PASSAGE TO ST MARTIN DE RE
Aquila
Alan and Sarah Bennett
Sun 8 Jun 2014 09:39
Friday 7 June. Tidal calculations indicated we could escape over St-Denis-d’Oleron’s sill at 0955, but had to make St Martin de Re by 1515 before its entrance lock closed if we were to achieve our aim for the day. An ‘early’ breakfast enabled the crew to hit the market as it opened – an unidentified type of fish was purchased for supper, and Bill is now sporting a new shirt, short and scarf. Out in the bay, our navigational track requrired a course dead to windward, but the NE3 and bright sunshine enabled us to enjoy the associated sparkling beat (phot. Excitingly for the skipper and to the relief of the crew's muscles, the new arrangement (for Aquila) of being able to bring the staysail with its integral inner-forestay back to the mast made the process of tacking simplicity itself. Maybe that mast-out operation over winter was worth it after all!
Safely under the high-span bridge linking Isle de Re to the mainland, we eased sheets and enjoyed a close reach towards our destination as the wind faded and eventually died. The iron topsail was thus called into service for the remaining two miles, and we slipped into the enchanting St Martin de Re with ample time to spare (phot of house in sun). Not so for a couple of lads posing in a powerboat; as we enjoyed a late and leisurely lunch alongside, their body language said it all as they came round the corner 30 minutes after the advertised lock gate closing time to find it very firmly shut. Not a happy pair of bunnies; but we did learn some new gesticulations!
Pleased to report that we are all still alive after enjoying that unidentified fish for supper. Phots of crew posing in various attire - we are not suffering! Strolling ashore afterwards, we secured a nightcap aboard ‘Niobe’, skippered by an old ILLUSTRIOUS shipmate of Wiggy’s. Thank you Tony; it’s a small world…..
