Dandelion 24

 

Stargazer's mainsail (with the yellow ties around it) tops the 'repairs' stack, in the Cardinale-Nord loft. Their system is: the first half of the week is for new sails; the second half for repairs. 

The leech line has picked a 'good' moment to part. Few ports boast a walk-in sail loft. Let alone one a stone's throw from the pontoons. Such as is the case in Roscoff.

Proprietor, Gael Le Cleach, greets me within. An eerily familiar face, which I cannot, at first, place. He suggests (perceptively) that it will be easiest, to take the sail off, with the full length battens left in situ. For the southerly gale still rages. Offering that, if will I drop the sail onto Stargazer's deck, he will help me to carry it, like a roll of Vectran carpet, to his loft.

An hour later, we chat as we porter. The sail on our shoulders. I link name and face. Gael bears an unmistakeable family resemblence, to his brother, Armel Le Cleac'h. The legendary 'Chacal' (Jackal) of solo offshore racing fame. A relentless hunter of victory.

Two time Solo du Figaro champion, the 2016-2017 Vendee Globe winner and, presently, pilot of the ULTIM Banque Populaire Xl. His racing teeth cut, aboard the family 420 dinghy, here, in Morlaix Bay. Where he lives, to this day.

Picture Credits:

Gael Le Cleac'h courtesy of All Purpose Sails by Cardinale-Nord

Armel Le Cleac'h courtesy of Banque Populaire

Banque Populaire Xl courtsey of Arkea Ultim Challenge Brest