The Crew
Eric and Armelle sail Melody together. With ASA certifications and thousands of miles of offshore experience, the crew brings a mix of technical skill and genuine love for the sea.
This blog is as much a personal journal as it is a practical resource — sharing the realities of long-distance sailing, the beauty of the places visited, and the knowledge gained along the way.
The Voyage
Melody is embarking on a three-year voyage from La Rochelle, France to the East Coast of the United States. The first leg begins in summer 2026 — down the Atlantic coast of Iberia, through the Strait of Gibraltar, and into the Mediterranean. From there, we'll spend time exploring the Med before eventually crossing the Atlantic westward to the US.
This website documents the entire journey — from planning and preparation to the daily blog of life at sea, port guides, and the lessons learned along the way.
The Boat
Melody is a Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 — a modern cruising catamaran designed for long-distance comfort and performance. At 45 feet with a beam of nearly 25 feet, she offers remarkable stability, spacious living areas, and the ability to anchor in shallow waters that monohulls can only dream of.
