Ad Lib 61

Slingshot weather systems speed by in the night. Setting Stargazer's lines creaking and her rigging singing.

Full foul weather gear is required, for a mid morning stroll to the harbourside bistros.

Pegasus has brought more than the Cross of St Piran, which ripples tautly at her crosstrees, back from Cornwall. Wind borne mizzle thickens the air, to the consistency of soup.

 

Today, only the hardiest of sightseers admire the artistic juxtaposition of Sardiniers, church and fort.

Stargazer's skipper luxuriates in the absence of any pressing need to move on. Content to wait for the emergence of a suitable window, for our passage through the Raz de Sein. In the knowledge that the tides will not come fair for several days; and that, in the meanwhile, fresh food and cliff walks lie readily to hand.

Before dawn, Irish racer, Tom Dolan, was airlifted from his grounded Figaro (Thirty five foot French One Design race boat with ultra competitive circuit. On which many a Vendée Globe star has served an apprenticeship). Seeking to maintain a hard won lead, Tim took one tide cheating short cut too far. Amid the reefs and tide rips of Raz de Sein, in thirty knots of breeze, in the dark. Solo skipper Tom is safe. His boat is likely lost.

Picture Credits

Tom Dolan aground in the Raz de Sein courtesy of Thomas Campion