I really don't know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it's because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it's because we all came from the sea. And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from whence we came.

[Remarks at the Dinner for the America's Cup Crews, September 14 1962]” ― John F. Kennedy

It was a perfect day to officially open my holiday season and have the first bath. The boat sailed from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino with fabulous views of the famous coastline. It has always surprised me how the small fishing village of Portofino has become so famous worldwide. Maupassant moored his yacht Bell Ami there in 1880 when the village was still isolated and reachable only by boat. But what contributed in making Portofino really famous, was a viral song of the 60s Love In Portofino sang in 3 languages English, Italian & French by Dalida, which is so romantic if you think about it. A small picturesque village becoming a holiday destination for the royal families of Europe and Hollywood movie stars because of a love song.

Take 5 girls, put them in a sailing boat and see if they still will be still friends at the end of the trip. Things happen when you have limited personal space and nowhere to escape. But add some Veuve Clicquot Rich Champagne bottles, a good looking barman, the beautiful views of Portofino's coast and everyone will have a great time. Lucia, Vicky, Alice & Anna are the right type of people to have on a boat trip, they are fun and most importantly know how to cook so on a sailing holiday with them I wouldn't be left eating the bell peppers from my finished glass of Clicquot Rich.

We all found love in Portofino. Love for the beauty that Liguria coast has to offer, love for the crystal clear blue sea, love for the amazing lunch at Hotel Spendido's Chiflay Restaurant and as in every celebration of love we had champagne glasses in our hands, toasting to beauty.