By dawn, the forecast has changed. It is to be a day of light airs. With the prospect of a sea breeze, by mid morning. With much tidal assistance available, and only thirty five nautical miles to cover, Stargazer sets sail.
Taking the opportunity to explore the fringes, of the reefscape, off Portsall. Usually beset by breaking swell. But, this morning, approachable close up.
As is Le Four light. Dark and forbidding. Silhouetted against the morning sun. The jagged crags, which it guards, jutting through the smooth innocent seas which, today, lie beyond.
The breeze is still light, as Stargazer enters the Chenal du Four. But its tide lends us speed.
Bearing us south, past Le Conquet. With kinks in our course, as it swirls and eddies. Tugging Stargazer hither and thither,
The sea breeze arrives. Speed over the ground rises to eight knots. Stargazer making almost as much speed sideways, as she is forwards.
As we angle in, beneath the Pointe de Saint Mathieu. Across the run of the tide, in the Chenal du Four. To pick up the Brest flood.
Broad reaching fast, into Camaret. Where the rufous Vauban tower stands above the beach, the long low church beside it; and boats lie peacefully at anchor. Sheltered by a multicoloured, granite buttress.
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