Zen Again 98

 

Armel Tripon's multicoloured IMOCA leaves La Trinite's waterfront. First of the new build contenders, for the 2028 Vendee Globe, to launch. An extended work up campaign is planned, with sponsors P'tits Doudous. The specialists in hospital waste recycling. Appropriately, the boat is (largely) built of repurposed carbon fibre offcuts, from the Nantes (Armel's home town) Airbus factory.

The entourage passes two slumbering giants. Ultim trimarans, built to claim the Jules Verne round the world speed record. Their attempts made during the Southern Ocean summer. Northern European winter.

Once clear of the higgledy-piggledy inner harbour moorings . . . . .

. . . . .the crew disappear off deck. No doubt preparing to hoist sail, the moment that they have sea room.

Beside the channel, a few last oyster sacks are turned. As the tide rises, to cover the racks upon which they rest.

The rusty farm tractor beats a hasty retreat, to the rocky foreshore. A harvest of ripe and ready oysters on its tail lift.