life in Brittany
Yellsound of Lerwick
stuart and linda byron
Tue 8 Sep 2009 16:48
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Writing this in the cool of the cabin whilst Linda
is on deck reading in 26 degrees and soaking in the late afternoon sun. sure
beats enduring the gales currently beating the Scottish west coast . In fact
since we left Oban some 5 weeks ago, we have only had about two days rain so
have been very fortunate.
We never expected to be in Brittany as the cruise
down Portugese coast was planned for September with the crossing to Canaries in
October and onward to Carribean for Christmas. However, the reality
is that neither Linda or I feel sufficiently motivated or indeed have the
physical or mental strength to endure the long sea passages that are
entailed. This coupled with the uncertainty relative to Stuart's Hospital
project mean that we should remain in reasonable close proximioty to the
UK.
The trip here to Brittany with the experienced
sailors of the two Mikes,Suzy and Sam on board just reinforced our own
limitations. However Yellsound was impeccable and with its new inner
staysail and smooth bottom was able to point higher and maintain way in
uncomfortable seas. So we think Coastal cruising and the 60 mile passages more
our scene with the occasional overnighter.
Mike and Suzy left us after a week here and
returned to the UK and last Saturday, Sammy returned to london to be with her
Mike. It was a pity that in Sams final week, we were not able to sail as much as
we liked due to the high winds materialising as another of the Atlantic lows
swept in. Time was well spentt ashore in Camaret with clifftop walks, viewing
the German defences around the Brest estuary and visiting the Merchant Navy
Museum, a joint French USA and UK facility. Sam and Stuart also
stripped and serviced the Windlass which had become clogged with
solidified grease and dirt. Works a dream now.
Since Sam left, the weather has been fantastic with
light winds force 2-4 and we have been cruising the Rade de Brest visiting
Le Fret, the River Aulne and last night the Moulin Blanc Marina
in Brest. This Marina and harbour area is undergoing a major transformation with
new promenades, restaurants and Marina facilities.
Wintering here is an option as Airport is only
20 minutes away and Ryanair are offering flights at 5 euros without taxes-
seems too good to be true. Marina fees similar to UK. now that pound
has devalued against the Euro. On Sunday, we celebrated LInda's birthday at
a lovely anchorage in the River Aulne and whilst we missed Sam, we did enjoy the
peace and solitude of tree lined shores and smooth mirror glass water
- reminded us of chilling out at Lochaline.
Forecast weather for next few days is less settled
so not sure yet if we will continue cruising the Rade, leave the Rade
de Brest for Douarnez, or remain here and visit Brest city centre
.
regards to everyone.. Stuart and Linda
x
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