Zen Again 131

 

Stargazer is locked in a day-long duel, with a Django, of the Glenans Sailing School fleet. A boat of a similar size, but different design philosophy, to Stargazer. The Django being broader of beam and flatter of bottom, to promote planing. In a similar way to the Pogos (see Zen Again 106 &107).

We both leave Treguier an hour before low water. With the aim of departing the pontoons when the coursing current (which flows diagonally through them, to add extra piquance) is relatively slack; yet benefitting from that powerful flow, to see us out of the river.

With the wind in the north, it is a beat to seaward. Stargazer eases her way past the Django. Despite a crew of six being summoned to sit on the high side, racing style, to add righting moment. A task which Stargazer's heavy lead keel bulb accomplishes, without need of assistance.

Both boats are making better than seven knots, over the ground, by the time we pass Les Heaux de Brehat. Riding the eastbound tide. Which runs hard across the craggy protrusion. The Django is starting to ease away, as we bring the breeze more abeam and begin to surf on the swells. The Glenans boat's lighter weight, flatter bottom and beamy aft quarters counting in her favour. 

With that, the race is run. Tide torn Les Heaux falls astern. Stargazer dives south. The Django steers east, ahead by four boat-lengths.

We are bound down the eastern side of the peninsula. Past the Ile de Brehat. Slaloming through its outer islets and reefs.

Past L'Ost Pic light. Which stands sentry, at the entrance to the sinuous, and silty, Paimpol channel. The port, which is in the centre of town, is a firm favourite. But, alas, too tidally constrained to suit our opportunist passage making tactics. Seizing favourable weather windows as they occur.

On we stand, under the lee of the Ile Harbour. Whose light, cum refuge (for any mariners not heeding its warning, to keep clear of the semi-submerged reefs, on which it is built), guards the eastern flank of Saint-Quay-Portrieux.

No sooner has Stargazer secured, and her skipper stowed the sails, than a thundery deluge, which grey and loudly grumbling skies have threatened since morning, descends.