Zen Again 50

 

The self sufficient spirit, of the Maquis (French WWll guerrilla forces), who successfully harried the nazi invader, from bases hidden amid the reefs of the Iles de Glenan, lives on. Post war, their small craft skills, knowledge of the coastline, and love of freedom, was channeled into the publication of the, seminal, Glenans Sailing Manual; and the foundation of the Glenans Sailing school.

The Manual and School espoused the, very Breton, attributes of democracy and independence. With the motto "school of sea; school of life." At a time when sailing was associated, in most minds, with the grand yachts of the nineteen thirties. Decks lined with paid hands, sporting white cotten-duck uniforms. 

The Glenans philosophy is that sailing is best kept simple. And is for everyone. Paimpol is the main Glenans base, in the north. Concarneau, eight nautical east of the Iles de Glenan, the southern hub. On Thursdays, the far ranging, fleet returns to port. On Fridays, boats are maintained. By Saturday, they are ready for new crew to embark.

This particular Saturday, the weather gods have decreed that the verdant glades, of the Summer Kingdom, be refreshed. By a fine, but penetrating mizzle. Of the kind also characteristic of the rugged Celtic fringes, of Kernow, Cymru and Eire.

The hardy and gregarious Glenans sailors are undeterred. Yet in no hurry to leave port. Meticulously rehearsing line handling, sail hoisting, fender setting, knot tying, and many other, skills. To their instructors' credit. But to Stargazer's skipper's frustration.

For Stargazer is boxed in. With less than a boat length, of aisle width, between her and the Glenans boats astern. A position from which I was hoping to extricate her. Whilst the wind is light. (Before it rises overnight). Further aided by the departure of the Glenans boats, which would create swinging room. 

In the end, only two, of my three wishes, are granted. A berth, easy to exit, in the anticipated brisk westerly breeze, becomes available. The wind remains light, albeit with gusts hinting at an earlier, than forecast, increase. But the fly in the ointment, is that four Glenans craft remain less than a boatlength astern. Diligently practicing drills.

 Stargazer shuffles herself into clear water. Backing and filling, in a ten, or fifteen, point arc. Holding the bow on a diagonal, with bursts of forward across the rudder. Reversing, as we approach the boats ahead. Nudging forward, once more, as those behind loom. Sidling out of the confines of the aisle, crab-wise. Free to ride the west wind.