En France 46

 

"Wing Sailing is simple." The instructor explains, to his (largely) attentive, if slightly bemused, audience.

"Step onto your board, catch the wind with the inflatable wing sail, and off you go."

"There's a hydrofoil version too.For added adrenaline."

His pupils take to the water eagerly.

And are soon off, downwind. A chase boat recovering them to safety, if unable to regain ground to windward.

The wind is northerly, with a touch of east about it. A little off dead ahead, for Stargazer's next passage, up around the tip of Oleron. As the week progresses, not only do the tides come fully favourable, but the wind is forecast to veer, to north east or possibly fully easterly. Giving a fetch or maybe a reach.