tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57046224412354545952024-03-29T10:28:16.702+00:00All at Sea with StargazerI live by the sea, maybe live for the sea, on an island in the tidal River Medway. Just downstream of the historic Chatham Naval Dockyard - where Nelson's Victory was built. For me the sea is about freedom and exploration - both personal and geographical. Stargazer is a 31' Hallberg-Rassy sloop; and companion on my journeyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger912125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-43750862104437104792024-03-27T18:21:00.015+00:002024-03-28T21:32:48.911+00:00Dandelion<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-_CREjibwNoFilPVHUcq2kHxOhXvPIf5GvBv4NsxTMCwGzJtGoDzWAkddSxKrRsqms9tXplvz0aicOJiCJzo0LtyZUN6N6TpX753pjjzulj2PcgfKsdXFxOw8N6eKUYXpoSBKw1gmyZno1HGwA6DApUmhSYZYqcTb33DjxRRX-e1GkhRCOGFX4JcZfE/s5023/P1460398(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3275" data-original-width="5023" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-_CREjibwNoFilPVHUcq2kHxOhXvPIf5GvBv4NsxTMCwGzJtGoDzWAkddSxKrRsqms9tXplvz0aicOJiCJzo0LtyZUN6N6TpX753pjjzulj2PcgfKsdXFxOw8N6eKUYXpoSBKw1gmyZno1HGwA6DApUmhSYZYqcTb33DjxRRX-e1GkhRCOGFX4JcZfE/w640-h418/P1460398(1).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">"<i>.....I held a dandelion</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>That said the time had come </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>To leave upon the wind....</i>"</p><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer is afloat once more. The evening sun warms her cockpit. Where I sit, mug of coffee in hand. At peace with the world.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Wzxm_wzkYU5734uPZVSGXI6fMEqKvN8eD05cOtUYSSraYZzbx_NRO6aNEEW22V6hwvbeWJGslhp9FubZ6s3UEWczA_9bWduqfy-rL4WM8LFIa1pkurnuQpg_j5KZRRF_INHteVeV0-m9JQPS6edalt7iiUH-B_PL4GyFbGeSsz9SZt6s6NuCZMilNfw/s4032/IMG_9284.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Wzxm_wzkYU5734uPZVSGXI6fMEqKvN8eD05cOtUYSSraYZzbx_NRO6aNEEW22V6hwvbeWJGslhp9FubZ6s3UEWczA_9bWduqfy-rL4WM8LFIa1pkurnuQpg_j5KZRRF_INHteVeV0-m9JQPS6edalt7iiUH-B_PL4GyFbGeSsz9SZt6s6NuCZMilNfw/w640-h480/IMG_9284.JPG" width="640" /></a></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Delayed delivery, of spare parts (seals) for the sail drive, meant that we had missed our allocated relaunch slot. With the crane booked solid, beyond Easter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREpAU2dUhTlvkGa3OzB9IevTPN3NKO-4M6htrM05K5oaIucjOKy-wbeRXOehMoX1iPcVesRwstMoDb-yPFvVfLsAOiQaa8Hs67rzSu7C1tl6IWeUdsPXNbvKr_9DXRGTUTTXNJK9Rx154wbvxX7Kzv6rtgnyBwT38u03PcnaGCQj3w679hZMgt-p_dW0/s5472/P1460387.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREpAU2dUhTlvkGa3OzB9IevTPN3NKO-4M6htrM05K5oaIucjOKy-wbeRXOehMoX1iPcVesRwstMoDb-yPFvVfLsAOiQaa8Hs67rzSu7C1tl6IWeUdsPXNbvKr_9DXRGTUTTXNJK9Rx154wbvxX7Kzv6rtgnyBwT38u03PcnaGCQj3w679hZMgt-p_dW0/w640-h426/P1460387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, we are blessed with two still, dry, days. On day one, Taylor (Marina Manager and crane driver) conjours a gap, in his hectic pre-Easter schedule, in which to return Stargazer to her natural element. On day two, I bend on the sails. Alan and Sarah (from Wilkinson Sails) arriving with a set of tapered battens, for the new genoa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fBny7VXpoQK25-QwYNOkd5HVEfvbgu9H-ZJPAbZHNFJqlIvgGUmzZ_4KKoSsTBoiQ4XHshsPJFCVRmmc8avxcNvJ4fF6Q6Orp9ztm6KrElKoc4Lojc9ZzcY6HjHPCdAtKFDZI_BccPBgy3PeyTvcY3ALF4mSLzlpbt-f91MqczoMmHK6BGHYtgf55JQ/s5472/P1460391.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fBny7VXpoQK25-QwYNOkd5HVEfvbgu9H-ZJPAbZHNFJqlIvgGUmzZ_4KKoSsTBoiQ4XHshsPJFCVRmmc8avxcNvJ4fF6Q6Orp9ztm6KrElKoc4Lojc9ZzcY6HjHPCdAtKFDZI_BccPBgy3PeyTvcY3ALF4mSLzlpbt-f91MqczoMmHK6BGHYtgf55JQ/w640-h426/P1460391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On day three, the March wind doth blow. An equinoctial gale, out of the south. I manhandle the long-life provisions, stockpiled over the winter, aboard. They fill the saloon. And I wonder if I have overdone their quantity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqSnCBnd_VMt860CGP77FL3QIlN2iPPxTLvpxN36xc6YtU6DHbKBDBesje4qwD9wdpusWpgkBAXWVX2dVI7TreWeylb3WgsbvgS2inXZw1e71BOny33lXykuU4xBzhKmUOrnqH1oOnuFiLFFpd5ld3Hp7kpcxUg-gJy1ERANbLHlSLg74Y9uqjf6ozuk/s5472/P1460410.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqSnCBnd_VMt860CGP77FL3QIlN2iPPxTLvpxN36xc6YtU6DHbKBDBesje4qwD9wdpusWpgkBAXWVX2dVI7TreWeylb3WgsbvgS2inXZw1e71BOny33lXykuU4xBzhKmUOrnqH1oOnuFiLFFpd5ld3Hp7kpcxUg-gJy1ERANbLHlSLg74Y9uqjf6ozuk/w640-h426/P1460410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, by midday, the mound of tins, jars and packets has been persuaded into lockers. Or the aft cabin storage bins. Followed by my clothes and bedding. The spring relaunch rush is over. Stargazer feels like home once more. My racing mind slows to 'sea tempo.'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMq1W83mRQ-JtjHuYKpqyO_IwtfhENrSjUusWnLdjSxzZj2ae3iEfiFy5hvD20QnaKxL0K2PYRc0BEP76ZvTLxDD-Kt2TjhdtowdhzJit_d1PP4bM5UUzih_g6jUMZlNsAvGHPjcbWlCXfGVtBuxu9aqfhMWNEa91191cj4VHPPuy68db-HcXlaHtN28/s1717/Pass%20Ports%20Front%20Cover%20crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1717" data-original-width="1347" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMq1W83mRQ-JtjHuYKpqyO_IwtfhENrSjUusWnLdjSxzZj2ae3iEfiFy5hvD20QnaKxL0K2PYRc0BEP76ZvTLxDD-Kt2TjhdtowdhzJit_d1PP4bM5UUzih_g6jUMZlNsAvGHPjcbWlCXfGVtBuxu9aqfhMWNEa91191cj4VHPPuy68db-HcXlaHtN28/w502-h640/Pass%20Ports%20Front%20Cover%20crop.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Idly, I scroll through a week's backlog of e mails. Including one from Helene, on the Passeport Escales team, who sends a preview copy of this year's brochure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(See ‘French Connections’ post)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wtS7oUdKfX4ikE5z6Z25A0s0ty4UuzbLnkKV7Lmw_crdenBzQjNKZnHRm1MtRkplgZOraS_5OAmazCNiVDmcXX_fsc8I6EcjndFDRhUH9A1HTco5H1l4knDoi_VIjEUmxeOX3aan-WBahGofQy5k4yMVXI4IoP_AwtHGylUpT-n6ZhHWQ4DrrdZcpbQ/s1384/Pass%20Ports%20Mag%20supercrop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1384" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wtS7oUdKfX4ikE5z6Z25A0s0ty4UuzbLnkKV7Lmw_crdenBzQjNKZnHRm1MtRkplgZOraS_5OAmazCNiVDmcXX_fsc8I6EcjndFDRhUH9A1HTco5H1l4knDoi_VIjEUmxeOX3aan-WBahGofQy5k4yMVXI4IoP_AwtHGylUpT-n6ZhHWQ4DrrdZcpbQ/w640-h550/Pass%20Ports%20Mag%20supercrop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which features ‘Doug de Chatham’ (yours truly) and a fine portrait of Stargazer, at anchor, on the La Penze river, in 2020.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u><br /></u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u><br /></u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>CREDITS</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u><br /></u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>"Curtains" (Dandelion quotation) by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, 1975. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-24926647468704357482024-03-13T17:00:00.000+00:002024-03-13T17:00:55.557+00:00The Jigsaw<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BwElrA587ttOYheFvprdcAnTIbjwpzynKoclXg6HjtGWe03hTDEe5VvMggyR-5h41eG6XrMILwGtH2r81f-2gx5VRGfYC4Nt6vHLa92P6Gewk66jYUb9qAs77sv_W0RZUsD0rbXGpHByNAF0_GHKms8mHvSoyoostUJis-lNMpXwVLLJP_Cpcc8IJOw/s3635/IMG_9263(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2726" data-original-width="3635" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BwElrA587ttOYheFvprdcAnTIbjwpzynKoclXg6HjtGWe03hTDEe5VvMggyR-5h41eG6XrMILwGtH2r81f-2gx5VRGfYC4Nt6vHLa92P6Gewk66jYUb9qAs77sv_W0RZUsD0rbXGpHByNAF0_GHKms8mHvSoyoostUJis-lNMpXwVLLJP_Cpcc8IJOw/w640-h480/IMG_9263(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The 'new' Wilkinson Sails loft is an unassuming structure, clad in corrugated sheet. It is located above the reach of the highest spring tide. A five minute walk (uphill) from its picture-postcard, Kentish clapperboard, predecessor.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZuRVYPuFbXcsKDLiNASXpof9hVWzEDFm43dqMfDEK3fras6eMAPMdFxfFkwYGIBx2UPrMhjGW4vhKAeVlkQss5R83emt9Lq1P8I5LSt6gzZt6KCnK1zIcy6j0OOg2oUOhlOUBmxQEnL7fI5mHjvDsMMrb_5h7mk0HqBZRqdRjJqkIRYJ0GMYl1OsMNo/s5472/P1460190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZuRVYPuFbXcsKDLiNASXpof9hVWzEDFm43dqMfDEK3fras6eMAPMdFxfFkwYGIBx2UPrMhjGW4vhKAeVlkQss5R83emt9Lq1P8I5LSt6gzZt6KCnK1zIcy6j0OOg2oUOhlOUBmxQEnL7fI5mHjvDsMMrb_5h7mk0HqBZRqdRjJqkIRYJ0GMYl1OsMNo/w640-h426/P1460190.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which was built beside Faversham Creek. Flooding, with increasing regularity, as the channel silted. (Due to a decade-long wrangle, between Peel Ports and the County Council, over responsibility for maintenance of the town's sluice gates).</div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLJQ55Wn58m2QFJla7Bs2gH9NNsK8wTkAVQL4noAcSDWQw_tdIopLRU4YKvkUmHa9Aft16dNHEWYAgWGQO9l7j3ffYWIMxim2Zl1jE_jUyWI_-yaw9oERKlRkzEbOnmXtK-vpDpTEa_kwOPLdi30kgQ3vnvcWfI5N3A0YTyjpDUfRJz-7lTg5F7SyGwE/s5472/oare%20Creek%20not%20usedP1460254.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5472" data-original-width="3648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLJQ55Wn58m2QFJla7Bs2gH9NNsK8wTkAVQL4noAcSDWQw_tdIopLRU4YKvkUmHa9Aft16dNHEWYAgWGQO9l7j3ffYWIMxim2Zl1jE_jUyWI_-yaw9oERKlRkzEbOnmXtK-vpDpTEa_kwOPLdi30kgQ3vnvcWfI5N3A0YTyjpDUfRJz-7lTg5F7SyGwE/w426-h640/oare%20Creek%20not%20usedP1460254.JPG" width="426" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The ‘new’ loft may be less picturesque, than its predecessor. But, it provides a more cost effective and practical location, from which to operate a burgeoning sail making business. The move thus embodies the Wilkinson philosophy, of providing simple and pragmatic solutions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpp3GyL8gyltbT0SnTtT_dURy4DyVJsvkIHYGM_KCkSwfi8cgOjRtI4_yzXgyiL1x7pEzf4rATTrwxa5YPTWuWP4jq64HQDUjROgTnZU_8M9K2Z7rmhBY-wA0YBiA-G3aGReiR_mTANnx_4QO_8q5NKUb347Vxdw-UJ1lFndLuDRadOOOppEUosGTGdO8/s4032/IMG_9266.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpp3GyL8gyltbT0SnTtT_dURy4DyVJsvkIHYGM_KCkSwfi8cgOjRtI4_yzXgyiL1x7pEzf4rATTrwxa5YPTWuWP4jq64HQDUjROgTnZU_8M9K2Z7rmhBY-wA0YBiA-G3aGReiR_mTANnx_4QO_8q5NKUb347Vxdw-UJ1lFndLuDRadOOOppEUosGTGdO8/w640-h480/IMG_9266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The door groans theatrically, as I open it. Causing Sarah to look up, from the sail which she is repairing. She calls, to alert Alan, who emerges from the store room, bearing Stargazer's new genoa. Completed, after much over winter design discussion. It is cross-cut and in Contender Vectran.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceG3xXKVpnB0IVw0_Tp9MBLhjw6ipTN_1PEt5DcZuhtLLRbomJsmyAED6VFXgldZI7w4ZOQ03gBShcA9S1FK7OeY_LOeCXNKLMf4NPbO8bj1oqMDqS01DSJjYHl2Kx2mSVZOx7Qnx7ZicHNK9myBhkKnswnCIVYDHHm8f3KrNZjAQ-Qh-5ixkfUFaw6k/s5472/Ile%20d%20Yeu.%20Rue%20du%20Paradis.%20June%202023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5472" data-original-width="3648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceG3xXKVpnB0IVw0_Tp9MBLhjw6ipTN_1PEt5DcZuhtLLRbomJsmyAED6VFXgldZI7w4ZOQ03gBShcA9S1FK7OeY_LOeCXNKLMf4NPbO8bj1oqMDqS01DSJjYHl2Kx2mSVZOx7Qnx7ZicHNK9myBhkKnswnCIVYDHHm8f3KrNZjAQ-Qh-5ixkfUFaw6k/w426-h640/Ile%20d%20Yeu.%20Rue%20du%20Paradis.%20June%202023.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">One more piece of the jigsaw, which is the readying of Stargazer for her summer cruise, slots into place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDAbf6fAHZk23JgdQ9AOrumUy3QxjU7L3ymOXmntG8ZncDWepGJKWm27wIBLZ9Jt56oO58MlMTmCSTw-sG__4IYVVuTogxzVGw5lbW9iPdsq03Id_FIjCp_woH0vWCYYCA-erXxAeMLkZh4jGuOO6e_Z2TbEY85pNsPLcJ5cccJsvDx3QWjL5Tkl3ZqM/s3644/25%20IMG_9274(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2673" data-original-width="3644" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDAbf6fAHZk23JgdQ9AOrumUy3QxjU7L3ymOXmntG8ZncDWepGJKWm27wIBLZ9Jt56oO58MlMTmCSTw-sG__4IYVVuTogxzVGw5lbW9iPdsq03Id_FIjCp_woH0vWCYYCA-erXxAeMLkZh4jGuOO6e_Z2TbEY85pNsPLcJ5cccJsvDx3QWjL5Tkl3ZqM/w640-h470/25%20IMG_9274(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">In the boatyard, meteorological spring announces its arrival, with sudden showers and languorous bursts of sunshine. Whilst the tide ebbs and floods with a more predictable regularity. Work, on Stargazer, occurs in opportunistic fits and starts, as conditions permit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimNs9EqPTo3bciCSVV_r4f0UdwaNqLyq0eCvz53cLCpwZq_yJwMZ0cdQtdvyLcZ2fosXnMnnqleBmirGQmw_of-0B2v35D2Q4CiAQfER6TP8NoGJHEiUVkoHvw1OnnpMB2yzlVS36Tpny1gO9AWFDdWx-FZ6xcK2FJ4hnJtPoKRHEbme_E7YWKLT6icc/s5472/P1460374.