look for the varnished hull and the flags. Our skipper, Paolo, will meet you at the gangway.
Open in MapsThe course
A Saturday afternoon at sea
- Welcome aboardLemonade and a patch of shade on the aft deck.
- Cast offOut past Fort Carré; sails up off the cape.
- At anchor off Sainte-MargueriteDinner on deck in the sheltered channel as the sun sets behind the Esterel.
- Cake for CélesteForty candles, if the breeze allows.
- The sail homeUnder the first stars, with the fort lit up ahead.
- Back at the quayBerth 14, and goodnight.
On deck
What to wear
Riviera linen in white, cream and navy. Covered shoulders and easy, flowing sleeves: elegant, modest, and comfortable on a deck that moves.
Soft, flat solesNo heels on the teak. A basket waits at the gangway.
A hat for the sunThe afternoon on the water is bright.
A warm layerThe breeze turns cool after sunset.
Ship’s notes
We cast off at 4:00 pm sharpThe harbour gives us one slot to leave Port Vauban. Please be aboard by 3:45 pm.
Safety first, then cakeAlba sails with a crew of three and a life jacket for every guest. Paolo briefs us before we leave.
Travel lightSoft bags only; space below deck is small. The channel is sheltered and calm, and there is ginger aboard for anyone who feels the sea.
Fair winds. We’ll see you at the quay.
Mathieu & Céleste