Ad Lib 124

 The portents are good. Tomorrow's is a neap tide. Which turns fair, in the Raz de Sein, around five in the afternoon.

The breeze, eleven to sixteen knots, is expected to be from the east. Off the land. Increasing the probability of a smooth sea state.

At an angle, until Stargazer reaches the Raz at any rate, which would allow us to fly the kite. If required, to maintain speed.

South of the Raz, Stargazer's skipper will have a decision to make: Stop in Sainte Evette; or press on, for an overnight landfall in Brest. 

Based upon how our breeze is holding up and Stargazer's rate of progress, during the day.

Ad Lib 123

 

First alongside is Marie Claude. Her quietly spoken skipper soon chatting amiably, to the man from the Capitainerie.

On hand in ‘Le Zodiac’ (this one an aluminium workboat). As he is for all new arrivals, within the confines of Loctudy's tightly packed, tide-swept pontoons. But with nothing to do, on this occasion. 

Save for admire the tousle-topped master. Who silently guides his cadets to execute the perfect landing. A pointed finger here. A reassuring hand on the shoulder there. A deft nudging of the throttle, at a pivotal moment.

Sister ship, Yseult, is not far behind. Her crew, mustered on the foredeck, are soon sweating in her docklines.

Before taking a moment to savour their sylvan surroundings. As they make the sweeping teak decks shipshape.

Minstrel completes the trio. Smaller in stature. Yet no less striking, with her brightwork aglow in the afternoon sun.

Good News, so the saying goes, Comes In Threes

Ad Lib 122

 

Full pelt, is the only speed which a fisherman knows. Hurrying home with the catch.

Slow and stealthy, is the style of a dappled grey heron. Which stalks the silvery low tide shallows.

By morning, Loctudy's beaches are deserted. Their sands warming in the sun.

Come afternoon, a sea breeze fills in. Rainbow sails are hoist. Holiday visitors emerge from their lairs.

Each choosing a tempo to suit their circumstances.

Ad Lib 121

Black clouds boil, above the Perdrix. Shafts of piercing clear sunlight lance through the gaps between. Earlier, stray spots of rain startled Stargazer's skipper into wakefulness. Bespattering his sleeping face, through the habitually open foredeck hatch.

The brooding day soon brightens. Picking out the pastel painted walls, of the Ile Tudy cottages, with an ethereal intensity.

Tempting tourists to fill the new bull-nosed ferry. Built, from aluminium, to survive the knocks which its trade can inflict. From contact with the sharp toothed granite bottom. Or tideswept concrete land stages. 

The sturdy wooden former fishing boat, with its festoons of fenders, and thick-as-your-forearm planking, now in retirement. (2022 picture)

The weather seems to be reflecting, upon its previous plan to stay westerly for a while. With a view to change.

It is a case of waiting to see what new course it settles upon. In the agreeable surroundings of Loctudy. As the tidal window, for the Raz de Sein, begins to open.

Ad Lib 120

 

Gitana 18 is making twice windspeed, when she passes Stargazer off Groix.

An impressive feat given that she is downwind (which reduces her apparent wind). Her foils are raised to reduce drag. The breeze in question is a fitful three to four knots. 

As the sun rose, Stargazer motored past Port Louis citadel, in millpond coditions. On the promise of a sea breeze by mid morning.

We shave all the corners that we can. To shorten our route.

Slipping out of Lorient by the side door.

Off Doelan, the forecast fair wind duly arrives.

To carry Stargazer past the beaches of the Iles de Glenan.

On by the chequerboard Perdrix and into Loctudy. From where our course lies (mainly) north. Meaning that the anticipated week of westerlies will be favourable.

Ad Lib 119

 

The walk, to Lorient La Base, is a scenic one. Along a gently undulating gravel coast path come cycle track.

Which leads from the boardwalk at Port Kernevel.

Along the banks of the river Ter. As it broadens, on entry to the tidal body, around which the various ports of Lorient cluster.

Crossing by a bridge, shared with a busy dual carriageway, at the head of the creek. Before diving back into sylvan shade, for the final approaches to La Base.

Today, I bypass the bustle and bonhomie of IMOCA Route du Rhum preparations.

Instead making for Thomas and Hugo's First 36. (See Ad Lib 117 & 102.) A boat far less ostentatious, about her relative performance potential, than her logo'd up neighbours.

Yet exuding a certain air of purpose. My opportunity, to climb aboard, for a close up inspection, has finally arrived.

The air of understatement continues in the cockpit. Which I find, to my great delight, allows a solo skipper to reach all sail controls from the twin wheels. Seated between mainsail and genoa winches, with traveller controls to hand. A feat matched by only one other boat, which I am aware of. The, tiller steered, JPK 39FC. Whose sheer size and long lead times (five years plus) count against her.

Below decks, it is a similar story. Clean, simple and ergonomically sound. With perhaps one exception: The heads makes no provision for a shower or even a proper wash basin. Ablutions must therefore be conducted in the galley sink. No hardship for a solo skipper, but potentially offputting in a family setting. 

This arrangement, however, buys space for a commodious saloon, complete with chart table. All three sleeping cabins are spacious. The master is forward - as I prefer, for reasons of stern wave slap. The two mirror image aft counterparts readily convert between sleeping and stowage. With a 3.8 metre beam carried to the transom, each is equally voluminous. The First 36 proves to be a thoroughly practical, planing, production boat.

Whether arriving on foot or by sea; Lorient La Base has treats in store for sightseeing sailors of all stripes. Be they cruisers, racers or something in between. But, with west winds soon to arrive, it is time for Stargazer to put in her westing.

Picture Credits

First 36 cockpit ergonomics courtesy of  No Frills Sailing (Whose, linked, First 36 review is well worth a read.)

First 36 saloon looking forward; courtesy of Beneteau

Ad Lib 118

 

Benjamin Schwartz steps quietly aboard Ultim Sodebo 3. As is the way of the skipper designate, for the 2028 Arkea Ultim Challenge (solo around the world). The man feted by skipper Thomas Coville, following their Trophee Jules Verne triumph, with unleashing the trimaran's hidden speed potential. Through his considered, data driven approach. The perfect compliment to Thomas' own ‘seat of the pants' style.

Following yesterday's test outing, more of the new "S" foils are on show. Seemingly the vertical section has developed a double curvature. . . . .

. . . . .which must vary the angle of the horizontal lift surface (orange) as it is raised or lowered. Perhaps to suit different wind strengths or sea states. Or, phases in the 'lift off' to ''cruising altitude' transition.

More certain, is that team Gitana 18 have finally received some good news. Smiles light faces.

Whilst, in the shadows below her overarching amas, a technician crouches in a RIB. Headtorch aglow, as new parts are fitted to the port foil. Its complexity (compared to Sodebo's equivalent) and similarity to the appendages of America's Cup boats, clearly visible.

On the quayside above, a plaque celebrates the achievements of Brit Ellen MacArthur. Who, in 2005, wrest the solo round the world sailing record from Francis Joyon.

Aboard a forerunner of the Ultim trimarans. To be feted by cheering crowds, Stargazer's skipper in their midst, upon her victorious return to Falmouth.