Ad Lib 109

 

Stargazer takes the broad main channel out of Pornichet's lagoon. Twelve knots of breeze on her quarter.

Her skipper able to amble about her deck. Stowing lines and fenders. Between taking swigs from a coffee mug wedged, betwixt outhaul tail and hatch runner, by the companionway. The autopilot holding a steady course for Pointe de Penchateau.

To seaward, a similar sized boat tracks us on a parallel course. A hooded figure at the helm, although the morning is polo-shirt-and-shorts warm. Speaking of an early start. Perhaps out Pornic or L'Herbaudiere.

Both of us bound west in these gold tinged hours. Maintaining our distance, from the low cliffs, out of respect for their outcrops. Which lurk beneath the innocent indigo waters. Often witnessed by a pot buoy (Three quarters right. Orange dot. At cliff foot)

Stargazer finds just enough breeze to make her full five-and-a-bit knot cruising speed. Where our chrome companion cannot. By the time we reach Croisic Corner (Pointe du Croisic, officially) she is lost astern.

Pair trawlers waltz in unison to our south. Before an appreciative audience of wind turbines. Which wave their arms in applause.

Stargazer hardens her sheets and beats north. Unexpectedly finding an eddy of fair tide. Giving us seven knots over the ground. And causing her skipper to hurriedly check that we shall have sufficient water on the cill.

A flurry of exiting boats confirms adequate clearance. As well as suggesting vacant berths. Within, the Capitainerie dory crews are taking a mid morning break. After the exertions of managing the exodus.

The thirty-footer berths have the wind blowing into them. Which makes it more difficult to stop and secure the boat. Cheekily, I ask for one of the forty-footer berths. Which are facing into the wind. (Harbour Masters will generally put boats on the smallest possible berth. In the hope of higher fees from a long boat arriving to fill the larger ones)

"Abracadabra!" Stargazer's wish is granted. We are slotted alongside a Beneteau Oceanis. Which is so broad of beam that only a slim, Stargazer sized, vessel can be accommodated alongside.

Our weekend in Piriac, that most rustic and relaxed of Breton seaside villages, has begun.