Monday, 9 June 2025

Zen Again 65


 Stargazer has crossed an invisible line. From Breizh (Brittany) into the Vendee. Gone are raw stonework and slate roofs. Replaced by whitewashed walls and pantiles.

Today, forecast and reality are in perfect harmony. Stargazer joins a dawn cavalcade, clearing the Piriac cill, in twelve knots of easterly breeze. Most are heading for their home ports, in Quiberon bay, to the west. Making the most, of the final day, of their Whit Bank Holiday weekend.

Stargazer reaches south. Cutting the corner, off the Pointe de Croisic.

Which remains ruggedly Breton, by geography and ambience.

We skirt the extensive, and largely submerged, Trois Pierres reefs. Formerly marked by a substantial, yet solitary, light tower. These days, rendered the more conspicuous by the gesticulations, of a wind farm.

The breeze freshens, as Stargazer romps across the Saint Nazaire channel. There are no shipping movements today. The merchantmen all resting, at anchor.

Two hazy nicks, on the horizon, resolve into the twin towers. Which mark the seaward tip of presqu'ile de Noirmoutier.

Our fair wind is fading. As the easterly flow meets westerly sea breeze, at midday. It is time for Stargazer to make port.

We secure to a vacant hammerhead, in L'Herbaudiere, up by the quayside. Receiving a cheery accolade, from the Harbour Master, upon his return from lunch. “Bravo! You have the best spot. Well chosen!"

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