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimNs9EqPTo3bciCSVV_r4f0UdwaNqLyq0eCvz53cLCpwZq_yJwMZ0cdQtdvyLcZ2fosXnMnnqleBmirGQmw_of-0B2v35D2Q4CiAQfER6TP8NoGJHEiUVkoHvw1OnnpMB2yzlVS36Tpny1gO9AWFDdWx-FZ6xcK2FJ4hnJtPoKRHEbme_E7YWKLT6icc/w640-h426/P1460374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Day by day, the ratio of sunshine to showers rises. One by one, refit tasks are completed: polishing, antifouling, anode renewal, engine servicing and water pump replacement. Pieces completing the pre-season preparation picture. Until Stargazer is ready for her relaunch.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-43107944433008091592024-03-01T07:38:00.000+00:002024-03-01T07:38:42.931+00:00In Tension<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jsvsHuleviJHVElV2DkszZiULoVqCs7IvIOdZ189U9bk94CO3nWW1RyoXJCQXvYUWhDQJwItU2Oa7FvlXydqdwFmUEr4Y8sL7_L_jzRA4II0yfv2yqwewYUiiMz6uMbUXzV_s3aatUQbZoOFXPLSGKcRYmbtdxipfObiV-lP0PoRKUQ3Y-6BLLNuoCE/s5472/P1460314.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jsvsHuleviJHVElV2DkszZiULoVqCs7IvIOdZ189U9bk94CO3nWW1RyoXJCQXvYUWhDQJwItU2Oa7FvlXydqdwFmUEr4Y8sL7_L_jzRA4II0yfv2yqwewYUiiMz6uMbUXzV_s3aatUQbZoOFXPLSGKcRYmbtdxipfObiV-lP0PoRKUQ3Y-6BLLNuoCE/w640-h426/P1460314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">In the still of Friday evening, I bring Stargazer alongside the crane dock. Ready for her annual lift out, arranged for Monday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-6XSA1Sb42M54Wzbp8nsDAIID5E33joVB0yidWT79CAYMw0GDooKsz9tR_p5fKpMye3p0zSYXw3RcDIqcomoYcy_cMMpN9_fFY474CNBkOyh4Kn7UMTLxBNtDAUvrkBgjM3eZ8na7rwLUJCjPVk_eJFZQFjRt3Qxb0eXyNQaCMSNnFluuNXDBY_KNtI/s5472/P1460326.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-6XSA1Sb42M54Wzbp8nsDAIID5E33joVB0yidWT79CAYMw0GDooKsz9tR_p5fKpMye3p0zSYXw3RcDIqcomoYcy_cMMpN9_fFY474CNBkOyh4Kn7UMTLxBNtDAUvrkBgjM3eZ8na7rwLUJCjPVk_eJFZQFjRt3Qxb0eXyNQaCMSNnFluuNXDBY_KNtI/w640-h426/P1460326.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Weekend long, the weather holds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouN9sQMM0PltXInhQy1alom2nfjC8OJCDXHc6mFD0kjjLIPs9XIQrcOlrkyhGuZxAZ_Js5QxQSYSnzcmil0zX8o10SO1noAO_AD-VVPEhyOiAl5WH12ZhbEhMhdi8GzpdPSs5DsCt4d2TvU_8JKWRi7-mdbVFKNxpfwOj5RTScfWK6-IwzTq7m8RSgSI/s5472/P1460320.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouN9sQMM0PltXInhQy1alom2nfjC8OJCDXHc6mFD0kjjLIPs9XIQrcOlrkyhGuZxAZ_Js5QxQSYSnzcmil0zX8o10SO1noAO_AD-VVPEhyOiAl5WH12ZhbEhMhdi8GzpdPSs5DsCt4d2TvU_8JKWRi7-mdbVFKNxpfwOj5RTScfWK6-IwzTq7m8RSgSI/w640-h426/P1460320.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">But, on Monday, forty knot gusts race one another, along the length of the river. Squalls scurrying from winter into spring. Crane work is cancelled. Carefully laid plans are thrown awry.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQykxux6x3icNSkKzZYCKXrudHxnYNGccCQHN5BMiyx4OC4_8yPfqeq2QntYLtC8VNbYLikAnXnUGj70idrvEBwwb55RGfePC2x4KDZ-344Vu062i9kykXeMew2O62mH9kqraPikt-nPcS2FmUxIAWl4yMPAgikJPMtmVECSnnf_Vk8AM91WOR3Mv42A/s4921/P1460343(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3206" data-original-width="4921" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQykxux6x3icNSkKzZYCKXrudHxnYNGccCQHN5BMiyx4OC4_8yPfqeq2QntYLtC8VNbYLikAnXnUGj70idrvEBwwb55RGfePC2x4KDZ-344Vu062i9kykXeMew2O62mH9kqraPikt-nPcS2FmUxIAWl4yMPAgikJPMtmVECSnnf_Vk8AM91WOR3Mv42A/w640-h416/P1460343(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tuesday and Wednesday are forecast to be fair, before the next system rolls in. But both days are already fully booked. And the 'rules,' of the crane dock are that boats, which have their lift cancelled, must queue for the next vacant slot. With Easter in the offing, such openings are in short supply. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tension mounts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyI2D5bvRkQk9gu3X6itRLk5A0jAeXzOGANAI5Ng26p13uzh7Ooyrhph1fMF5IWZM8gv3PfSnmAFInN_DNQWrLty9yxKWH_yjV1Q8Dn-9ytPlEnAjk_cGqPmI7zBk6EP3APe3y0nMP2JKnRDB5QnsXpm9XPOhMY-RqaUgXVyvQ9_B_jtrToGpW7UJKnM/s4527/P1460352(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3059" data-original-width="4527" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPyI2D5bvRkQk9gu3X6itRLk5A0jAeXzOGANAI5Ng26p13uzh7Ooyrhph1fMF5IWZM8gv3PfSnmAFInN_DNQWrLty9yxKWH_yjV1Q8Dn-9ytPlEnAjk_cGqPmI7zBk6EP3APe3y0nMP2JKnRDB5QnsXpm9XPOhMY-RqaUgXVyvQ9_B_jtrToGpW7UJKnM/w640-h432/P1460352(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 'rules,’ however, rely on human interpretation. With Stargazer already alongside, and myself on hand, to unship her backstay and aid sling placement, she would be a quick lift. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Tuesday I arrive at the yard early, to see what opportunities the day may bring. Chatting agreeably, in the sunshine, with nautical passers-by. Lured outdoors, by the welcome prospect, of a change in the season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0BGK7RgDtwdEN-9vD9_qfBAqE9LDsmgug_mUe09e-oUJqRki8a7aqExwCIJ80YomVsRPUK3jaF-lLWw7RHqw1vgtqeM4sQZDIIZFAq-6tOTUU9oN2a3T1qnhIi-mZh20bA3-nbk5SoBu3kxPGmsKNujoY39pFbI4kRugrwVyq2RaInA-eHg153aimIU/s4552/P1460360(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3007" data-original-width="4552" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0BGK7RgDtwdEN-9vD9_qfBAqE9LDsmgug_mUe09e-oUJqRki8a7aqExwCIJ80YomVsRPUK3jaF-lLWw7RHqw1vgtqeM4sQZDIIZFAq-6tOTUU9oN2a3T1qnhIi-mZh20bA3-nbk5SoBu3kxPGmsKNujoY39pFbI4kRugrwVyq2RaInA-eHg153aimIU/w640-h422/P1460360(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The benign conditions speed the morning's work. And apply a balm of benevolence to proceedings. Taylor, multi-tasking Marina Manager and crane driver, ambles over to our conversational knot. "Reckon we can squeeze Stargazer in next, if you like?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjg5-pOEDqgJdlyzZI_jyn6Qbq_3RaE7Ia_kO4dJbbtfSQh6G_FqISeXGnqz0wg5uxs6z2K6V181yq-onqfWimYtuqsJOPA_bNkllTnB5dy-giVa7AJpMSi55w9CazMxN35x0ZPN7SBOPDE5Vr_d-YvDhq2YWl_wmMouYWuM3nhk5gfTT4tspIJHpsKc/s4606/P1460363(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3126" data-original-width="4606" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjg5-pOEDqgJdlyzZI_jyn6Qbq_3RaE7Ia_kO4dJbbtfSQh6G_FqISeXGnqz0wg5uxs6z2K6V181yq-onqfWimYtuqsJOPA_bNkllTnB5dy-giVa7AJpMSi55w9CazMxN35x0ZPN7SBOPDE5Vr_d-YvDhq2YWl_wmMouYWuM3nhk5gfTT4tspIJHpsKc/w640-h434/P1460363(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stargazer is swung ashore. A growth, of underwater slime, testament to a (largely) mild autumn and winter. Pent up breath can be released. Preparations, for Stargazer's summer cruise, may proceed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv8OsEpLRtbOZNVAHW4KwhvKTPCNvrGYOlv9rcN2zVH95vaVRiFBNXmHWP7HrP8X1aYCj-I4ry-mspGExhvkTXwb3VlWY31XbX2q3w2nFKbNWIeusb0hMf4mN-8IprAlnlPSsvhUsMsC77kBDDMEVV8EWVZowq6BEmVOQywgizKHsorLw7GkiNfornZ0/s3705/IMG_9251(2).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2734" data-original-width="3705" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVv8OsEpLRtbOZNVAHW4KwhvKTPCNvrGYOlv9rcN2zVH95vaVRiFBNXmHWP7HrP8X1aYCj-I4ry-mspGExhvkTXwb3VlWY31XbX2q3w2nFKbNWIeusb0hMf4mN-8IprAlnlPSsvhUsMsC77kBDDMEVV8EWVZowq6BEmVOQywgizKHsorLw7GkiNfornZ0/w640-h472/IMG_9251(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My visit, to the French Visa centre, had yielded a six month Visa de Long Sejour, in yesterday’s post. (See French Connections). I have my ticket to summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM_6GEnLCVuGX5yezgnctQ4Xt-NwWaLuYMC7mMlvUGKx-R5K9WaVYB-_JkPYoCqwNgSVKCD8dg79fzj1tM2LOY9GYlf8QXPidXCTyJOUYxfY1gDzLTJGxjGV2U8oTl4C_YETTnTJfFUREWWp7L5P22QPnQwQ7cSg26LZ0FcIx8WZlzg_ScGF6LRwOYJA/s5027/Houat%20row%20ashore.%20june%202023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3351" data-original-width="5027" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBM_6GEnLCVuGX5yezgnctQ4Xt-NwWaLuYMC7mMlvUGKx-R5K9WaVYB-_JkPYoCqwNgSVKCD8dg79fzj1tM2LOY9GYlf8QXPidXCTyJOUYxfY1gDzLTJGxjGV2U8oTl4C_YETTnTJfFUREWWp7L5P22QPnQwQ7cSg26LZ0FcIx8WZlzg_ScGF6LRwOYJA/w640-h426/Houat%20row%20ashore.%20june%202023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now it is time to ready Stargazer's hull, rig and engine. Whilst Sarah and Alan complete her new genoa, in the loft at Wilkinson Sails.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-7437981440932729552024-02-15T09:14:00.021+00:002024-02-15T20:30:45.217+00:00French Connections<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">ONE</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOpl8EjQZ8hMMiyBjB-tMCi-bp25QLccagd0baex7bW6LcNJPy91xtyZrtVXy0WBaJw1N0b5zZV31BEm4e0IPPcwHSunNldw7r5BJEJ9wVOrrpe0sHb3KR7ulY9TZ4BSHPwpcoFUNSP3of8Mo6uuI8fXPaALIViaWFZTuULAB7a_17Po5aFJiVS1tPD8/s3381/1%20Wandsworth%20town%202024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2478" data-original-width="3381" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOpl8EjQZ8hMMiyBjB-tMCi-bp25QLccagd0baex7bW6LcNJPy91xtyZrtVXy0WBaJw1N0b5zZV31BEm4e0IPPcwHSunNldw7r5BJEJ9wVOrrpe0sHb3KR7ulY9TZ4BSHPwpcoFUNSP3of8Mo6uuI8fXPaALIViaWFZTuULAB7a_17Po5aFJiVS1tPD8/w640-h470/1%20Wandsworth%20town%202024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A fine drizzle glosses the pavements, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. As I step off the train, on my annual mission to seek a French Visa. That vital ingredient in the heady 'Asterix' potion, which will fuel Stargazer's summer plans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpEtdN08sSL_Tv4gVIu6bAuJzjnEZUJhmciAjqKnVtMKCvllKiCNGPU8YZTTcpJ1B5lIRLsbAPPQ5aZa8gtWEgK9bph8cxtrHK1eeMFVJM1yYPMMuHPXykxSsziXeXODqrOzzMKOIHkFHEFacuFn6lakwHAr9oKnqNnLQSlh2bMIj2HCIq-jfijHU5bo/s5472/P1460181.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpEtdN08sSL_Tv4gVIu6bAuJzjnEZUJhmciAjqKnVtMKCvllKiCNGPU8YZTTcpJ1B5lIRLsbAPPQ5aZa8gtWEgK9bph8cxtrHK1eeMFVJM1yYPMMuHPXykxSsziXeXODqrOzzMKOIHkFHEFacuFn6lakwHAr9oKnqNnLQSlh2bMIj2HCIq-jfijHU5bo/w640-h426/P1460181.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back home in Kent, the silhouettes of bare-branched, skeletal trees stand sentry on the horizon. Colours are muted. Sunlight winter-thin and palid. Soon, though, it will be time to perform the first rite of spring. The bringing of Stargazer ashore, to prepare her for a summer at sea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">TWO</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKkcSpAdU6UBZWsaYQ22NOOvRKKXZJsD95gE0cXFn6wqWgoVeknIx5IiwkDif0l0Zu5yE_lVY_RQm9NW5jf2ncCRi1xR2zsC4089uwgAXescRnk6yJr7c8R9kyX19hzG_yX-h9aJXX6PViGM1oY7KEoweFaSIBZKykSW7zbSFfXPjdairKAssiIUKJBI/s4901/3%20SVR%20Mer%20concept%20concarneau.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3267" data-original-width="4901" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKkcSpAdU6UBZWsaYQ22NOOvRKKXZJsD95gE0cXFn6wqWgoVeknIx5IiwkDif0l0Zu5yE_lVY_RQm9NW5jf2ncCRi1xR2zsC4089uwgAXescRnk6yJr7c8R9kyX19hzG_yX-h9aJXX6PViGM1oY7KEoweFaSIBZKykSW7zbSFfXPjdairKAssiIUKJBI/w640-h426/3%20SVR%20Mer%20concept%20concarneau.