Dandelion 88

 

The Friday evening warm up, for a weekend of waterborne frolics, turns out to be the 'main event.' For the working citizens of Brest.

As a roving weather system sweeps in from the Atlantic, on Saturday. To stir up the weather pot, for a day or two. Confirming the wisdom of Stargazer sailing north, so early in the season.

Stargazer is snugged down. Astern of a German flagged sixty footer, bound south, for a Christmas crossing to the Caribbean. Once repairs can be made to her keel lift hydraulics.

Looking out from her deck saloon, we piece together the story, of an Orca attack, "off Le Guilvinec." A fishing port only five miles from Loctudy. On the same day that Stargazer sailed from Loctudy to Brest.

It turns out that PieterJan (red dot) was sailing thirty miles west of Stargazer's track (yellow line). In between one hundred and a thousand meters of water. Whilst Stargazer was in twenty to fifty meters. (Twenty meters, or less, is considered 'safe' from Orca attack). When two juvenile Orca are reported to have damaged her rudder and disabled her steering linkage.

The Cruising Association has been recording attacks since 2022. Happily they are rare in Biscay and the Western Approaches. An eastern 'boundary' appears to lie between the one and two hundred meter depth contour. A factor to take into account, in Stargazer's future passage plans.

Outside, it is a day for completing tasks which require getting wet anyway.

Perhaps dashing out, suitably clad, in the brief lulls, for a spot of 'peche a pied.' Or for the daily visit to the boulangerie.

Credits

PieterJan attack headline screenshot courtesy of Le Telegramme

PieterJan attack location screenshot courtesy of  GT Orca Atlantica

Cruising Association Orca Reports screenshot courtesy of the Cruising Association.