Zen Again 27

 Stargazer drops anchor, in the (relatively) smooth water, behind La Dent reef. Before the hougue (Naploeonic fort), on Ile de Tatihou. Waiting for enough depth, to enter the shelter of the harbour. For she has shaved three hours off our expected passage time.

In Le Havre, Queen Mary ll had departed, with a pharaonic lowing of horns and spouting of water cannon.

Stargazer's departure is more understated. Loitering off the the harbour entrance, at the behest of Port Control, as a Panamax container ship is swung, end for end, within the confines of the channel. With the aid of two, deftly handled, tugs.

A 'night breeze' still holds sway. Adding some south, to the east of the gradient wind. Stargazer ghosts, wing on wing, north west. Off the rhumb line, but hoping to get into a stronger flow, north of Cap de la Heve.

The, sun powered, sea breeze begins to ruffle the cobalt blue water. Bringing the wind north of east. Stargazer hoists the cruising chute. Broad reaching west, along the rhumb line.

At a stately three to four knots, over the ground. For we are at the height of a spring tide. Which, at the moment, is running against us. The sea breeze builds steadily, from Stargazer's starboard quarter. I eat lunch, whilst the living is level and the motion is easy.

An hour later, Stargazer is foaming along, in twenty knots of breeze. Kite down, jib out, tide on the turn. In her element.

Making eight knots over the ground. Nine and ten, on the surfs. In a building swell.

Which, as well as swiftly carrying Stargazer to her destination, drives directly into the bay. At the head of which, shelter lies behind harbour walls.

My calculations say that, by 21.25 (CET), there will be enough water, for Stargazer to gain the lee, of the outer mole. We tip toe in, eyes on the depth gauge, as the sun sets. Beyond the breakwater,  the red and green lights, of the inner harbour entrance, beckon. A narrow vertical beam, of yellow light, appears between them. It broadens. The gates are opening early. Admitting Stargazer to the calm haven, of Saint Vaast la Hougue.