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last May, whilst Stargazer was in Concarneau, the one hundred foot, foiling, Ultim (short for Ultimate) class trimaran 'SVR' was in port. Readying for a single handed, round the world race, against five sister ships. The first time that such a feat has been attempted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_PLV7sDnBTs_gaWyO5Joi_z7ke2XRZbm618B7ZRIzLkJxiW4MgDRZdyVoBQG_cihqua6-41K1IF_BFfQ_MrkK0f3tEFJ6UzNxWeTClZd_AufvhzlYwW7IV_2yZNBOAkGRIRhKJwCy1keifNX1KF2UAxg_xKsns86p4Fd4gpxj3EkuawvcgK5rUkY_N0/s800/4%20Yann%20Riou%20%20polaRYSE%20Gitana%20SA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_PLV7sDnBTs_gaWyO5Joi_z7ke2XRZbm618B7ZRIzLkJxiW4MgDRZdyVoBQG_cihqua6-41K1IF_BFfQ_MrkK0f3tEFJ6UzNxWeTClZd_AufvhzlYwW7IV_2yZNBOAkGRIRhKJwCy1keifNX1KF2UAxg_xKsns86p4Fd4gpxj3EkuawvcgK5rUkY_N0/w640-h360/4%20Yann%20Riou%20%20polaRYSE%20Gitana%20SA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the seventh of January, the fleet left Brest. Making thirty five to forty knots, as they smoked south, toward the Cape of Good Hope. There SVR struck a UFO (Unidentified Floating Object). The violence of the impact driving her dagger board aft. Slicing open the hull. Watertight bulkheads averted a sinking. But her race was ended. Five competitors fought on in the ‘Big South.' Gitana building a commanding lead, through the windswept wilds of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYfDgu7UkJOKPJ4AF-OqmJ6o856oKs3yX8r6cD70QNJn95WolT4d7Et1tWRLw8Am4uW_DWmN85pHRsDAO8yLWMXGuBohW1TBSHPtmIKWWwzh-_m2FDAU5zYnlnuuMroQnXebp1lfMXsIW1il3ospWJvfxKHIvw0Lcq_E_BW0n-T_quRjHRHLT4JHh_M8/s940/5%20Gitana%20Horn%20credit%20Yann%20Riou%20%20polaRSE%20Gitana%20SA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="940" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYfDgu7UkJOKPJ4AF-OqmJ6o856oKs3yX8r6cD70QNJn95WolT4d7Et1tWRLw8Am4uW_DWmN85pHRsDAO8yLWMXGuBohW1TBSHPtmIKWWwzh-_m2FDAU5zYnlnuuMroQnXebp1lfMXsIW1il3ospWJvfxKHIvw0Lcq_E_BW0n-T_quRjHRHLT4JHh_M8/w640-h426/5%20Gitana%20Horn%20credit%20Yann%20Riou%20%20polaRSE%20Gitana%20SA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sufficient to enable her skipper, Charles Caudrelier, to back off for thirty six hours, whilst a storm blew through. Before tackling Cape Horn in more benign conditions. Now on the homeward leg, he is nearing Recife. The only one, of the 'flying boats,' not have to pitted to repair damage (predominantly to foils). Now he ekes out his remaining six days' provisions. With the doldrums between him and the finish line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">THREE</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yg8NIJTEP8h3CZRvAL-zY7V_v0jkeckMuWa9Z3dwxuU36RoKZAEa4xxQBz1Pew3M2c8ikftiIN0AGwTEHBwN2zL0LL8UftQfaiBasFwsoMdeph_KalAseDMhIoxbJwvnbhtoZFdi4EE7MrDqC8TjXD_g-zHubuGWC4Di6j_e0YiT-dqnqxnGxtWoIv0/s1500/6%20Vannes%20city%20walls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yg8NIJTEP8h3CZRvAL-zY7V_v0jkeckMuWa9Z3dwxuU36RoKZAEa4xxQBz1Pew3M2c8ikftiIN0AGwTEHBwN2zL0LL8UftQfaiBasFwsoMdeph_KalAseDMhIoxbJwvnbhtoZFdi4EE7MrDqC8TjXD_g-zHubuGWC4Di6j_e0YiT-dqnqxnGxtWoIv0/w640-h480/6%20Vannes%20city%20walls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The company behind Passeport-Escales is based within the city walls of Vannes. This is a scheme which Stargazer makes extensive use of. It grants five 'free' nights, in each of one hundred and fifty French marinas. In return for allowing others to use the vacant berth, of a boat away on passage, from a participating home marina.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pz2GTFyxfEv1wGBZNEbNKD9Q4-s-RPGPdzuYE_G2Ii6qQG_b1LXx_iviMbY9vveSQSII5QeCmaqXV1C4mHBggP0z8aQB3N3hs-Y5e_6PH1v_n4jKLZlQAooSdNIjfg_Zar6buXFYMJUpgAeweKJ-zn1NTWtWtXeQrH81PsReLSEsEtz9mZ8jEhKehH8/s1544/7%20Vannes%20waterfront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1544" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pz2GTFyxfEv1wGBZNEbNKD9Q4-s-RPGPdzuYE_G2Ii6qQG_b1LXx_iviMbY9vveSQSII5QeCmaqXV1C4mHBggP0z8aQB3N3hs-Y5e_6PH1v_n4jKLZlQAooSdNIjfg_Zar6buXFYMJUpgAeweKJ-zn1NTWtWtXeQrH81PsReLSEsEtz9mZ8jEhKehH8/w640-h466/7%20Vannes%20waterfront.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stargazer, the Passeport-Escales team inform me, has benefitted from more 'free' nights, since my retirement, than any other British boat. They therefore wish to conduct a short interview, for their house magazine 'Pass-Ports.' Its purpose is to publicise the scheme and, as Jean my interviewer explains, "to help people to dream." An endeavour which Stargazer wholeheartedly supports.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u><br /></u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u>Picture Credits:</u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><u><br /></u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>4.Gitana in flight courtesy of Yann Riou polaRYSE Gitana SA</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>5.Gitana rounding Cape Horn </i><i>courtesy of Yann Riou polaRYSE Gitana SA</i></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-80284556454191768122024-02-01T10:50:00.000+00:002024-02-01T10:50:49.855+00:00Foredeck Physics<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GpwHuxyy_rg4wILN9nwEsj_bF169sUX2pKMM7rBoTxRBm6zyjok6cOOsPl5jd-lrCMu_-2aXehbp-37ceKqpYfpIflBBolPl6sgJxkJk3fnin4Ne5jMdouJRBEMtmz1uf380aw05eVl0-2lrksMCPHtJkDxFb665KSGoGk7kgisFxHrky9eOrw5Bx4E/s3366/IMG_9215.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2561" data-original-width="3366" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-GpwHuxyy_rg4wILN9nwEsj_bF169sUX2pKMM7rBoTxRBm6zyjok6cOOsPl5jd-lrCMu_-2aXehbp-37ceKqpYfpIflBBolPl6sgJxkJk3fnin4Ne5jMdouJRBEMtmz1uf380aw05eVl0-2lrksMCPHtJkDxFb665KSGoGk7kgisFxHrky9eOrw5Bx4E/w640-h486/IMG_9215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Rich, marine engineer extraordinaire, makes short work of removing Stargazer's failed windlass. (See New Year’s Morn post).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSBttxWrA3J1btUx9xx5Kh3G1y6IC3qSkxwru_gkpKxbwk5qjzL6er3oyUogmJ-j__yqqY8Nygvz7Id-StFxbrOTosQUxXrqlsOJd9P20G296MEIcjGBlmXe9DQhTEheeXHpvrAvf98a18FXp1g1Iyv9GwAKCAXrzg2JMT8orOoGh3XmLcn8dUQkxK5w/s4032/IMG_9223.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSBttxWrA3J1btUx9xx5Kh3G1y6IC3qSkxwru_gkpKxbwk5qjzL6er3oyUogmJ-j__yqqY8Nygvz7Id-StFxbrOTosQUxXrqlsOJd9P20G296MEIcjGBlmXe9DQhTEheeXHpvrAvf98a18FXp1g1Iyv9GwAKCAXrzg2JMT8orOoGh3XmLcn8dUQkxK5w/w640-h480/IMG_9223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The cause, of its demise is quickly clear. Electrolysis has been at work. The aluminium casting, of the chassis, has nobly sacrificed itself upon the altar of the Periodic Table. All that remains is a fine dust, surrounding a few skeletal 'fingers' of solid metal. It is one of these which has jammed the gypsy. To which the motor was connected only by the steel drive spindle. The housing crumbled to a powder.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja46qdTiTtP-nlUcBdbzUIKD7wxboVievuMpAEWLLrBU1PCYXU0eNc3d7efq-VHXrRvASXwKPc8s-AQFTf6K3J9qF6aASkYNjyAF5u4c4jp0AC1mUnkgAkqAlVMssyWdzXHy3DsAqgDqT7gVrPpiQa57m5aeQiUflDvKaXsMs__ZeTIyvCk3kAySGAtQI/s3757/IMG_9217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2756" data-original-width="3757" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja46qdTiTtP-nlUcBdbzUIKD7wxboVievuMpAEWLLrBU1PCYXU0eNc3d7efq-VHXrRvASXwKPc8s-AQFTf6K3J9qF6aASkYNjyAF5u4c4jp0AC1mUnkgAkqAlVMssyWdzXHy3DsAqgDqT7gVrPpiQa57m5aeQiUflDvKaXsMs__ZeTIyvCk3kAySGAtQI/w640-h470/IMG_9217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A vacuum removes the debris and a wipe down, with methylated spirit, prepares Stargazer's foredeck to receive her new windlass. Bolt and hawse pipe holes align perfectly, as promised by the brochure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78uEXz9GF9ZeMVnvojXGIZ_5VIc65aZwens_WbIQQRGYBF5mLRJPgvTDWtlEIe1dICqvmgCv4h4MY1itYaF37y4_tQqeM33P_u26xcJV-0BwphXkXm5c7DWYPlVATT8RXtLMcFljBSPcFafqq0rtVF93ahZ6pBL7Db9PKyvm9IUmD6XvLnj2PX6AzDIs/s4032/IMG_9220.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78uEXz9GF9ZeMVnvojXGIZ_5VIc65aZwens_WbIQQRGYBF5mLRJPgvTDWtlEIe1dICqvmgCv4h4MY1itYaF37y4_tQqeM33P_u26xcJV-0BwphXkXm5c7DWYPlVATT8RXtLMcFljBSPcFafqq0rtVF93ahZ6pBL7Db9PKyvm9IUmD6XvLnj2PX6AzDIs/w640-h480/IMG_9220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below decks we hit a snag. This is a 'boat job' after all! The motor has grown in diameter, in the fourteen years since the original was fitted. The new one fouls both the locker front and the deck camber. Rotating it through one hundred and eighty degrees improves, but does not fully resolve, matters. Rich and I pause for coffee, cake and contemplation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeTg8ilgngSTv4H3G7UfybgLuxOtt0_WrnOnMOKO_A8JlV8Tz2TcNdcupFqnob6cyFHLBiolrgkUvywLdrnAUDhujETxcVmaS_SPul_U87_VfVYYPk7U6Q6LGsOoKPUYDBA3SDrnW_xOInWKfyGUsTlvJRs9iiEOuGVXqK3EJKFv1GZ_VYFDKfF4TPCQ/s4032/IMG_9230.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbeTg8ilgngSTv4H3G7UfybgLuxOtt0_WrnOnMOKO_A8JlV8Tz2TcNdcupFqnob6cyFHLBiolrgkUvywLdrnAUDhujETxcVmaS_SPul_U87_VfVYYPk7U6Q6LGsOoKPUYDBA3SDrnW_xOInWKfyGUsTlvJRs9iiEOuGVXqK3EJKFv1GZ_VYFDKfF4TPCQ/w640-h480/IMG_9230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A plan is hatched. I glue and wire the pin of a new anchor shackle, on the dock. Whilst Rich returns to the his workshop, to fashion a structural plastic spacer. Our idea is to lower the motor. Simultaneously creating a clearance between its top and the deckhead; as well as its circumference and the locker door jamb.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3tCb72pwDKDWMqs-H-9Ur80f1GdfHHDqc-s-PsX-QVcyiAxPGCAWyh9S5Y4OuBAIPHsFYtaWTcA8mDOO-zGeetj_7AqdfkbJFr-i5e7Hn96vgeUrFwc7Ju6dTC61_2zmTO6fFByQ1Q5y6-F63U0UBXshW3cjQfVi4FlcOBjCI-rLPoCgH1YpglOSVd0/s4032/IMG_9232.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3tCb72pwDKDWMqs-H-9Ur80f1GdfHHDqc-s-PsX-QVcyiAxPGCAWyh9S5Y4OuBAIPHsFYtaWTcA8mDOO-zGeetj_7AqdfkbJFr-i5e7Hn96vgeUrFwc7Ju6dTC61_2zmTO6fFByQ1Q5y6-F63U0UBXshW3cjQfVi4FlcOBjCI-rLPoCgH1YpglOSVd0/w640-h480/IMG_9232.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shadows stealthily lengthen across the foredeck. Until the windlass installation is complete and the anchor sits back on the bow roller. Stargazer is ready to sail, in search of secluded anchorages, once more.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-74276492052258446942024-01-18T17:34:00.014+00:002024-01-18T22:45:20.527+00:00A Kingfisher Comes To Call<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71_yPn53KnNJRvImmL_vm2YGUu8VPpgiT09-EJuji1s8K_lbIoY18EFj_S7a4ez47UYI6bioY8OnamD5ajCeLDLhCfyS7MEdanU8OLEyhMUUrYt_MZpCONVsVTzu3Pb8nUEPPIIH5AZpKBOMIo6hy3yc7v8wv_Mm2qPzOveMjWwhUtYwaicNkytlHI9U/s2070/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1644" data-original-width="2070" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71_yPn53KnNJRvImmL_vm2YGUu8VPpgiT09-EJuji1s8K_lbIoY18EFj_S7a4ez47UYI6bioY8OnamD5ajCeLDLhCfyS7MEdanU8OLEyhMUUrYt_MZpCONVsVTzu3Pb8nUEPPIIH5AZpKBOMIo6hy3yc7v8wv_Mm2qPzOveMjWwhUtYwaicNkytlHI9U/w640-h508/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Improbably iridescent, the Kingfisher pauses from its energetic darting. Fireball orange, treasure-island blue, ice white. A shimmering contradiction of colours, perched upon the red-rusted girders of the foot bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicawIe3h002FUQF7fdKTgsORXkfJLTSvXQoMfFp34qxEdocazHl7levWUjOlnNvoDwIHP_LoBh4quY-katDpncVuucYliFUDkROhXZwO8Z0uXJ41BE-7m-1BUQIanNseKaJFr4yxDCcvypNjuvVQFNKi3uL3ZP1kIXt35VaWuI2HWkkVYQjPrauRf9AxY/s5472/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicawIe3h002FUQF7fdKTgsORXkfJLTSvXQoMfFp34qxEdocazHl7levWUjOlnNvoDwIHP_LoBh4quY-katDpncVuucYliFUDkROhXZwO8Z0uXJ41BE-7m-1BUQIanNseKaJFr4yxDCcvypNjuvVQFNKi3uL3ZP1kIXt35VaWuI2HWkkVYQjPrauRf9AxY/w640-h426/2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ice skins the waters of the stream which it spans. As they meander through winter-pallid sedge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3uPeS05CF4_PluzqufQOE50t8S5waHcycjY80SHWSDYAFTj9VrMkrMS8xaWRXb_TqB1gbBDU-2BJWCpVALV2X2liSxR0DfBePAMrYsY3f6tIpSVa_HhdVI3CNMQNi7wmHTraUk0VeUOXo0rYbVRYibZmtW6sY6r-K2X9uhB854uRMe_p3wcKP97Q0rk/s5472/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3uPeS05CF4_PluzqufQOE50t8S5waHcycjY80SHWSDYAFTj9VrMkrMS8xaWRXb_TqB1gbBDU-2BJWCpVALV2X2liSxR0DfBePAMrYsY3f6tIpSVa_HhdVI3CNMQNi7wmHTraUk0VeUOXo0rYbVRYibZmtW6sY6r-K2X9uhB854uRMe_p3wcKP97Q0rk/w640-h426/3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A keen wind whips into Oare Creek, from the Swale. