All is well In Brest

Akarana
Graham Deegan
Thu 9 Jun 2011 18:06
48:22.63N 4:29.34W
After Piers left us we still had about 200 miles to sail in order to catch up with him. We did hear, however, that Piers had apendicitis and that he would be in the operating theatre on Wednesday. Much to our relief, he was going to be OK.
Piers' wife Kimmy was on her way with Jo Richards from the Isle of Wight and daughter Emily was on her way from Rouen where she works.
Jo Richards had decided to join Akarana for the last leg of the journey because he had heard about the superb cuisine on board.
We all met for dinner that evening to celebrate Piers' successful operation and his birthday.... Happy Birthday Piers... we all hope you enjoyed the Helicopter ride birthday present.
Dinner was in the busiest restaurant on the quay near to the marina... "Le Crabe Marteau" The whole restaurant was full of locals with bibs on wielding mallets and smashing crab limbs. Spider crab was the dish of the day served with Oysters or Crevettes. If ever any of our readers get to Brest.... www.crabemarteau.fr is the place.
Today, after a good and well deserved sleep, a few boat jobs and some shopping we met again for lunch to learn from Kimmy that Piers will be out and on his way home Friday / Saturday.
This afternoon we met the Pilot, Frank, Winchman, Cat, and Diver, Guy, from the helicopter of the Marine Nationale. We returned their equipment and they presented us with wine, videos and pictures. This was a very heart warming meeting for all. The French helicopter team because it was the furthest (190 Miles) and highest rescue (because of the Akarana mast) they had done, and because we were only the second boat crew that they had ever met who had been the subject of their mission. We were very pleased to meet them in order to thank them for their skills and courage, and for helping us and Piers with a situation that could have turned out very differently. Thank You Marine Nationale and Falmouth Coastguard.

Tonight we sail for Cowes....
The Prof

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