Dandelion 58

 

Foursquare, La Rochelle's harbour towers have stood, for six hundred and forty years. (Since The Black Prince ruled England; and Charles 'Bien-Aime,' France). Then, heavy iron links were suspened, between the (smaller) Tour de la Chaine, and the (larger) Tour Saint-Nicolas. To deter uninvited guests.

Today, visitors are welcomed. Especially those aboard historic craft. For a, week long, Fete Maritime is to be held, in La Rochelle. And its participants are presently arriving. By sea, naturally.

Providing hours of mouth watering boat watching. For those of us milling about the plaza, before the Bureau de Port.

A Dutch Botter motors in. Mast lowered on deck. The first task, for her crew, is to rig and raise it. This being a festival of sail.

Others have time to shoot the breeze. Shoreside yarning being in the finest sea faring tradition.

The Fifer, Blazing Star, is berthed locally. In the Bassin de Chalutiers.

Leaving plenty of time, for a spot of leisurely deck caulking. Followed by a season start tune up, of her standing rigging. Before she joins the throng.

Atop the quayside, a tented village springs up. Its, conical topped, mini marques continuing the mediaeval theme (of the city's towers). Resembling those used, at the great jousting tournaments, in the age of chivalry.