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonzX6JJnFIdSpe8UhfGTrRyxsDkz-ldRjhm0UL3TWQa8X-sY3lGeJJqDr69yUzLzrNRimc5hqSb20uUH9SSoDOjs1_NJGqTh52l01O6ttiLJgRbdjmnV9DTpIFfFUrPz84PEkgk-f8zQ8J9LsUsgvxkxCVcEnDYU5ISaHQhcI8VO1YE9QAhYDxwyJHiA/s5472/4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonzX6JJnFIdSpe8UhfGTrRyxsDkz-ldRjhm0UL3TWQa8X-sY3lGeJJqDr69yUzLzrNRimc5hqSb20uUH9SSoDOjs1_NJGqTh52l01O6ttiLJgRbdjmnV9DTpIFfFUrPz84PEkgk-f8zQ8J9LsUsgvxkxCVcEnDYU5ISaHQhcI8VO1YE9QAhYDxwyJHiA/w640-h426/4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Setting the feathered heads, of dormant reeds, aflutter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi104DBrJwyRoDE4g8V4x3fX7OSNjZRe31h6r_uc4NB81AEiOqzc7K7zXCtDCXiBtDJ7ukf0JGCKq4vbHYGuqN4ZHXgyfCWnM9OydUtACVT6gTuXB9C3_8InyA6ii3g86QsQh0bn3jFnMp_GGNYRQmpVp4hQJQlR-Hp9rgWrAju0yh3RiKoBC65XyHAc18/s5472/5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi104DBrJwyRoDE4g8V4x3fX7OSNjZRe31h6r_uc4NB81AEiOqzc7K7zXCtDCXiBtDJ7ukf0JGCKq4vbHYGuqN4ZHXgyfCWnM9OydUtACVT6gTuXB9C3_8InyA6ii3g86QsQh0bn3jFnMp_GGNYRQmpVp4hQJQlR-Hp9rgWrAju0yh3RiKoBC65XyHAc18/w640-h426/5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A knoll rises from the marsh. An island of lush green, in a sea of bleached beige. Creating a sheltered sun trap, beneath the foot bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgKMnYPdUPkxuAKtSOP3ZmmKjmWUcMJLmEW7Cvhmhr1u3zqdT-7QIpJnrjfNGNK5M1DuBiX8zaTFXLSv0RA01fn02jsfPPW3UF9Rz7z-GtorakSPqmk1JAhD9Gk-X3nMVEChb4oThIdMhttJutiSfYTjUqz4PdkQsJkWYl1iHVPpgvkKJciEsB8rWjJI/s2456/6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2456" data-original-width="1771" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgKMnYPdUPkxuAKtSOP3ZmmKjmWUcMJLmEW7Cvhmhr1u3zqdT-7QIpJnrjfNGNK5M1DuBiX8zaTFXLSv0RA01fn02jsfPPW3UF9Rz7z-GtorakSPqmk1JAhD9Gk-X3nMVEChb4oThIdMhttJutiSfYTjUqz4PdkQsJkWYl1iHVPpgvkKJciEsB8rWjJI/w462-h640/6.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Kingfisher and I bask in our pool of warmth. Listening to the song of the wind and chuckle of the brook. The bird ceaselessly darting its multicoloured head from side to side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SBBbvLluwY9yO7q0fHfaf5p6YcBaErVkP_tWe9_cpCNTCzF_uSbzerXIWoZi66fQStaSceQqgYaXgh277R6-qw9xAFOkJuxMEsXdt3vmbsq4K-vVt5hYvyTrA7CqSrTIN5bWDqCxi_bOBNO6CAq5hfVqcm0HvIYM-7K3kC9zhecDpymVBKwETUZfNSQ/s5472/7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5472" data-original-width="3648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SBBbvLluwY9yO7q0fHfaf5p6YcBaErVkP_tWe9_cpCNTCzF_uSbzerXIWoZi66fQStaSceQqgYaXgh277R6-qw9xAFOkJuxMEsXdt3vmbsq4K-vVt5hYvyTrA7CqSrTIN5bWDqCxi_bOBNO6CAq5hfVqcm0HvIYM-7K3kC9zhecDpymVBKwETUZfNSQ/w426-h640/7.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It dives. Flitting from bank to bank, in low, skimming, acrobatic flight. Its dazzling bright plumage magically melting, to my amazement, into this lanscape of wan vegetation and looking glass pools. The Kingfisher disappears from view, making toward the hamlet of Oare.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkMh7OIxmX4nrAQrqSlf7l0qLLI9_TfMV0HMp10X6uI17Bm_XNdoxOfESVX8Nh7aZN8vH9GDHvxlg2mPOczQYlLzYPUiujUMz6ALtLL2ycmp82JyyjeAzmPwS7Ait8HvYfE7Efulfg05kQnrPtL7i3nGF9203tcmomftSBf899UUC9xwpGvb9kFSKLXw/s5472/8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkMh7OIxmX4nrAQrqSlf7l0qLLI9_TfMV0HMp10X6uI17Bm_XNdoxOfESVX8Nh7aZN8vH9GDHvxlg2mPOczQYlLzYPUiujUMz6ALtLL2ycmp82JyyjeAzmPwS7Ait8HvYfE7Efulfg05kQnrPtL7i3nGF9203tcmomftSBf899UUC9xwpGvb9kFSKLXw/w640-h426/8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I follow, more sedately. Boots scrunching over the heavy hoar frost, which crowns the sea wall. Past the slumbering forms, of winterised boats.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw5ASbviSOGMkugkaVt1jr22jAjEZAYVrWXHLdQS37-fxDwlBSwRevgI_8i6INFkDxJaawt1jOS9TKavvzLmzbWeWg9Q0i7riVLpd4iJg1KZmfJnFImOIo53DTq9AI7AFSSIJrn9VBeI_WcTlJwdiMBtnVRDiMNuMawDStwFPBzoDtS3K5YUI0kDvFj0/s5472/9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5472" data-original-width="3648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw5ASbviSOGMkugkaVt1jr22jAjEZAYVrWXHLdQS37-fxDwlBSwRevgI_8i6INFkDxJaawt1jOS9TKavvzLmzbWeWg9Q0i7riVLpd4iJg1KZmfJnFImOIo53DTq9AI7AFSSIJrn9VBeI_WcTlJwdiMBtnVRDiMNuMawDStwFPBzoDtS3K5YUI0kDvFj0/w426-h640/9.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tide ebbs seaward.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenG5HEJEZEh79oMc8jlUKtVU2MWvWrZSQjYtWA08iph0vdvyiZFN_x-Wyt5nUtCFwWfIgsgWjRmpLWkdbvOq1rHD-8zljoO7CIoFG1XHNbrN_6fDv7SlIoYKzShO9n9YGoY9uuEiqNfUnF50NlFWTGzu4KtTD6nQyxqeRvOJdTXxpyLn1jngvds6ZJKk/s5472/10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenG5HEJEZEh79oMc8jlUKtVU2MWvWrZSQjYtWA08iph0vdvyiZFN_x-Wyt5nUtCFwWfIgsgWjRmpLWkdbvOq1rHD-8zljoO7CIoFG1XHNbrN_6fDv7SlIoYKzShO9n9YGoY9uuEiqNfUnF50NlFWTGzu4KtTD6nQyxqeRvOJdTXxpyLn1jngvds6ZJKk/w640-h426/10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Abandoning awhile the eclectically individualistic miscellany of craft, which the Hollowshore yard attracts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwBH_hSD0rFSTWKgc72ZE2M6sx6jqwecAQ9NtPNx3bNsE1DeCrI9i64e4AVD5H_6Ikzi9A_kzpv3fmdaAoDxj-TL8kh1pgx4tlJG4qb9Qi_mI49-Y7W4fhRLovoOfqclA0tWi5qQS-wfSEWmMgGdLbQAAoK3MP-12SL9TsCrqjWpSu46Yrsfa0LeVHUI/s5472/11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwBH_hSD0rFSTWKgc72ZE2M6sx6jqwecAQ9NtPNx3bNsE1DeCrI9i64e4AVD5H_6Ikzi9A_kzpv3fmdaAoDxj-TL8kh1pgx4tlJG4qb9Qi_mI49-Y7W4fhRLovoOfqclA0tWi5qQS-wfSEWmMgGdLbQAAoK3MP-12SL9TsCrqjWpSu46Yrsfa0LeVHUI/w640-h426/11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leaving a slender and serpentine rivulet of salt water, as a reminder of boundless summertime ocean horizons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSi-KanTpQ_PfJBq3gC6N2PPHc0TCQcbTDfmAatp_t3d8-DKv9C_jar0_c2Yzl1pjXHzIvR4WWkj8TX4x8IDBz_2IJm-4TOa3xEpvJDYxGLM5CZvnPjFRabethB6BCjOGr1_l-vAwltgh0Rg0517_1lO5nMfQD43P1AIiZPEfyvn7E6Sw0963l2ouhXo/s5472/12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSi-KanTpQ_PfJBq3gC6N2PPHc0TCQcbTDfmAatp_t3d8-DKv9C_jar0_c2Yzl1pjXHzIvR4WWkj8TX4x8IDBz_2IJm-4TOa3xEpvJDYxGLM5CZvnPjFRabethB6BCjOGr1_l-vAwltgh0Rg0517_1lO5nMfQD43P1AIiZPEfyvn7E6Sw0963l2ouhXo/w640-h426/12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Water confined, for now, between banks of an unctious substance, not fully solid nor yet truly aqueous, East Coast Oooze. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfu1T9QY0rTYtD9hvxf6_AtecgPKnlesEh3sNKFRyJ7MajmrkPqmSjHiyl7PJI5li29LtT6hApw7z3qL6agcpTVI48IKGwp72zHmF_pWFM79GUSqfeMbbGhWmUPdREGz94bXaf2iH_hu55aG3Y6hOVknEFKESbtOqA4jp5ULbsOzVm9G_UQU03IHg0XA/s4069/13.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2686" data-original-width="4069" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfu1T9QY0rTYtD9hvxf6_AtecgPKnlesEh3sNKFRyJ7MajmrkPqmSjHiyl7PJI5li29LtT6hApw7z3qL6agcpTVI48IKGwp72zHmF_pWFM79GUSqfeMbbGhWmUPdREGz94bXaf2iH_hu55aG3Y6hOVknEFKESbtOqA4jp5ULbsOzVm9G_UQU03IHg0XA/w640-h422/13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On which a mud streaked Redshank forages, in the low winter sun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-14406342020071103782024-01-01T16:31:00.015+00:002024-01-01T21:39:44.062+00:00New Year's Morn<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_-fPbNrncLUMhzzzI2oiBB8-nNSEPerlJ2sx9jz0M6mBw4JTHZSLVM_hlzTvPcQuaBNeqVzQxQ-6U7VyxrcLUv9FkrCXStu29peaVzq6qMMCYOd5APed8mDYi0_DvzyLKCxQ3vSvqfFQPs6hrEdy5WS3Qy3xd-a67p9GGt7nhF7siTssNnFEyAcssmc/s4320/Stargazer%20Castle%20Townsend.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_-fPbNrncLUMhzzzI2oiBB8-nNSEPerlJ2sx9jz0M6mBw4JTHZSLVM_hlzTvPcQuaBNeqVzQxQ-6U7VyxrcLUv9FkrCXStu29peaVzq6qMMCYOd5APed8mDYi0_DvzyLKCxQ3vSvqfFQPs6hrEdy5WS3Qy3xd-a67p9GGt7nhF7siTssNnFEyAcssmc/w640-h480/Stargazer%20Castle%20Townsend.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first dawn, of the New Year, breaks sunny and still. No people abroad, nor a breath of wind. Only the silvery lap of the tide breaks the silence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was on just such a morning, ten years ago, at anchor off Castle Townshend, on the southern shore of Ireland, that this tale began.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7H0g-bqmYJaiWn5n8J2z51h7l1PpNW2lPsO-omOvYgM_Mw2PuHjdM6u41Q2x3EXkrNbbNMJWIBbi8cOp9UDpCoTsGFNgfj0lBo9n9Ow9JwvT89O3mHUFJzGvNRgTPofwaBfTMkJer3Cnj8cwHITDJLInjj6Eqiphrx6Xnc9fFtLE0Go8wxAAwPG5KEs/s1500/Picture1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7H0g-bqmYJaiWn5n8J2z51h7l1PpNW2lPsO-omOvYgM_Mw2PuHjdM6u41Q2x3EXkrNbbNMJWIBbi8cOp9UDpCoTsGFNgfj0lBo9n9Ow9JwvT89O3mHUFJzGvNRgTPofwaBfTMkJer3Cnj8cwHITDJLInjj6Eqiphrx6Xnc9fFtLE0Go8wxAAwPG5KEs/w640-h480/Picture1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stargazer's anchor windlass had uttered a series of protesting shrieks, upon being called to action, at our arrival. I had rowed ashore in search of grease, with which to soothe it. O'Donovan's store supplied food, petrol, gas, newspapers and friendly advice. But not grease. That, I was assured, was to be found in Baltimore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnvXrAOx9sCfj0KM0umzt5V3ZsSSM1CcCQ2d5XCI4fUqt94IbJc7S0SSLdQFTRdM9AxowKsYzG9-jkZN2MbozaUlU8eyXV1nxmP-HcGIYQ5fddYRbLRY0qZzCHVsd4dOq0OzMx0uFbN4XnZyMidyBxQBBqPuduTPyFvbPAibPk1PzZPitHLw-m04ckHQ/s3943/Stargazer%20Balitmore%20quay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2961" data-original-width="3943" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnvXrAOx9sCfj0KM0umzt5V3ZsSSM1CcCQ2d5XCI4fUqt94IbJc7S0SSLdQFTRdM9AxowKsYzG9-jkZN2MbozaUlU8eyXV1nxmP-HcGIYQ5fddYRbLRY0qZzCHVsd4dOq0OzMx0uFbN4XnZyMidyBxQBBqPuduTPyFvbPAibPk1PzZPitHLw-m04ckHQ/w640-h480/Stargazer%20Balitmore%20quay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This counsel proved sound. Alongside the jetty, in Baltimore, I split the gypsy from the gearbox. A shower, of fractured phosphor-bronze shards tumbled out. With no replacement parts available locally, my only recourse was to remove the shattered plain bearing entirely. Packing the drive with grease, in its place. That was in 2013.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bEpLsyfFNhkzjdfuk1WNmRZ1d8LAnOES0djkjrRrybI1UtjKKb2iGEdi_kkduulf4pTf_xgjMLXf7fg6pg-I9TzTl6tznvfj_597fEX1DY1sK0o4p6Rn7KhZEUe4KbVpNqAih5RinS-sF-3z25RY2GZZSyeBK00vBXwSk1KPEJ9GRBkeXIZB8YpDSh8/s4336/Houat%20anchorage%202.%20June%202023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2891" data-original-width="4336" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bEpLsyfFNhkzjdfuk1WNmRZ1d8LAnOES0djkjrRrybI1UtjKKb2iGEdi_kkduulf4pTf_xgjMLXf7fg6pg-I9TzTl6tznvfj_597fEX1DY1sK0o4p6Rn7KhZEUe4KbVpNqAih5RinS-sF-3z25RY2GZZSyeBK00vBXwSk1KPEJ9GRBkeXIZB8YpDSh8/w640-h426/Houat%20anchorage%202.%20June%202023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">As recently as last summer this 'temporary' arrangement was still in service. When Stargazer visited the island of Houat, in Quiberon Bay. But, the week before Christmas, it finally seized solid. Fortunately an updated model, said to have the same mountings and be compatible with Stargazer's switchgear, remains in production. An order was quickly placed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHg1p_XOP03P5cSI5k7HQRd7DWZCQNq98tG-tjRPlyRzFKSNI284o_Ey9DbsZSdczvzjmJ99xCpUPABrtXauob-vqY3y0kADmtc5m5eDRNhTfYfmtr8Q4sLvWxiNDIzupB-mS7sJwnoHWHPhFgD6U5JuVwFl9uLOEUWIPwYJxYKDCjQESaK85WGTw5mmM/s4032/IMG_9200.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHg1p_XOP03P5cSI5k7HQRd7DWZCQNq98tG-tjRPlyRzFKSNI284o_Ey9DbsZSdczvzjmJ99xCpUPABrtXauob-vqY3y0kADmtc5m5eDRNhTfYfmtr8Q4sLvWxiNDIzupB-mS7sJwnoHWHPhFgD6U5JuVwFl9uLOEUWIPwYJxYKDCjQESaK85WGTw5mmM/w480-h640/IMG_9200.