Inshore of the Ile Aux Moutons. On the rhumb line. Dodging the pot buoys. That perch, perfectly visible on a smooth sea.
We arrive off the Odet river an hour before low water. Stargazer slowed by nigh on a knot, by the rush of water still flowing seaward; and in no hurry to reach the visitor pontoon before slack water. Around us Vedette crews tumble from their bunks and rush toward Benodet, to begin their day's work. Whilst the fishermen are about to finish their night shifts and make for home.
A line of reefs form a natural breakwater, across the river mouth. Sheltering the lower reaches, in onshore conditions. Stargazer, I now remember, anchored off the beach (in the background), protected by the rocks, on passage in 2012.
Two lighthouses aligned, indicate the leading line. Ever one to clip a corner, Stargazer takes a shortcut.
Which carries us into the deep water channel, off the western shore.
Upriver, Stargazer ferry glides into the one space available on the Sainte-Marine visitors pontoon. The capitainerie RIB roars up. "Follow me. There's a finger berth free if you want it." Stargazer makes fast inside the Pogo 36 Firefly.
Her skipper is swiftly invited aboard for espresso, strawberries and a guided tour of this intriguing craft. Which was built in Combrit. A mile or so inland from Sainte-Marine.
Excellent.. what did you think of the Pogo?? Looks to be a flyer..
ReplyDeleteThe Pogo 36 is a very appealing package, on multiple levels, Steve: Well engineered, simple, prioritises sailing performance, practical interior (which is also large, light and airy); plus the Pogo fresh thinking approach, quality of its build processes and knowledgable/passionate workforce. (See also yard tour post: 107). Might say the same about the Pogo 30, were I a foot or so shorter. Although I suspect that its payload and tankage would be too tight, for my 'summer swallow' liveaboard style cruising. Presently working on finding out how manageable all that performance potential is at sea...........
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