RETURN TO LA ROCHELLE
Aquila
Alan and Sarah Bennett
Tue 10 Jun 2014 09:10
Monday 9 June. Major overnight thunderstorms gave way to warm sunshine for breakfast; thereafter a ‘domestics’ morning in preparation for the lock opening at midday. We waited and watched with amusement as the predicted bun-fight of boats eager to be the first to exit played out; once outside, a gentle northerly wafted us towards the Isle de Re bridge. The only excitements were the skipper having to do a dive to prevent his hat from going over the side, Jill pretending to feel queasy (phot) and Bill catching a couple of Mackerel (phot)– unfortunately both were tiddlers, and so back into the sea they went.
Under our chosen arch (phot - we are getting blasé now about the mast’s clearance!), a goose-winged ghost then took us steadily to La Rochelle. The inner lock-in basin being full, we landed Bill and Jill to negotiate with M. L’Eclusier – a berth (of indeterminate depth) in the tidal basin being duly allocated. After a late lunch individual members pursued such activities as Egyptian PT, shopping or watching the world go by. A seafood dinner ashore, capped by a nightcap back on board and another airing of Detachment Fever (skipper’s word perfect now!) rounded off another stressful day at the office.
Crew change tomorrow - we will be delighted to see Tom and Hester joining us. But we will be very sorry to see Bill and Jill go; thank you for your bon homie, crewing skills, galley service, bon idee, the two bottles of delicious single malts, and above all, good company.