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the tranquility, of the first hours of the first morning of 2024, I sit on Stargazer's foredeck sipping hot black coffee. Pondering how to create sufficient slack in the chain, to remove it from the gypsy, with the motor unable to turn the windlass. To my pleasant surprise, simply releasing the clutch, using a winch handle, does the trick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nwomBDX5HxnDP5EN3-23NY8qQrK0yYTFFWX7BQYOkyWEk7kIO5Q3eRgOHEm3AJ20fVcJiVaPaxMeHW4blwhjRn8WFvAyUzqAPvn_0qUfdZ3N82893ZlsUehEfZxBnBkMJtN0QwwWPKAMjuL2PZjB-D1TdbXyMI0mHjwMIXN9lHpLGx9HS9TAZtkehMs/s4032/IMG_9206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nwomBDX5HxnDP5EN3-23NY8qQrK0yYTFFWX7BQYOkyWEk7kIO5Q3eRgOHEm3AJ20fVcJiVaPaxMeHW4blwhjRn8WFvAyUzqAPvn_0qUfdZ3N82893ZlsUehEfZxBnBkMJtN0QwwWPKAMjuL2PZjB-D1TdbXyMI0mHjwMIXN9lHpLGx9HS9TAZtkehMs/w640-h480/IMG_9206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As expected, the anchor shackle is rusted solid. Heaving on a heavy duty spanner, to undo it, shears the head off its pin. A fresh, fine toothed tungsten blade, in the ship's hacksaw, however effects a speedy release.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hKag1cPT-woo4Ypho-QT0AGZAh4fnZAGZ0NmhGjr7Ir9I5kVTsFapNz_-p-NQSNcxVP-kA-3R1kDqsFbM_RXPlSMBMYdEIlLi7CMaC_dLpBiX3GCOqY774kDr_HADMwmXnO2Cug1GySrs4Mnf4uV_cbmvDm280Qk40dNceex0rET6W1rkdKz27aGmo0/s1500/Picture3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hKag1cPT-woo4Ypho-QT0AGZAh4fnZAGZ0NmhGjr7Ir9I5kVTsFapNz_-p-NQSNcxVP-kA-3R1kDqsFbM_RXPlSMBMYdEIlLi7CMaC_dLpBiX3GCOqY774kDr_HADMwmXnO2Cug1GySrs4Mnf4uV_cbmvDm280Qk40dNceex0rET6W1rkdKz27aGmo0/w640-h480/Picture3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is no more to be done, until Stargazer's new anchor windlass is delivered. Except to enjoy the serenity of this pristine New Year's Morn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-76444855176372745592023-09-17T11:09:00.046+01:002023-09-18T19:52:53.215+01:00La Hirondelle 116<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK7oI-5QV8fgS0znG9EVpxr73Ae1JStE9mXWii0YOF6KkikDSvSi18Dl0KXe8Zo4D1kFzUAFE8WUntQ2HOwklC3vQgGyvTiMhDINa4VEUWT6Z5z-gnfr7wYDgzCFnUc-x55sRb4-kuvQDQQ9F5LNkd1hb9c8HoIq_YthTvF2GW5dcrOqkLoJXiTpOrAY/s5472/3356AFB6-9B74-4760-AB6D-775A4A948F62.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK7oI-5QV8fgS0znG9EVpxr73Ae1JStE9mXWii0YOF6KkikDSvSi18Dl0KXe8Zo4D1kFzUAFE8WUntQ2HOwklC3vQgGyvTiMhDINa4VEUWT6Z5z-gnfr7wYDgzCFnUc-x55sRb4-kuvQDQQ9F5LNkd1hb9c8HoIq_YthTvF2GW5dcrOqkLoJXiTpOrAY/w640-h426/3356AFB6-9B74-4760-AB6D-775A4A948F62.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer pauses, overnight, in her dash up Channel, to beat the incoming gale. Allowing her skipper to sleep, and the tide to turn in her favour. Before setting out into Saturday’s pyrotechnic dawn.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK5RHOSE5JQxy5ht6WzojEKp_RyE9glVJaNdDEV2pcOStIS7nMEg7cdd-wTvvDUezNjd1ai3AvkKZnGK4_yVu-bDWrUNHKp2YKUtUAvpkqj7kQKkUb9SubCT5Quau7tiLkNzdyVydj_za0xHesjDVjybfxdpfbagTOU9O8HewgtVeZeOIDSBh-WmXvyc/s5472/D68B994F-C84D-468A-8853-8B526AEAA907.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK5RHOSE5JQxy5ht6WzojEKp_RyE9glVJaNdDEV2pcOStIS7nMEg7cdd-wTvvDUezNjd1ai3AvkKZnGK4_yVu-bDWrUNHKp2YKUtUAvpkqj7kQKkUb9SubCT5Quau7tiLkNzdyVydj_za0xHesjDVjybfxdpfbagTOU9O8HewgtVeZeOIDSBh-WmXvyc/w640-h426/D68B994F-C84D-468A-8853-8B526AEAA907.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">On Friday morning, we had hoisted the cruising chute, off Eastbourne. By the glow of Stargazer’s navigation lights. Broad reaching past a sparkling, but yet to awaken, Hastings. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0wVDzOqxLhhGam_LRFi2MYDgWwW7gOQ9tLrjGlvEWncovjxrpjZhSnzEsNniVTAFUcVUQjm3X-jCxqM9hy5Qv44qA7n3jPteW3IDLBGmSAvXIJ9lrMI7lucP1g0W2GFLwbZmeXNo1kDWnIFqeox7JW5wbrujkFq8jFj3DCus2Z6j-HR44vfH7_EwxHA/s5283/BA8665EA-D565-4247-9C24-58CAE621E935.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3522" data-original-width="5283" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0wVDzOqxLhhGam_LRFi2MYDgWwW7gOQ9tLrjGlvEWncovjxrpjZhSnzEsNniVTAFUcVUQjm3X-jCxqM9hy5Qv44qA7n3jPteW3IDLBGmSAvXIJ9lrMI7lucP1g0W2GFLwbZmeXNo1kDWnIFqeox7JW5wbrujkFq8jFj3DCus2Z6j-HR44vfH7_EwxHA/w640-h426/BA8665EA-D565-4247-9C24-58CAE621E935.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">We watch silently as the sun rises. Feel it’s warming glow chase away the night chill. Dry the pearls of dew from the decks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHLmnMxndNyUU5twpRqMOg-QZ9HAvdAEhbprdS0pWyIgf7rJF7EQg2MBqnEUyF4SQcbqIbllvb7LrF21dUv00ADcpFzkT7fIlWU6JIbOzXKjaLEKzn5FRaVXhl04vwtZln2IdvFA0Q4YWJ0pPAq3tFsKbEPIcSL5DajquIJtDnDqFBs7xwlSXE-Eaap0/s5472/85F50458-847A-4466-9D87-B74DA4E70CD6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHLmnMxndNyUU5twpRqMOg-QZ9HAvdAEhbprdS0pWyIgf7rJF7EQg2MBqnEUyF4SQcbqIbllvb7LrF21dUv00ADcpFzkT7fIlWU6JIbOzXKjaLEKzn5FRaVXhl04vwtZln2IdvFA0Q4YWJ0pPAq3tFsKbEPIcSL5DajquIJtDnDqFBs7xwlSXE-Eaap0/w640-h426/85F50458-847A-4466-9D87-B74DA4E70CD6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Paint the sandstone bluff a dreamy gauzy gold.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBrV5YFJg6kUg8yZL9nNexHu0OlESuX7wHZbCi-Bk91_JI3je1UJZlR7IEh53whnr4g3bpz0-OvHpmjhbFEdQKsmUcNuwvK3nVjLwELmT_5xOpCDWSM74J1OIfuQjzV05G0kCNVHixT1Z9RPNjqjuhauAdFymQXHduEzbvIJGaLJ7io5EjMB6_0rZtDk/s5283/71C949EE-0EE1-4D00-90EF-464A242E6B20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3522" data-original-width="5283" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBrV5YFJg6kUg8yZL9nNexHu0OlESuX7wHZbCi-Bk91_JI3je1UJZlR7IEh53whnr4g3bpz0-OvHpmjhbFEdQKsmUcNuwvK3nVjLwELmT_5xOpCDWSM74J1OIfuQjzV05G0kCNVHixT1Z9RPNjqjuhauAdFymQXHduEzbvIJGaLJ7io5EjMB6_0rZtDk/w640-h426/71C949EE-0EE1-4D00-90EF-464A242E6B20.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">As the heat of the day builds, the wind veers. Stargazer beats gently toward Dungeness. Riding the inshore eddy, which presages the turn of the Channel tide. The brutally square silhouettes, of its nuclear reactors, our day mark.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzBT-jXTWz1TYwzVmZgaOSCjlFij-zgYui6zCtztyas_yeOSpYj43eBliIB2UrNpzFgEBWCX61DBH2ROKoM98SzgQT6wUbsGLL-zHIRoqiJeIbrfyvnjLCJA-BBL95e-SCEAsmtsdsG_Zz1h9-Uh19XtK9juy6GPmV5973PXoN0mNVRHYmRRNtToCDgU/s5080/16D4A47D-2D95-458C-8B2F-7DEF4E5BE1F5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3387" data-original-width="5080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzBT-jXTWz1TYwzVmZgaOSCjlFij-zgYui6zCtztyas_yeOSpYj43eBliIB2UrNpzFgEBWCX61DBH2ROKoM98SzgQT6wUbsGLL-zHIRoqiJeIbrfyvnjLCJA-BBL95e-SCEAsmtsdsG_Zz1h9-Uh19XtK9juy6GPmV5973PXoN0mNVRHYmRRNtToCDgU/w640-h426/16D4A47D-2D95-458C-8B2F-7DEF4E5BE1F5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Off the tip, of the tawny gravel spit, the east going tide gathers Stargazer in its arms. Sweeping her along the rhumb line.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_szyM66jZxAMFqDbvPeN8YYnW7KpVYMtLTVh-rimrwImFn4EDazT_8X-Q58-ic41LvXeLFtvvsEsdmdGUEkl0dWbcVqfFxwPKwA5w_18KwXKl1TmBiZ6I8ir__2dWHFZ4Gb4BDUxm75ZQRps55XGOb9wkvn1_eEw4TgjRFPRpq9JiiartKLqySMZSi0/s5384/39B135B2-503F-4BF1-A03D-B77DC200DD1A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3589" data-original-width="5384" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_szyM66jZxAMFqDbvPeN8YYnW7KpVYMtLTVh-rimrwImFn4EDazT_8X-Q58-ic41LvXeLFtvvsEsdmdGUEkl0dWbcVqfFxwPKwA5w_18KwXKl1TmBiZ6I8ir__2dWHFZ4Gb4BDUxm75ZQRps55XGOb9wkvn1_eEw4TgjRFPRpq9JiiartKLqySMZSi0/w640-h426/39B135B2-503F-4BF1-A03D-B77DC200DD1A.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Accelerating the apparent wind.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_eF502vaTJaxri-OalgmJvHqKY_6tsJlN89gOd3yX7AtHyxwyK1Jn-i4F-yD-gFuAtiGmU8pDgZWn59pkBZMIsZ1wx2D2X25S4ppLDZsXmd7Z-evULnk0hTxYtiU-8YyFBV6r6Z233teGsJK1R1R1tNEBwFFSiXu4yGFyG-YtPN0R_3NrD3XA_r65Z4/s5472/28E88657-5252-4906-80E8-90EA79BEE530.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_eF502vaTJaxri-OalgmJvHqKY_6tsJlN89gOd3yX7AtHyxwyK1Jn-i4F-yD-gFuAtiGmU8pDgZWn59pkBZMIsZ1wx2D2X25S4ppLDZsXmd7Z-evULnk0hTxYtiU-8YyFBV6r6Z233teGsJK1R1R1tNEBwFFSiXu4yGFyG-YtPN0R_3NrD3XA_r65Z4/w640-h426/28E88657-5252-4906-80E8-90EA79BEE530.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer gathers pace, as the tide quickens further, off Folkestone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQ74keHW8gA5EvqlCXQl10Yu4QpC5ukaL1mqnyjdvTulem9LZSVYgw7uX5FFox9fb5m6BUyCojQ5iOBnScG7vCsyiGgUKgGXxDRlEbvobf__e3d2kCnxi0h1kLZ7EkmSwoN1sTfvUHxCo6poEZjJvkQ0FvtiF3BSLY2-6s40m9pjF0Xaxiz0sykwKod4/s5472/9A29EEAF-5B16-4F24-B433-C5E047F61DC0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQ74keHW8gA5EvqlCXQl10Yu4QpC5ukaL1mqnyjdvTulem9LZSVYgw7uX5FFox9fb5m6BUyCojQ5iOBnScG7vCsyiGgUKgGXxDRlEbvobf__e3d2kCnxi0h1kLZ7EkmSwoN1sTfvUHxCo6poEZjJvkQ0FvtiF3BSLY2-6s40m9pjF0Xaxiz0sykwKod4/w640-h426/9A29EEAF-5B16-4F24-B433-C5E047F61DC0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">By the time I radio Dover Port Control, for permission to cross the ferry entrance, Stargazer is making seven knots over the ground. The incoming Pride of France, warned of our presence, is happy to cross astern. Leaving our wind clear, from its turbulent shadow.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLp6FmrmVcjjyR5ajRJGMgbRVpiPoePm_QzGeYdzMSxDZM8weJ3hkn-cloc1nXPiLCJh5EaRuaM6-11CrVFq8LzdHE5JImUnfRJnyGbDaahkqipy7ho6AXSgqcAdzHY6sIwYeuUUB_n-dMOEJNkAuj-KVtou2evzEuIpnj2P0I6oX1dfLFCXd8bisBUxQ/s5472/9BE1592A-C7B4-488A-ADF9-B96718C7A000.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLp6FmrmVcjjyR5ajRJGMgbRVpiPoePm_QzGeYdzMSxDZM8weJ3hkn-cloc1nXPiLCJh5EaRuaM6-11CrVFq8LzdHE5JImUnfRJnyGbDaahkqipy7ho6AXSgqcAdzHY6sIwYeuUUB_n-dMOEJNkAuj-KVtou2evzEuIpnj2P0I6oX1dfLFCXd8bisBUxQ/w640-h426/9BE1592A-C7B4-488A-ADF9-B96718C7A000.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The breeze is building. The tide at its peak flow. As Stargazer rounds the South Foreland. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHof6HJ_H7AGkN_lnUFwfbAKksEFyLYNk7Ud9-dgFl5fCgVkB5pU6tHQEhWc_FDd-gP8RjjLJNU9-eadcUYT6IcXQYQdHLgzeP7HtPRsvpdOHM-l_XioKBQdqVIEL8kHxnlCCF-14izuiUDy2tsZ82if4TI71sJ5a97PId0KhlbBSpPv8wbDU2U3hOyiU/s4963/5F7C63AB-420B-4B62-8000-0DD54BE569D2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3308" data-original-width="4963" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHof6HJ_H7AGkN_lnUFwfbAKksEFyLYNk7Ud9-dgFl5fCgVkB5pU6tHQEhWc_FDd-gP8RjjLJNU9-eadcUYT6IcXQYQdHLgzeP7HtPRsvpdOHM-l_XioKBQdqVIEL8kHxnlCCF-14izuiUDy2tsZ82if4TI71sJ5a97PId0KhlbBSpPv8wbDU2U3hOyiU/w640-h426/5F7C63AB-420B-4B62-8000-0DD54BE569D2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">We are finally able to bear off, by ten or fifteen degrees. Onto a flying fetch. Making between eight and nine knots over the ground. A glint of rooftops now visible on the horizon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWQGRmnPq_ojupc3qOQRGfPXmJWP3kVDALItsyaUsNFCZ87Iaggbd-3T-jdH36C0fnhUuvtYQJfVGnGolUVcdFmEvUzQ0vsobYfT9sovB7kwe3kWj6dsDvlVNF4xBELmCNHgmCB0zavbEZxEfz8FA5JOoT-Y70C3VuDlfqwgXtGec_iiIgdJYp6-TiXk/s5472/CD4D7167-E6D3-4CA1-B376-207A759BB5BE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWQGRmnPq_ojupc3qOQRGfPXmJWP3kVDALItsyaUsNFCZ87Iaggbd-3T-jdH36C0fnhUuvtYQJfVGnGolUVcdFmEvUzQ0vsobYfT9sovB7kwe3kWj6dsDvlVNF4xBELmCNHgmCB0zavbEZxEfz8FA5JOoT-Y70C3VuDlfqwgXtGec_iiIgdJYp6-TiXk/w640-h426/CD4D7167-E6D3-4CA1-B376-207A759BB5BE.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer skims through the familiar Ramsgate pier heads. To tuck in, beneath the high granite walls, for the night. The forecasters still in disagreement about the timing, but not the imminence, of a change in the weather.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTnrDNUpi9-2YxeyFnkoPGjxCqa2kBrTQRiGCh1c0vnExfIGEeRC0wuOLbN1h4sV2IBNnv86rcKKQJOa8rRcM1Y-I464Rd6AfM_GUIhgdfSDu5-d3zSkFJ0_H9BUz7C-ujjrpFYQnjKUsp6Bb_8OFUH5v3DJJshVLXnAGyD1MaTLsLwZByIc1cNmRwJo/s5316/97212700-02D1-4BDD-8577-DE29879E2CEF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3544" data-original-width="5316" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTnrDNUpi9-2YxeyFnkoPGjxCqa2kBrTQRiGCh1c0vnExfIGEeRC0wuOLbN1h4sV2IBNnv86rcKKQJOa8rRcM1Y-I464Rd6AfM_GUIhgdfSDu5-d3zSkFJ0_H9BUz7C-ujjrpFYQnjKUsp6Bb_8OFUH5v3DJJshVLXnAGyD1MaTLsLwZByIc1cNmRwJo/w640-h426/97212700-02D1-4BDD-8577-DE29879E2CEF.