La Hirondelle 30

 

It is a birthday bash like no other. Seas cascade across Stargazer's foredeck. Sweeping aft as shimmering diamonds of sunlit spray, thrown high above her shoulder.

A constant roaring cataract of white water churns aft. 

As Stargazer heels to twenty five knots of breeze. The forecast lull elusive.

As exuberantly we romp across the swell.

In celebration of my birthday.

To seaward, Francois Gabart's newly modified ULTIM scorches past. Well reefed. Out on sea trials.

 Inshore lie green topped granite cliffs, dotted with whitewashed houses.

Stargazer holds as high to the wind as the offshore hazards will allow. On a close reach. Cutting the corner.

In order to minimise the number of tacks required, to beat down the Lorient channel and reach the Citadel. For the harbour entrance, which it guards, lies in the eye of the wind.

Boding well for the shelter on offer behind those tall sixteenth century walls. Within Port Louis.

 

Where a classic yacht festival transpires to be in full swing.