Once known as Pelikan, navigational training vessel to the Luftwaffe. Renamed Overlord, by the sappers of the Chatham Naval Dockyard, after she was seized as a prize of war. Today setting course for Sark, crewed by members of the Offshore Cruising Club.
She sniffs the north east wind, gusting across St Peter Port harbour mouth. Deep reefs the main, before hoisting, and lashes a small working jib to the lifelines. There is a steady force six blowing, with gusts of more.
As they clear the breakwater, Overlord puts before the wind. Reaching powerfully, across the Little Russel.
I turn inland and ascend the flights of stone steps, to the higher town.
To stroll among the sun gilded spires.
Along undulating streets which, with the addition of brightly painted window shutters, could be in France.
Like the Mona Lisa's eyes, the loom of the Victoria Tower seems to follow me, as I walk. Peering down between treetops and tiled roofs, whenever I look skyward.
An enigmatically shaded green door, in a square set grey facade, guards the entrance to Hauteville House. Home to the exiled Victor Hugo, whilst he created Les Miserables.
Below, on Castle Pier, Optimists ricochet around the training pool. Propelled by a breeze which blows as strongly as ever. Tomorrow it is forecast to drop to, a passage-making, force three to five. Stargazer lies ready.
Footnote:
Tomorrow we hope to be on passage to Poole, or Weymouth, if we cannot lay Poole. I will therefore be unable to post on Thursday, but intend to on Friday.
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