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Saturday morning dawns fiery and fair. A light easterly ruffles the sea. With the certainty of a favourable tide awaiting us, off the North Foreland. There is the possibility, of a romping twelve to seventeen knots of fair breeze, forecast for tomorrow. But, doubts remain amongst the forecasters: this may turn out to be a strong westerly headwind. To my eyes, the dawn sky has a look of mischief about it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint_qznV_gUiKwR_h6iqgeIj6-TDFQroOHnatMrNCfpfoHatTeLikOak6vaF5W5tDUjxv11nM8at5ejcf0UczmueM1sYGKq69LKuYl2ypQV8P4BiPkDQyVQ3w1LF_a_I9iwWhU3wqF1id8AmuQji6D7hL3Wl00N3zZQK-uEumsjOD-Znh53h7Z2n163gU/s5472/7DCEC096-916D-4B51-A7D4-E53B347ECBF0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint_qznV_gUiKwR_h6iqgeIj6-TDFQroOHnatMrNCfpfoHatTeLikOak6vaF5W5tDUjxv11nM8at5ejcf0UczmueM1sYGKq69LKuYl2ypQV8P4BiPkDQyVQ3w1LF_a_I9iwWhU3wqF1id8AmuQji6D7hL3Wl00N3zZQK-uEumsjOD-Znh53h7Z2n163gU/w640-h426/7DCEC096-916D-4B51-A7D4-E53B347ECBF0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer hugs the shallows. Staying out of the strongest of the south going tide.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNw5NyGMotDsxOu83hKhQ6MmjwQZC3zJ4298T9d3zc5rMMZIdvEt45YPTM9zYMwQs0VL2ewrltK_CsazueXWQO-GrUMnZ5fVfdyeOZg7V2yzqz_ELIg-il_CdscIs264pNE85xbcZNMndtUXSRDEtBZZvcSZoOifusQiSrMNywnEFofXOn9c1LY3CrBNk/s5472/3930CB90-FCDA-436A-83FD-AE02FDAF830D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNw5NyGMotDsxOu83hKhQ6MmjwQZC3zJ4298T9d3zc5rMMZIdvEt45YPTM9zYMwQs0VL2ewrltK_CsazueXWQO-GrUMnZ5fVfdyeOZg7V2yzqz_ELIg-il_CdscIs264pNE85xbcZNMndtUXSRDEtBZZvcSZoOifusQiSrMNywnEFofXOn9c1LY3CrBNk/w640-h426/3930CB90-FCDA-436A-83FD-AE02FDAF830D.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">As she works her way up to the North Foreland. There to greet the first of the flood, into the London River.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSmPOt69HM7zMcq0O9YDv2ogBDlhFNjXFK8nrbcx8EoBqLIsQ4uW2IJbvChH_w64vmO6KkPKzNbO3cp9IfPfGWQAkaz2X2NBHrVQBRoLxcAr38_-wTQOt0BorM5D5M3dIJMBqBOqTjclV2NYZ_IfvcGAVvSXt7_W6q19bcgykjOPjhuKpdP_cAFz4m7U/s5472/DA468CEE-D774-4F27-AADB-D498975A055F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSmPOt69HM7zMcq0O9YDv2ogBDlhFNjXFK8nrbcx8EoBqLIsQ4uW2IJbvChH_w64vmO6KkPKzNbO3cp9IfPfGWQAkaz2X2NBHrVQBRoLxcAr38_-wTQOt0BorM5D5M3dIJMBqBOqTjclV2NYZ_IfvcGAVvSXt7_W6q19bcgykjOPjhuKpdP_cAFz4m7U/w640-h426/DA468CEE-D774-4F27-AADB-D498975A055F.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer turns her bows due west. In the lightest of airs. Riding the tide. Helped along by the engine and its ailing water pump.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN52MHICjDE6CSdL7w9owzrdbtjmf0iaidFv5JUJP_Tupnaz1lXGEl8Kw6pRCXySOHwrYgSAtf04shOTYW9yLbpb4qQkK7gfME6peFrT_qE8EelHPh0m0eWt68VJ_m8Yo3PyRcG9QygITqVTvzLDYSZQfn6vJXt6_dvztiWyNh7oKxX5173iFZPnxsHI/s4312/E60B4873-A55A-4609-BB68-3585C6BE67D7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2737" data-original-width="4312" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN52MHICjDE6CSdL7w9owzrdbtjmf0iaidFv5JUJP_Tupnaz1lXGEl8Kw6pRCXySOHwrYgSAtf04shOTYW9yLbpb4qQkK7gfME6peFrT_qE8EelHPh0m0eWt68VJ_m8Yo3PyRcG9QygITqVTvzLDYSZQfn6vJXt6_dvztiWyNh7oKxX5173iFZPnxsHI/w640-h406/E60B4873-A55A-4609-BB68-3585C6BE67D7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Until we sight the Medway channel. Where a tug waits to shepherd an arriving merchantman. The afternoon sea breeze playfully rippling the waters around her.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawHUG_6-9DvX1x-L87-nQh0-Wx2NBlCduU9C6_DuV59n83n8oHZbELUY5cwM5conLKrlw9Nyrmr09QhJcJvMDVSCRbJDg9PeKqPGF9tyMZJu21hMkVxoMKVut_yBAXgHtHYbj0FshatE8Tf_wvVrp7RXBzvyfOJK5sFwBaLF44C2xIIxx878snyo7k2k/s5022/05A30626-B171-494C-A496-9E8FF78A1A44.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3311" data-original-width="5022" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawHUG_6-9DvX1x-L87-nQh0-Wx2NBlCduU9C6_DuV59n83n8oHZbELUY5cwM5conLKrlw9Nyrmr09QhJcJvMDVSCRbJDg9PeKqPGF9tyMZJu21hMkVxoMKVut_yBAXgHtHYbj0FshatE8Tf_wvVrp7RXBzvyfOJK5sFwBaLF44C2xIIxx878snyo7k2k/w640-h422/05A30626-B171-494C-A496-9E8FF78A1A44.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer glides past the quays of Thamesport, saluted by its cranes; and on up river.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYq7KoyaM4Lswn1QBrw1fDwsaCnAGjRxI45XVPPRsUoMG93VEp5jpppn2MOmGY1eOLAl0vD6g0S24t8fPHfWWviLKHB5lvvm6f6WBoi5hz6RO3v1gh_6Dd5X_QModLk7zspt_W1VdOG9Aq9_r45HbqLb5W9l9KjCECp7VWP89VuKYGUUo9uilnKIWZrF0/s4690/95D87C46-B212-4680-B255-53DFD17EF82E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3156" data-original-width="4690" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYq7KoyaM4Lswn1QBrw1fDwsaCnAGjRxI45XVPPRsUoMG93VEp5jpppn2MOmGY1eOLAl0vD6g0S24t8fPHfWWviLKHB5lvvm6f6WBoi5hz6RO3v1gh_6Dd5X_QModLk7zspt_W1VdOG9Aq9_r45HbqLb5W9l9KjCECp7VWP89VuKYGUUo9uilnKIWZrF0/w640-h430/95D87C46-B212-4680-B255-53DFD17EF82E.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Carrying the last of the flood. The wooded banks rising around her. Home before the weather hits.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRT5GDVbmX74lcjjiG5PORtJcaoZIOADVogUzZ1f8TMXERE_Gsu2aq_oSs3cmdjSGA9x4AqrNZD9oogOEZ0EOSovucBwiFrrGUFWjuH8BitkpBgQLnbuQDrOBc_10GLvPMRTI3drJririOAP_XnBXbH9E8RvIeG6S65wYyBbG8dE9La_Uk8pEiWcPH6k/s5472/492842AB-51F4-46CF-B4A2-9F0D987B5F96.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRT5GDVbmX74lcjjiG5PORtJcaoZIOADVogUzZ1f8TMXERE_Gsu2aq_oSs3cmdjSGA9x4AqrNZD9oogOEZ0EOSovucBwiFrrGUFWjuH8BitkpBgQLnbuQDrOBc_10GLvPMRTI3drJririOAP_XnBXbH9E8RvIeG6S65wYyBbG8dE9La_Uk8pEiWcPH6k/w640-h426/492842AB-51F4-46CF-B4A2-9F0D987B5F96.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stargazer secures beside an illustrious new berth companion: Lively Lady. The thirty six foot yawl, aboard which sixties solo sailing pioneer, Sir Alec Rose, circumnavigated the globe.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-80718290895773216452023-09-14T16:07:00.012+01:002023-09-14T19:31:44.567+01:00La Hirondelle 115<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgyEz8QOPHTDA9N0HQ6zBKiOQYmeeRCxXTdfdt7ytFeWbXFIej80V-87A05Bz2dVsdaWPSPQc2l-vt0QPb4WsLX5DsrqOqXpAjnyhHrwuR93X3mgZsyw4xDX-ytvG1reBkqX_oOM3Gzkd9y0iDHqiz7_qxM2NJ4Ysb5bQvmOhaX8MLbJxVgzdS7KJwWU/s5038/3064146F-C7C4-4CB0-8BAF-E7C372F4CB10.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3266" data-original-width="5038" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgyEz8QOPHTDA9N0HQ6zBKiOQYmeeRCxXTdfdt7ytFeWbXFIej80V-87A05Bz2dVsdaWPSPQc2l-vt0QPb4WsLX5DsrqOqXpAjnyhHrwuR93X3mgZsyw4xDX-ytvG1reBkqX_oOM3Gzkd9y0iDHqiz7_qxM2NJ4Ysb5bQvmOhaX8MLbJxVgzdS7KJwWU/w640-h414/3064146F-C7C4-4CB0-8BAF-E7C372F4CB10.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The cockle boats bustle busily in and out of Sovereign Harbour. Keeping the whelk stalls, on the Eastbourne promenade, supplied with traditional delicacies. Making the most of the settled summery conditions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAN1D0uKie2GSR9GzgP_DygpskuIj2fw_EYzC6a6iVftu_3MWdRQrrTTE9DMcxTK-WeKZevHoYSgjfJ0JZXXvQOFodStfm8qhgJuQMrUvoutqIkFF7P5_tjKDBF1FsTK4ruRwuKZ49P-l5suFSAFeqGPRNqc3kl-oBQMEl-uSmohFd2XFtt7vH_rAqxY/s4674/A9B01302-3A3F-44C2-BF01-E0B5CE426FC0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3151" data-original-width="4674" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAN1D0uKie2GSR9GzgP_DygpskuIj2fw_EYzC6a6iVftu_3MWdRQrrTTE9DMcxTK-WeKZevHoYSgjfJ0JZXXvQOFodStfm8qhgJuQMrUvoutqIkFF7P5_tjKDBF1FsTK4ruRwuKZ49P-l5suFSAFeqGPRNqc3kl-oBQMEl-uSmohFd2XFtt7vH_rAqxY/w640-h432/A9B01302-3A3F-44C2-BF01-E0B5CE426FC0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">For the clarity of the view, across the bay, to the Hastings skyscrapers and the sandstone cliffs beyond (fully ten miles distant) suggests that strong winds are on their way. A suggestion with which the forecasters concur. Although the timing of their arrival, and their precise direction, remain the subject of debate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VAmCJ5w6-eDN6yU7YYuqbvCtYNP7xsmS1Zhw0nJyxOozP-nckehJ6olKsGYisH22EjKzVz-W7epkqYBAuOJzfQdzDTvPAAQy_8Ek5oYpE-jkki5PQcs4yDmoKoPTO4cxQGq4mjedn2G008oVhbJQchRK4Nyg-b9wJEEUXqpcvJXzm-iTlcx8fnH29UM/s5472/C2A8E658-0167-4BA5-8F4E-9DC259D01122.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VAmCJ5w6-eDN6yU7YYuqbvCtYNP7xsmS1Zhw0nJyxOozP-nckehJ6olKsGYisH22EjKzVz-W7epkqYBAuOJzfQdzDTvPAAQy_8Ek5oYpE-jkki5PQcs4yDmoKoPTO4cxQGq4mjedn2G008oVhbJQchRK4Nyg-b9wJEEUXqpcvJXzm-iTlcx8fnH29UM/w640-h426/C2A8E658-0167-4BA5-8F4E-9DC259D01122.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The pontoons are slowly filling with boats, waiting for their weather window. Roxie, a Dover based X4o, which we we know well, has arrived today. Berthing across the fairway, on the ‘big-boat,’fingers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cmGy0cmjZm6GGKkxw-M6PW5l5Pp3lBK8B52ozNmadvgBUZ8ZwLyKnvsrF0VMGce_vWpcLJl3lF1ej0B5INVr1N0jxAz68wWxa-XcfUSfw1D71SC3O4f9d6NViDsZTWhXNePBQct6YnMOtPvm-DO7JGGtYcLoUkzugzxmLvl16miyIFpvbMQPLyzrWKY/s5233/9C944624-D6EE-44A8-9203-459B7A83B353.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3488" data-original-width="5233" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cmGy0cmjZm6GGKkxw-M6PW5l5Pp3lBK8B52ozNmadvgBUZ8ZwLyKnvsrF0VMGce_vWpcLJl3lF1ej0B5INVr1N0jxAz68wWxa-XcfUSfw1D71SC3O4f9d6NViDsZTWhXNePBQct6YnMOtPvm-DO7JGGtYcLoUkzugzxmLvl16miyIFpvbMQPLyzrWKY/w640-h426/9C944624-D6EE-44A8-9203-459B7A83B353.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Whilst Stargazer is secured in her usual spot, behind the lifeboat. (Bow just visible. With the blue stripe, one down from the green boat). Alongside her, Emile aboard Take Five, a homeward bound, Belgian flagged, Rival 34. Next down is the Moody 346 Zanzibar, owned by Glen and Keith. Formerly of Chatham. Returning from a cruise of the Baltic. Making for Portsmouth, to overwinter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO1cfj_h-SRfKAsbHbSzGyO3czAlflto9m67dF_fxn-vVrQNb-70-lONaKNAXY3BpjJa6MINtijIUKzoISr8sms-JxHp9huphzlCQ3lqLoQZBX7t2lpNdHlJf5qLb15iWjQGERqb-7l-EjG6klPTpnu33Z1DgbAdvedkqrJg10QO1wa6NEUXziuEehbo/s5104/09AF2B52-BEBF-45B4-BB3A-D7FBB280BE46.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="5104" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuO1cfj_h-SRfKAsbHbSzGyO3czAlflto9m67dF_fxn-vVrQNb-70-lONaKNAXY3BpjJa6MINtijIUKzoISr8sms-JxHp9huphzlCQ3lqLoQZBX7t2lpNdHlJf5qLb15iWjQGERqb-7l-EjG6klPTpnu33Z1DgbAdvedkqrJg10QO1wa6NEUXziuEehbo/w640-h436/09AF2B52-BEBF-45B4-BB3A-D7FBB280BE46.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stargazer and Take Five are favouring Friday, as the best opportunity on offer, for our onward passage. (Fair tide, marginal breeze). With the outside chance, for both of us, of then fitting in a final leg home, before a week of high winds hits. If luck is very much on our side.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-84704556836310722172023-09-13T16:14:00.005+01:002023-09-13T16:50:58.230+01:00La Hirondelle 114<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp3JyiVP36V7N0dtS_cP9noB10xFF7Z7hYVL5wVwnfsppTkVeUTohysd8jRRUyYw8ujP9Lc751RcYFMm5HzJF60q_agOkrs14W_eBk0g6cpH_a7dSNY-r_oMtr_o84Hk5dO-GPeNY_fQQKa89HDg_iSdFSkwqd63tHWLH0IgcvtRlLQae0qSNp-qGFVM/s5187/71410CE6-FBCD-4D98-A7F3-8901F4C2CA1F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3458" data-original-width="5187" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp3JyiVP36V7N0dtS_cP9noB10xFF7Z7hYVL5wVwnfsppTkVeUTohysd8jRRUyYw8ujP9Lc751RcYFMm5HzJF60q_agOkrs14W_eBk0g6cpH_a7dSNY-r_oMtr_o84Hk5dO-GPeNY_fQQKa89HDg_iSdFSkwqd63tHWLH0IgcvtRlLQae0qSNp-qGFVM/w640-h426/71410CE6-FBCD-4D98-A7F3-8901F4C2CA1F.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer heels to the breeze. Striding toward the shipping lanes. A run of white water cascading along her rail. A straight wake streaming astern. Vibrant and alive. Dancing, rejoicing, to the tune of wind and wave once more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MlvBOj2ZLr6YGrCUkCF_2mZr3M0D4gNMMKK5g_1g9qND3_CwQsHNeVLz9zHMUKj9E67pPi6VXZmGoQlv-MmRBmXCvgoorfHG2QJX-kHYgYh27Q63FiiGx3tgpWytCbXHehKMrxiUMU_kOxbsozTJmLDun_Fg1thaZxB_Ek6xiqMQbRIyG1UT9g4XRcw/s3697/53A5E059-7C21-4E68-91EB-6F6DDEA04CE7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2074" data-original-width="3697" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MlvBOj2ZLr6YGrCUkCF_2mZr3M0D4gNMMKK5g_1g9qND3_CwQsHNeVLz9zHMUKj9E67pPi6VXZmGoQlv-MmRBmXCvgoorfHG2QJX-kHYgYh27Q63FiiGx3tgpWytCbXHehKMrxiUMU_kOxbsozTJmLDun_Fg1thaZxB_Ek6xiqMQbRIyG1UT9g4XRcw/w640-h360/53A5E059-7C21-4E68-91EB-6F6DDEA04CE7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Cleaving through a stately procession of merchantman. Bound east, for Rotterdam, Antwerp and Felixstowe. Threading the gaps. Before despatching those bound west, for the Atlantic ports of the United States, in the same manner. Stargazer’s speed (six to seven knots over the ground, with tidal assistance) lending her an artful dodger agility.