46:12.38N 01:22.11W
Spellbinder
Sat 30 Jun 2007 12:24
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Continuing unsettled weather kept us at La Rochelle
for Monday and Tuesday.Explored La Rochelle on Monday, and took a train trip on Tuesday to Rochefort, a beautiful town on the
River Charente which was developed in the 18th century as a naval dockyard to
rival Toulon. After a stroll around the town had lunch in the main square, and
then visited the Hermione, an 18th century frigate that is being built in the
old dock. Some 10 years in the making, using traditional materials and methods,
she should be ready to launch next year.
Sailed on Wednesday 17th, south towards Isle d'Aix,
eventually picking up a visitors mooring off the southern point. Ashore in the
dinghy to explore the little town inside the massive fortifications, where
Napoleon was lodged before his exile to St Helena. Ali thought it was good for
shopping, pretty shell based jewelry.In the afternoon sailed across to Fort
Boyard, where we picked up a visitors mooring for the night.
Gentle start the next morning in a light breeze
which allowed the first hoist of the genneker for this year , towards the bridge connecting La Rochelle to the Isle de Re.
Dropped the genneker shortly before the wind freshened up to 20knots, and sailed
under the bridge and round to St Martin.On to the arrivals pontoon, and found a
good berth in the harbour on the visitors section, joining half a dozen other
English yachts. All very friendly and sociable.Ashore for dinner on a terrace
overlooking the harbour on a lovely sunny evening.
Friday morning spent visiting the excellent market,
and touring the town with Ali, followed by lunch ashore before catching the bus
in to La Rochelle and on to the airport to bid a sad farewell to Ali. Picture of
her attached, together with her godfather.
Saturday is a domestic day, Henry up the mast to
amuse our neighbours, and various other jobs, while we await the arrival of Tim
Wright on Sunday.The we head for the Gironde, Port Medoc, and on to Arcachon,
hoping we are to the south of the depressions sweeping across the
UK.
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