Dandelion 59

 

The tallships are come, to La Rochelle. Afloat upon their graceful reflections. Aglow, in the enchanted light of a new day. Centre stage, before the ethereal battlements of Saint-Nicolas.

In the wings, preparing to out perform the main act, waits the small red ship, of philosopher-sailor Bernard Moitessier. The steel hulled ketch, whose story has launched many a circumnavigation dream. Afloat once more, after a refit.

Despite which, the starboard bow and stern still wear their dents. As badges of honour. Wounds inflicted by the Mexican reef, upon which she was wrecked, in a 1982 cyclone. Returning from Moitessier's famous Pacific sojourn.

On which he had embarked by passing up certain victory, in the inaugural 1968, Golden Globe solo round the world race. (Held at a time when the feat had yet to be accomplished). To redouble the great capes, of Good Hope and Leeuwin. In order "to save my soul." 

A colourful French veteran tells me, that Joshua is about to be brought alongside. Against the quay, from which we are both admiring her. Soon he has charmed an invitation, for us to go below, into the carre (saloon). Where he takes up a seat at the dining table cum navigation station. From which he regales me with tales, of an encounter with Moitessier in Tahiti, fifty years ago.

Opposite the table is a seagoing galley. 'U' shaped and easy to wedge into, whatever the boat's motion. Lockers, a metre deep or more, extend from the hull sides, maximising stowage and leaving a 'single file' walkway, with full standing headroom, between two 'double' settee berths. A solid surface, to brace against, never out of arm's reach, throughout the length of the cabin.

Designed before the days of roller furling headsails, the forepeak is dedicated to sail and warp stowage. With the anchor chain brought aft, to a bin at the mast foot (to keep its weight central).

Space aft is constrained by the canoe stern. Although two bunks are said to lie within. Accessed across the top of the retro-fitted diesel engine. Which drives a single propeller, mounted a metre to starboard of the full length keel, via a diagonally angled shaft. When I ask the helmsman (who had brought her over, with the help of a RIB), how Joshua steers under power. He laughs and says “a babord.” (To port).

After all, Joshua, the only boat to be granted French national historic monument status, was built to wander the world's oceans, under sail. A brief which she continues to fulfil. Inspiring would be world girdlers, wherever she goes.

Picture Credits

Joshua under sail courtesy of  LesAmisDuMuseeMaritime.Fr