The Beneteau connection runs deep, in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. Beyond an historical footnote, that Benjamin founded the company here. Building sail powered sardine trawlers, on the banks of La Vie.
An exploratory wander, takes me along the Croix-de-Vie shore. To the point at which the river's long majestic meanders end abruptly, at two stone pierheads.
For a ruler straight, half mile run out to the sea. Dredged and buoyed. A quarried rock breakwater, to the south.
A lengthy strip of gently shelving beach, interspersed with low tide rock pools, to the north.
Where the sand is most bountiful, stands the Groupe Beneteau building. Its shapely concrete arches casting a cool shade, over the frontage. The reflections, of its domestic beach front neighbours, of the most desireable kind, visible in the plate glass windows.
The explanation for an unusual, static, land bound, AIS target, on the outskirts of Saint-Gilles is, also, now apparent. After causing some consternation, aboard Stargazer, upon arrival. It is a substantial, and thriving, Beneteau moulding and finishing plant.
Photo Credits
Beneteau Site AIS plot screenshot courtesy of MarineTraffic.com
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