Baie des milliardaires

Yesterday the Copains des Pointus d'Antibes were doing one of the things they were set up for, namely providing boating experience for kids who are having trouble fitting in. It was a trial run, with one social worker and just one delinquent. Both the social worker and the delinquent were good company, and the only way to tell them apart (both were wearing shades and leather jackets) was that the youngster was wearing a hoodie... with attitude.

After an initial problem with the boat's batteries, we fuelled up at the marine service station and headed for the Anse de l'argent faux, otherwise known as the Baie des milliardaires. The weather was really nice, with sunshine on the cactus-covered cliffs and a nice sparkle in the barely ruffled sea. We anchored close in, giving a quick pulse of reverse to get the anchor to bite. Not a good idea, as the inflatable was on a long line, and the painter caught around the propeller.

Who was going to brave the water to go down and unwrap the propeller? Nobody sounded keen, not even the delinquent. For once I had an almost good idea. I spotted some snorkel divers hunting for fish off the rocks. They were hailed and did the business with aplomb, using the kind of diving knives which inspire respect. Luckily, they had put the safety catches on their lethal-looking harpoon guns.

Once this local bother had been solved, we set to enjoying a picnic of chicken, baguette, crisps and (this being the Copains after all) no trace of either salad or fruit.

The journey back, with the sun behind us and the greenery of the Cap d'Antibes lit up by the scarlet pokers of agave flowers, was a treat for millionaires. The youngster couldn't wait to get back to his pals, however, as there were probably more interesting things to smoke than the regular cigarettes he had lit up on the boat (and had been polite enough to offer around). None of our business, and certainly not part of the programme of the Copains des Pointus. Still, he was adroit and helpful when mooring the boat back at the quay.

Some more of his ilk are going to come, next month, to help scrape barnacles off the hull and repaint it. It should be an agreeable learning experience all round.