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmkQQaL6hxZksJV_tP59aBPiKwBrh5Mhrn8fjh0pwpyoAOqbM8oS9e3K5URZszXQVnO4HZJtYIIbs2XIHs0nc5G5ILdkv-T1CM6dWTGn6w9QrP8SRgzmilJJ7H-DKFXPoRUXbTaB52VZpDXo5HQu147smH2oDLx95vpd4VAb_Z-QDqISbEt4KVAzIZrI/s5472/06988DC2-5F04-4E50-BFD0-277C5D32FC5B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmkQQaL6hxZksJV_tP59aBPiKwBrh5Mhrn8fjh0pwpyoAOqbM8oS9e3K5URZszXQVnO4HZJtYIIbs2XIHs0nc5G5ILdkv-T1CM6dWTGn6w9QrP8SRgzmilJJ7H-DKFXPoRUXbTaB52VZpDXo5HQu147smH2oDLx95vpd4VAb_Z-QDqISbEt4KVAzIZrI/w640-h426/06988DC2-5F04-4E50-BFD0-277C5D32FC5B.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This morning Stargazer left a fog bound Dieppe in the predawn twilight. Under the radio supervision of port control. Who were juggling the return of the fishing fleet, the arrival of the overnight ferry and the departure of north and east bound yachts. Intent on making the most of a day of westerly winds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUZt6axNR7agxvb7wHNuBtMkeb5KOvbxr34pljI8WMY4XR5b-rsjQSKyhltEb50JwyG7fPi6VJ4oegDimWfHYgBY3H5omGOVPRI535Hqus1QEnxrCLWZ-R-o0TnD79FQxM-adCVyKAwPbD90cTJRauT3mvq5iEf1-X7_xLBDJo3qKzFEUswbybg_cfNQ/s5472/330EB2E6-F221-45EF-B94D-C8D7100A9F97.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUZt6axNR7agxvb7wHNuBtMkeb5KOvbxr34pljI8WMY4XR5b-rsjQSKyhltEb50JwyG7fPi6VJ4oegDimWfHYgBY3H5omGOVPRI535Hqus1QEnxrCLWZ-R-o0TnD79FQxM-adCVyKAwPbD90cTJRauT3mvq5iEf1-X7_xLBDJo3qKzFEUswbybg_cfNQ/w640-h426/330EB2E6-F221-45EF-B94D-C8D7100A9F97.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Good fortune smiles upon Stargazer. As is so often the case. The fog quickly retreating, at the sight of the rising sun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccDKVfSqCzgTBzDyftrFLpiSEBFfc0J3P2dVH9EF_OQ-HMoiCYki2HLDRJpI2GeeO7baU65VfTNqkwRIkSu06lFi_6ww2nmmCy5A4FB5Jrl-bFAVRWOd9KpB70tY9OlfaXvuJPHKXkDpWXqegMENlMILuftizyuExKmwRuRVSAb8gl4SX1BFkoqJWo7E/s5472/DEABAE0A-1859-4398-93E0-1C6D085059CD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccDKVfSqCzgTBzDyftrFLpiSEBFfc0J3P2dVH9EF_OQ-HMoiCYki2HLDRJpI2GeeO7baU65VfTNqkwRIkSu06lFi_6ww2nmmCy5A4FB5Jrl-bFAVRWOd9KpB70tY9OlfaXvuJPHKXkDpWXqegMENlMILuftizyuExKmwRuRVSAb8gl4SX1BFkoqJWo7E/w640-h426/DEABAE0A-1859-4398-93E0-1C6D085059CD.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Which soars imperiously skyward. Squinting at the new day through a bleary eye. As the breeze freshens. Breathing energy into a wide awake Stargazer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJbJr-KB0Ff_PD6rajP0hK2uCVm33ciaD7-7yQL7NaXyJ24M3fum62x0i396WZ26xc4EyefWQrzeVMrU0grnkeVJkJ9VDpf7teKRcZDyC-gmGZlclswwYVPbbB6bp8r2TITmtSUn2dXqkkT4sjKO28yQgf9UT7C-j1ufwsdV2SVth_JyRE3-f7gQa2ig/s4951/6AB4E40A-D695-47C0-88AA-40386597C701.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3301" data-original-width="4951" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJbJr-KB0Ff_PD6rajP0hK2uCVm33ciaD7-7yQL7NaXyJ24M3fum62x0i396WZ26xc4EyefWQrzeVMrU0grnkeVJkJ9VDpf7teKRcZDyC-gmGZlclswwYVPbbB6bp8r2TITmtSUn2dXqkkT4sjKO28yQgf9UT7C-j1ufwsdV2SVth_JyRE3-f7gQa2ig/w640-h426/6AB4E40A-D695-47C0-88AA-40386597C701.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The first breaths come from north of west. Combined with an east going tide, the effect is to set Stargazer thirty degrees off course. We sail on, in the hope of the breeze backing west, as forecast; and the certainty of the tide turning west at midday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEh9yW2X_j3nWYCcvUYA56iaRywfGwBqLfvM8LlEsCrC-xDguI8B0ATm48WZG8sgU2lT0pXUvsw6w_HAmK_JT_Vzq2hC5I3yBcsBGTIuhKB_ZB5panSZO75GShtvKaHUMkuWcN1aG3R2AvA60yL_dcv0rylGQgkW6dyxGybV-MAGzs63ZYgisXwu45Hc/s5350/7C04965A-1244-4F35-A635-06F6E1BC2B69.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3567" data-original-width="5350" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEh9yW2X_j3nWYCcvUYA56iaRywfGwBqLfvM8LlEsCrC-xDguI8B0ATm48WZG8sgU2lT0pXUvsw6w_HAmK_JT_Vzq2hC5I3yBcsBGTIuhKB_ZB5panSZO75GShtvKaHUMkuWcN1aG3R2AvA60yL_dcv0rylGQgkW6dyxGybV-MAGzs63ZYgisXwu45Hc/w640-h426/7C04965A-1244-4F35-A635-06F6E1BC2B69.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Luck is with Stargazer, once more. Through the day we are lifted. Our projected track swinging from Dungeness, to settle upon Beachy Head. The glow, of the mighty chalk buttress, visible ten miles out, across the tumbling grey waters of the Channel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmyYO755tTEtvYW9UobzhOpVQ1vZKwhv88nU4Ps8Pel-Fq0e_ZnpppRv2Gc8SjXsfvc4uW3Fvv5KycS-xGcpEzHlyxOx5R97HjkjLBeo2iFYNc4aS8IBE8AuuVahPULmc45j6Mbnt5bYaN3Ku9WFXoPUNdLtXY8J8oQaELbC3B2LiXSZTNe2MatXFWEM/s3909/26C7C738-596A-4392-8941-79046A5130E7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2393" data-original-width="3909" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmyYO755tTEtvYW9UobzhOpVQ1vZKwhv88nU4Ps8Pel-Fq0e_ZnpppRv2Gc8SjXsfvc4uW3Fvv5KycS-xGcpEzHlyxOx5R97HjkjLBeo2iFYNc4aS8IBE8AuuVahPULmc45j6Mbnt5bYaN3Ku9WFXoPUNdLtXY8J8oQaELbC3B2LiXSZTNe2MatXFWEM/w640-h392/26C7C738-596A-4392-8941-79046A5130E7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Colour and detail are revealed minute by minute, as Stargazer romps in. Sheets cracked. Reaching fast across the swell. Rock falls, wave-riven columns, shadowed caves and crevices. Creamy rock topped by green downs. The bijou red and white striped tower, of the lighthouse, beneath them.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-64851384057921527442023-09-11T14:45:00.000+01:002023-09-11T14:45:20.007+01:00La Hirondelle 113<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfL73Ck1iiwEgnhWWh1wFJ3Bo3xe_gPOyYMz7Ap1qUQG1Z51XlEx5TvgwDP2ckUTmN8b0UGPiLcYQbPhdVhB-J5jdE09ZbTij53tYS-rhCi7cWfSaO3eSDRYqVNKfi58qUZuES8U7S33n1fUN8txFKw4ZcY6ZD9oynJ5OTO8PT_Ehpz-1HRM1KpVyin0/s5472/14CD1852-A621-47DE-B12B-A63AD265A30D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5472" data-original-width="3648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfL73Ck1iiwEgnhWWh1wFJ3Bo3xe_gPOyYMz7Ap1qUQG1Z51XlEx5TvgwDP2ckUTmN8b0UGPiLcYQbPhdVhB-J5jdE09ZbTij53tYS-rhCi7cWfSaO3eSDRYqVNKfi58qUZuES8U7S33n1fUN8txFKw4ZcY6ZD9oynJ5OTO8PT_Ehpz-1HRM1KpVyin0/w426-h640/14CD1852-A621-47DE-B12B-A63AD265A30D.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stargazer has a penchant for ports which are in the heart of town.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjXrwiGq_1XaLh-XmQ3cgBhyQPNsGnF-y0OqQtnj0OJArWoPKGVnqsYsAWzwaKBwm8jdnQKPqStSkg97k2K9rIcIwnAzeF1kVRap6slZUD3gRPC2QG_ozOYvPMFYeoQif3fpElegMnJFFFUzEfTcBQlsmlDqfSVEXdvga1y1gR-s60Vq4FB_cqV0FJyQ/s5141/C8840669-5C7E-43F1-A783-B81E5EC607EF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5141" data-original-width="3427" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjXrwiGq_1XaLh-XmQ3cgBhyQPNsGnF-y0OqQtnj0OJArWoPKGVnqsYsAWzwaKBwm8jdnQKPqStSkg97k2K9rIcIwnAzeF1kVRap6slZUD3gRPC2QG_ozOYvPMFYeoQif3fpElegMnJFFFUzEfTcBQlsmlDqfSVEXdvga1y1gR-s60Vq4FB_cqV0FJyQ/w426-h640/C8840669-5C7E-43F1-A783-B81E5EC607EF.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Surrounded by historic buildings and enticing side streets.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSY3lq22gHMqdIy7Gap3_843oIvkOfM-ug38AJdP-v2bW3DyHzDYhvyEPb4pTVf2ZwrAAdNGZ9E3ssgtkzXBpl4P10jbES6r4zsHk2wl5-qMFHudjoqnO0jEeNsm2ICzZBkhofMoFu-25oISCWJhYupWmS1y8pVNbR7stW5sWvPMMf1hyN00e22eEoaK8/s4899/5259D419-517E-4A30-A3FA-887F7D97F2C1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3263" data-original-width="4899" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSY3lq22gHMqdIy7Gap3_843oIvkOfM-ug38AJdP-v2bW3DyHzDYhvyEPb4pTVf2ZwrAAdNGZ9E3ssgtkzXBpl4P10jbES6r4zsHk2wl5-qMFHudjoqnO0jEeNsm2ICzZBkhofMoFu-25oISCWJhYupWmS1y8pVNbR7stW5sWvPMMf1hyN00e22eEoaK8/w640-h426/5259D419-517E-4A30-A3FA-887F7D97F2C1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Pelagic cruising boats come and go. Flying the flags of many nations: Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Austrian and German.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JX96arqvsACF3E-Rh4TN4aa3jatqE2gmZIKVF5CiCF8T8Nq2wt5S-B2u53Fa-oMAkwVAqPOgtUSOzUhtbWJfv2lUBPvwBAwlNixe1IwfDxahF8AjUDodohZ7XRQY6TwmGnM2_0kmiB5xb40LDzg2vgzA0fRMAu4Hn7rMoHJnNQMjN_HfEZbPcAiwtpo/s4994/A50857FE-0C89-4F27-A68F-C3B6AC209B0D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3336" data-original-width="4994" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JX96arqvsACF3E-Rh4TN4aa3jatqE2gmZIKVF5CiCF8T8Nq2wt5S-B2u53Fa-oMAkwVAqPOgtUSOzUhtbWJfv2lUBPvwBAwlNixe1IwfDxahF8AjUDodohZ7XRQY6TwmGnM2_0kmiB5xb40LDzg2vgzA0fRMAu4Hn7rMoHJnNQMjN_HfEZbPcAiwtpo/w640-h428/A50857FE-0C89-4F27-A68F-C3B6AC209B0D.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">That Dieppe is a ferry port, adds a further set of aquatic goings-on, to spectate. And means that the necessary officials are on hand, to book Stargazer out of Schengen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi6tEpHaub5cjtNP_XYvob0F4l3dkY1u2-0cCoBX5Z9u-VGQKzBV_y_4MmrPSGtRDeG2OUbAXEapNUii63pemWK4NQddaazn5AIay6a_A4tNhYbWhmthdW1-i2KW8Nk1fT43S2YcN2PePEeVJKMsjzS_kAINS8hUzEfP0MLT_-VMuitCFJ22_Af6zeQA/s5472/8C880C84-F7F1-4D03-B11C-06644EE14672.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXi6tEpHaub5cjtNP_XYvob0F4l3dkY1u2-0cCoBX5Z9u-VGQKzBV_y_4MmrPSGtRDeG2OUbAXEapNUii63pemWK4NQddaazn5AIay6a_A4tNhYbWhmthdW1-i2KW8Nk1fT43S2YcN2PePEeVJKMsjzS_kAINS8hUzEfP0MLT_-VMuitCFJ22_Af6zeQA/w640-h426/8C880C84-F7F1-4D03-B11C-06644EE14672.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">For a light breeze today sets Stargazer’s flags aflutter. Tomorrow’s forecast is for it to reach the ten knot, (leisurely) passage making, threshold. From the west. A fair wind for England.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-36288844578892713312023-09-10T11:31:00.010+01:002023-09-10T12:21:12.798+01:00La Hirondelle 112<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyma0WrQ_ID6Gt3jHxpiAqGSdG3Z3yoI8BUPbo8bmYD-CEu_KCnuOZj3iYXSbGYqx_Fl5Ucx1X7R_KL7COFO1u8dr0VMVojtZyIEcQSGetFGjm_MDvsdu2p9BRWAYyd15TZPbyNJ7ZnvgtTE6jgrRudcndi-pNjmbWuCwZFYzv4tPc7nHoUY5ilFwPGOk/s5472/EA7E6005-7FA2-4477-A642-5AD318AEF514.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyma0WrQ_ID6Gt3jHxpiAqGSdG3Z3yoI8BUPbo8bmYD-CEu_KCnuOZj3iYXSbGYqx_Fl5Ucx1X7R_KL7COFO1u8dr0VMVojtZyIEcQSGetFGjm_MDvsdu2p9BRWAYyd15TZPbyNJ7ZnvgtTE6jgrRudcndi-pNjmbWuCwZFYzv4tPc7nHoUY5ilFwPGOk/w640-h426/EA7E6005-7FA2-4477-A642-5AD318AEF514.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">A smouldering cliffscape is lit ochre, in the breathless evening light. It stands above a sea, smooth as mercury.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEgQXCFpMa0ZOqvNa69i2ky7FcpNMcKFe8jNnLgZY51uNRQ7tKci7M8RRd7LiPfSvWGhZ9HzM26c4774o5yK01iRYz06IMRFj5of4KgrxJoW5TZCkcvgBn30VZG14ajn-JUawXGaoq9jfXnxkX8VVcAPDni7JN6PY2lgpkHG1iJ-MaDGvJzAYwZ1yfCU/s5472/9C17CA0B-1D7D-48B5-AEE0-6431C7B852C2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEgQXCFpMa0ZOqvNa69i2ky7FcpNMcKFe8jNnLgZY51uNRQ7tKci7M8RRd7LiPfSvWGhZ9HzM26c4774o5yK01iRYz06IMRFj5of4KgrxJoW5TZCkcvgBn30VZG14ajn-JUawXGaoq9jfXnxkX8VVcAPDni7JN6PY2lgpkHG1iJ-MaDGvJzAYwZ1yfCU/w640-h426/9C17CA0B-1D7D-48B5-AEE0-6431C7B852C2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Lit by a flame seared sunset.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxgyqc4VcDH7CW_OWxhKumP57nRXbN9EwOfXxyPc5uVemsXGarCruoFBn31aeTGdd0qP3k9OzbO7E0ExEAEr1fODHL7QiApv_YmNopu0O2T-WgG36Mn9vwBDd5Xclw-BoYdLgliCs_qhbEJekQFjYGD3BSx9hurplxhAFRlnGUEO7zwybqCE0v0e7TIM/s5472/A4288708-9914-4BF6-9E25-0BF2711B7BC6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxgyqc4VcDH7CW_OWxhKumP57nRXbN9EwOfXxyPc5uVemsXGarCruoFBn31aeTGdd0qP3k9OzbO7E0ExEAEr1fODHL7QiApv_YmNopu0O2T-WgG36Mn9vwBDd5Xclw-BoYdLgliCs_qhbEJekQFjYGD3BSx9hurplxhAFRlnGUEO7zwybqCE0v0e7TIM/w640-h426/A4288708-9914-4BF6-9E25-0BF2711B7BC6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Whilst definitely not a ‘Hazy Shade of Winter,’ today has been a spectrally smoky summers day. The sea stacks and caves, of the Cote d’Albatre, wearing a gauzy mantle throughout.