Mind the Gap

 

The surf rolls onto the beach, in the outer harbour. Our spell, of north easterly force seven winds, has extended its stay - beyond the forty eight hours originally forecast..

The Border Force believe that the weather is set in too. Aramis is joined by first one cutter. . . .

. . . . and then another. The crews are stood down, ashore. The weather will keep migrant crossings at bay for another day or two.

It is often the way, that a forecast weather window closes. The current blow continues and a full gale, force eight, is now predicted to come in, from the south west, on Wednesday afternoon. Between the two, Stargazer has a hundred or so miles to cover, in order to reach the Medway. There are also some complicated tides to juggle. We are coming up to springs. An ally for a fast passage, but a strict master too. Dictating departure and arrival times. We must keep a close eye, on our moving gap in the weather, to be sure not to miss it.

In the shadow of the old town walls, a group of protesters approach a police line. They march, banners held high, up a sun filled Grande Rue.

They halt before the steps of the Sous Prefecture (Local Government offices). A speaker mounts the podium. Her notes held before her by a colleague. Flanked by standard bearers.

She speaks of an economic gap in society. The damage done by the Covid response measures. Of groups treated as if they do not matter. Berates Macron. Today has been nominated a national day of action, by The CGI (French TUC), to highlight social injustice and to call for policy change.

The crowd listens attentively. But the group is small, almost outnumbered by the police manning the road block. The rhythm and metre Boulogne's daily life continues undisturbed. Traffic flowing along parallel streets.

Back at the port, an American flagged catamaran has joined Stargazer. A couple, and their dog, are flying south, with their new boat - before the north wind. Bound for a Christmas in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, the northbound boats wait patiently, for their gap in the weather.