A flock of storm birds gathers, in Camaret, as the wind gusts to forty knots.
Two jet black, one maverick grey, Coal Tits. Pen Duick in the Breton tongue. The former fleet of ocean racing pioneer Eric Tabarly (1931-1998). Pen Duick ll is a slim sterned ketch of the 'fish shaped' design school.
Pen Duick lll is of a similar philosophy. But lighter and stiffer. Built to cleave cleanly through the waves.
Pen Duick V is the paradigm shifting, epoch shaper. An all aluminium, ultra lightweight (eschewing even paint), water ballasted (the world's first such) flyer. Built to skim above the surface of the sea. Much imitated and evolved to the present day. By IMOCA's and Class40's, amongst miriad others.
Out in the bay, Daniel Alfredsson's OE32 Pale Blue Dot rides to her anchor. They are putting in their qualification miles, for this year's solo round the world Golden Globe Race (GGR).
Last port of call Soreide Norway. Caught by this succession of gales, in the North Atlantic, they have run direct downwind for Camaret's (relative) respite. Prevented (I suspect) from putting into port by rules which require their passage to be 'unbroken.'
Just seen that Daniel has now posted his retirement from entry to the next race... https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575801571095
ReplyDeleteSad news, Steve. Wonder if the decision was settled at anchor out in the bay? Was surprised to see him still there, when we left (in 12-16kts / long low swell = lovely sailing day). His AIS track shows him non-stop from Norway to SW of Ireland. Well out in the Atlantic. Before running directly west (downwind) for Brest/Camaret, after the latest storm system (have lost count of how many have been through!). Presumably not yet having decided to retire. Otherwise he could have been snug in the shelter of port, with the rest of us. Maybe a decision pending, out in the Atlantic, confirmed at anchor off Camaret. Must have been brutal out there. At sea and at anchor. Respect to Daniel. Brave man!
ReplyDelete