Stargazer has, not one, but two AIS buddies today. One, we follow out of Concarneau. The other, pursues us into Lorient.
The sun is just risen, and the breeze is barely stirring, as Stargazer sets sail.
Hull down, on the horizon, a large white asymetric spinnaker is travelling at improbable speed, for the conditions. Charlie Dalin is at light airs practice. Making eight to ten knots.
Out of my sight, but visible on Stargazer’s AIS, Rosalin Kuiper (newly appointed skipper, of Holcim PRB, for the 2028 Vendee Globe) sails alongside. The 2024 victor, perhaps, helping the 2028 hopeful to hone her race skills.
Meanwhile, Stargazer's, more modestly sized, asymetric ekes three knots from the zephyrs
Rising to five, as the morning progresses, and the sea breeze awakens.
By lunch time, I swap the asymetric for the genoa. With Stargazer romping along the shoreline, in a sixteen knot westerly.
Taking the scenic route and skimming the headlands.
Slipping into the Lorient approaches, by the side door.
The tide gurgles beneath us, as Stargazer reaches past the Port Louis Citadelle. Its lichen crusted turrets at odds, with the gleaming black glass, of the Port Control tower, which peers over the ancient parapet.
Rosalin rockets by, making for La Base. The former WWll submarine pens, at the head of the harbour. Now home to the foremost IMOCA and Ultim teams.
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