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRDr5AICWWszo8whA_bGqpZaK2NONMdRrySkhNqS_vUOpud8eZ9gbNurYW13A535a5Sa0fI4DvkYepxxLZRbQWtH4wMogo2Z3zWsjy5kmb16jiuLPkjjNrm7I2Aggt2a-9agpikw40LP0pVsPNQbSs6g96jJLXX_KALwp6EAYox5_Ud0KLQ5gXb_Wyjg/s4557/3B012C96-7149-4388-B327-3261BEEE2A33.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3071" data-original-width="4557" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcRDr5AICWWszo8whA_bGqpZaK2NONMdRrySkhNqS_vUOpud8eZ9gbNurYW13A535a5Sa0fI4DvkYepxxLZRbQWtH4wMogo2Z3zWsjy5kmb16jiuLPkjjNrm7I2Aggt2a-9agpikw40LP0pVsPNQbSs6g96jJLXX_KALwp6EAYox5_Ud0KLQ5gXb_Wyjg/w640-h432/3B012C96-7149-4388-B327-3261BEEE2A33.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">With only occasional cats paws of wind, to disturb the sultry stillness.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F1LnRbx8yM3N2q-JsoOB9jsFH5sn7yvjRxUrDP71ysG-IhalWRrc_CW03svKPhCvR6IKg5Y6PYy6UJH98DyEjnrBRkjvktbno47CirCC0dM3cMvqKz1SrT4sig07sEOYwZGNbipzU9qbmuyfAbA48c7832bsjog7rC3swkC0MLjGb41K1iaiFxgitrM/s5472/1433EE50-28A2-4D3B-84EB-6224426BA907.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F1LnRbx8yM3N2q-JsoOB9jsFH5sn7yvjRxUrDP71ysG-IhalWRrc_CW03svKPhCvR6IKg5Y6PYy6UJH98DyEjnrBRkjvktbno47CirCC0dM3cMvqKz1SrT4sig07sEOYwZGNbipzU9qbmuyfAbA48c7832bsjog7rC3swkC0MLjGb41K1iaiFxgitrM/w640-h426/1433EE50-28A2-4D3B-84EB-6224426BA907.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Motor-sailing is the order of the day. A phrase which you will not often hear Stargazer utter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ1IQWapB-izKT3U-mLsVFTzqJWLz09tYTTnezFfFCPUTJSlg7TwAHB9LWK6xsJ0PWw6s1DEVLy7i7rAHDCPfvDOXIJxpq4ol4sQb52gwC3eBl0o6PfdTHoodq5cYtuK3hz8xjXmVtbqMfW9kyeIHm-XECQJphIeKQ5ia8ZgpxqesTmRN6GtcHFibv9I/s5472/EC81FB7F-6F39-4E94-A19A-0ED233D24D78.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ1IQWapB-izKT3U-mLsVFTzqJWLz09tYTTnezFfFCPUTJSlg7TwAHB9LWK6xsJ0PWw6s1DEVLy7i7rAHDCPfvDOXIJxpq4ol4sQb52gwC3eBl0o6PfdTHoodq5cYtuK3hz8xjXmVtbqMfW9kyeIHm-XECQJphIeKQ5ia8ZgpxqesTmRN6GtcHFibv9I/w640-h426/EC81FB7F-6F39-4E94-A19A-0ED233D24D78.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">From the bustling pier heads of Le Havre.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1qCrDJfT2sB3QOBmOPeMO86lLlB0FIr9BYhiezNU5NX7pexLNtwzASRp036N-b5ZPb3RZnT05b9W9gG-ZTuii2KhWrge3gfHnUq99eeMFzzjMoCoX2IwiPzwbGrDq9QND1l1CpWhmGA_KOmr_iZcTzt0LlI4P86HBuENE4ZTYfr-xBP395CSAElZ1kY/s5472/80B812EC-C53A-4AA7-A040-AF7D885C703D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1qCrDJfT2sB3QOBmOPeMO86lLlB0FIr9BYhiezNU5NX7pexLNtwzASRp036N-b5ZPb3RZnT05b9W9gG-ZTuii2KhWrge3gfHnUq99eeMFzzjMoCoX2IwiPzwbGrDq9QND1l1CpWhmGA_KOmr_iZcTzt0LlI4P86HBuENE4ZTYfr-xBP395CSAElZ1kY/w640-h426/80B812EC-C53A-4AA7-A040-AF7D885C703D.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">To Pointe d’Ailly. At the doors of Dieppe. Stargazer’s arrival safe, if not scintillating.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-82324806574858044292023-09-08T15:49:00.006+01:002023-09-08T19:58:12.620+01:00La Hirondelle 111<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2osOVbArRsQcOwE7PKEV_jxFg07-VzwDhyxItAyZUm4yHcEy33QQgQNEhp1Rn7s8OqiO_yoFPvITDRA8pJYz_0JeBT8elD6SqkfgmpcwzNsvGkPGB4i86pQh_n7NZZeciJjQ3M4RQn47ddeiE4gUhUhtDoQpoTuNiWc76T-SeebS1LeXUw4AfwFAPiM/s5472/6FB9C886-E387-4D82-AF5C-FBF6A5E469CB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2osOVbArRsQcOwE7PKEV_jxFg07-VzwDhyxItAyZUm4yHcEy33QQgQNEhp1Rn7s8OqiO_yoFPvITDRA8pJYz_0JeBT8elD6SqkfgmpcwzNsvGkPGB4i86pQh_n7NZZeciJjQ3M4RQn47ddeiE4gUhUhtDoQpoTuNiWc76T-SeebS1LeXUw4AfwFAPiM/w640-h426/6FB9C886-E387-4D82-AF5C-FBF6A5E469CB.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Heavy laden container ships rumble out of Le Havre. Carrying trade goods across the seven seas. Powered by a single engine and a propeller. The same arrangement, albeit on a rather different scale, as that employed aboard Stargazer. A set up in common daily use, by seagoing vessels, throughout the world.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZYT89IOkiNIgV7_tFIGJ2gfAYudK86uGSozcuD4Coqr-CJLh6gxj8ZZ9vU2MI2cL2Sas7wiR0vZFkxientjoxJ_FG50YPbiluZ5zfUO4HL7YYqbRHdMnWnpzBJ5jz71yn1XPEOf_bb1rh7NpULuj0uxZwlD1RFlpkftRTau4f3cAy_2gKHmXUtbhAPo/s4804/3C69A1BC-B08B-4CB8-B084-CD57173AE137.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3203" data-original-width="4804" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZYT89IOkiNIgV7_tFIGJ2gfAYudK86uGSozcuD4Coqr-CJLh6gxj8ZZ9vU2MI2cL2Sas7wiR0vZFkxientjoxJ_FG50YPbiluZ5zfUO4HL7YYqbRHdMnWnpzBJ5jz71yn1XPEOf_bb1rh7NpULuj0uxZwlD1RFlpkftRTau4f3cAy_2gKHmXUtbhAPo/w640-h426/3C69A1BC-B08B-4CB8-B084-CD57173AE137.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">And yet. . . . .whilst I have no qualms, about Stargazer successfully reaching port under sail, the prospect of a long motor always fills me with a certain amount of unease. Beyond mourning the absence of the joy, of passage making under sail. Motoring always feels to me, but one step away from mishap.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_7qbc0CFt2aB2oMIVMC_aRYpAxyUffxJdFaeIAumQ7FX1B1ZxA3Sg4jO5oVQqiQzrkIooHxp_jPefeRwrkmoNjwi2ZOpPcRODxsqEpF_kF5Olg-X_pePCJy8SAop3EJSnHc8biKGzfdz7xcTlmxxr-agXfajvSL3L6ZZS7OFV6fiJxZWQR_lUDS4FsM/s4032/9446EBBB-6839-4DD1-8255-83B39882A721.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_7qbc0CFt2aB2oMIVMC_aRYpAxyUffxJdFaeIAumQ7FX1B1ZxA3Sg4jO5oVQqiQzrkIooHxp_jPefeRwrkmoNjwi2ZOpPcRODxsqEpF_kF5Olg-X_pePCJy8SAop3EJSnHc8biKGzfdz7xcTlmxxr-agXfajvSL3L6ZZS7OFV6fiJxZWQR_lUDS4FsM/w480-h640/9446EBBB-6839-4DD1-8255-83B39882A721.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">However the high pressure system, which is bringing us this Indian Summer, contains only capricious zephyrs. With no prospect, of passage making breezes, to be seen in the forecasts. Motor then Stargazer must. Prompting me to give the engine a thorough check, before leaving St Vaast.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> In the process I discover witness marks, of a leak, on the raw water cooling pump. Simon, who services Stargazer’s engine, has instructed me not to worry. The leak means that the pump seals need replacement. But it’s scale (four drips, at time of inspection; none after motoring two thirds of the way from St Vaast to Le Havre) means that the need is not pressing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMprCgg3xzpzeqa7Rp9hnQVUcPPAXocjgZXIoS5xDPnxmFyphG8T3MokcZecf_NBN2T7v3NAhxsWhWKZ5SwzvvuuETwqK_N6Ho01GFID9nff-T-nVbRev5Khlw_xSvFK75awhXg4XXQHd5u7O5IiWYSrgR-bYwCwFPw0MAlSznJ4m1Co2MAWq7D6_OlC0/s5187/359F7D45-FEE5-45D2-BA16-CE9AFE92DD7D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3458" data-original-width="5187" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMprCgg3xzpzeqa7Rp9hnQVUcPPAXocjgZXIoS5xDPnxmFyphG8T3MokcZecf_NBN2T7v3NAhxsWhWKZ5SwzvvuuETwqK_N6Ho01GFID9nff-T-nVbRev5Khlw_xSvFK75awhXg4XXQHd5u7O5IiWYSrgR-bYwCwFPw0MAlSznJ4m1Co2MAWq7D6_OlC0/w640-h426/359F7D45-FEE5-45D2-BA16-CE9AFE92DD7D.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Tomorrow, the tide, where it runs hardest (off Cap d’Antifer and on east, past Fecamp and Dieppe) is fair from mid afternoon until dusk. With the wind forecast ‘least-light,’ of those for the next four days. From the northeast. Giving a (perhaps optimistic) possibility of sufficient, tide assisted, apparent wind for Stargazer to sail. Eight knots will set Stargazer moving meaningfully. Ten to twelve knots will give us full speed. With the engine as a fallback. My preferred role for it.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-72147378615552473212023-09-07T13:08:00.014+01:002023-09-07T16:45:03.435+01:00La Hirondelle 110<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz1IDU6TFz_ixulapW70AwoZLIoU1fgHt_C2p8b2kSogM5o0fBRcgZESPg3Dr2gpQHwmtN_KOlIrIJW0BCO5UPSEoi8P7NVFwx0zv51Qh_-lW5oUvEv8bQK5H4is8XszRnrqxYoyzhH43OCEPCDaH6LNDcSej0_1umVNSxYPvLJcF8ZcfoAM65KkEK6U/s5472/9AA95B19-F617-403B-B8A3-B14673EFD592.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz1IDU6TFz_ixulapW70AwoZLIoU1fgHt_C2p8b2kSogM5o0fBRcgZESPg3Dr2gpQHwmtN_KOlIrIJW0BCO5UPSEoi8P7NVFwx0zv51Qh_-lW5oUvEv8bQK5H4is8XszRnrqxYoyzhH43OCEPCDaH6LNDcSej0_1umVNSxYPvLJcF8ZcfoAM65KkEK6U/w640-h426/9AA95B19-F617-403B-B8A3-B14673EFD592.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I hoist Stargazer’s cruising chute, by moonlight. To harness the northerly ‘land breeze,’ which has set in overnight. Driven by warm air rising from a Normandy countryside, still perspiring from yesterday’s heat. Above us, a swirling canopy of stars.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pnoZQPOZZ4a5b9voVqtMRbz3vADGwe3Ci1Lw3slXyWPv9qRW-OAMKEh5L0MX00xr5edxW4_dGUTv9psvB70hDP-29t4zGS14bZyTpER1sPYsoDkIMaQtO5rhiVJ2hRWDn-EyG2Cq73oRL9slZS2b0iIm7Qs--SsvcxU78z3CPzybNKZ35O5Akkno1z8/s5168/60C604AC-177C-4CFB-A0FF-FEC5EB0A2780.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5168" data-original-width="3361" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pnoZQPOZZ4a5b9voVqtMRbz3vADGwe3Ci1Lw3slXyWPv9qRW-OAMKEh5L0MX00xr5edxW4_dGUTv9psvB70hDP-29t4zGS14bZyTpER1sPYsoDkIMaQtO5rhiVJ2hRWDn-EyG2Cq73oRL9slZS2b0iIm7Qs--SsvcxU78z3CPzybNKZ35O5Akkno1z8/w416-h640/60C604AC-177C-4CFB-A0FF-FEC5EB0A2780.jpeg" width="416" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Almost imperceptibly the sky brightens, into a pearlescent dawn. A pallid sun struggles upward, through billows of sea fog, which lurk in the Channel. Within an hour, its heat is enough to still the land breeze. As it warms the sea’s surface.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwqgrn1jIIgEuDMMf9TTTAU532kCKmUh554Y-LSUQc6AK7VxhFSFs0bjy16XiQKOIKQmr5sm0b9GLeIU0qk03aERE6QPn14ePJj8zcvSnE78HNpqUUU4JpBOvb7un9IYABH6TiOjeW-ogAaGMylplOI1yROZ9nZ9UTODaLOcW7qtxwrNSHs_uew96tRs/s5472/582828E1-B804-4ED6-9228-0DEFDB0B3E6C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwqgrn1jIIgEuDMMf9TTTAU532kCKmUh554Y-LSUQc6AK7VxhFSFs0bjy16XiQKOIKQmr5sm0b9GLeIU0qk03aERE6QPn14ePJj8zcvSnE78HNpqUUU4JpBOvb7un9IYABH6TiOjeW-ogAaGMylplOI1yROZ9nZ9UTODaLOcW7qtxwrNSHs_uew96tRs/w640-h426/582828E1-B804-4ED6-9228-0DEFDB0B3E6C.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The true wind speed (TWS) drops to two knots. Stargazer needs six to eight, even with the help of the cruising chute. Motoring creates some apparent wind speed (AWS). But brings the apparent wind angle (AWA) forward to twenty three degrees. Sixty is the highest angle, at which the cruising chute will fly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLPHTBY53bT0kpObeOyhj8uGlv7mr_6H1ER27RBDEcs6Gv47Qg8SD7jgQX5fIHkvJveouWFx6dRWV9VJBZVk3oPjcMq8KXABlVu0Zr1JQSYfwaOsEl128T2i6dy3jHLuCjSJf98nqreRc1lbywg_5yJv9XUmxWqmdlkt0G-Rvj33S49P6dGdKVm_nfvo/s5250/BEE9D132-F085-4354-A26E-734BFA238722.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="5250" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLPHTBY53bT0kpObeOyhj8uGlv7mr_6H1ER27RBDEcs6Gv47Qg8SD7jgQX5fIHkvJveouWFx6dRWV9VJBZVk3oPjcMq8KXABlVu0Zr1JQSYfwaOsEl128T2i6dy3jHLuCjSJf98nqreRc1lbywg_5yJv9XUmxWqmdlkt0G-Rvj33S49P6dGdKVm_nfvo/w640-h426/BEE9D132-F085-4354-A26E-734BFA238722.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">There is nothing for it, but to motor bare-headed. Putting what airflow we can across the mainsail, until a breeze returns. From whatever direction.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NnlUru96Vb8n3nyyA1C36e_E5hRKJbQxNV6HKZT-Q5tO4IgGEjRoKT32Y6wpnMNAqSRClaXnyJi_ks-xGUlfafUt176Q3m2qlOXvupj5Kp2HH5Xy58oEjXAZer0HK99tKV4OcYAOf-TwhybIhWTzlkUNhRFau2pRV-6mg-coGlYk5vptnbLgo4EPmlM/s5171/1C0B750E-7166-42AB-BD76-B311E66E7637.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3447" data-original-width="5171" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NnlUru96Vb8n3nyyA1C36e_E5hRKJbQxNV6HKZT-Q5tO4IgGEjRoKT32Y6wpnMNAqSRClaXnyJi_ks-xGUlfafUt176Q3m2qlOXvupj5Kp2HH5Xy58oEjXAZer0HK99tKV4OcYAOf-TwhybIhWTzlkUNhRFau2pRV-6mg-coGlYk5vptnbLgo4EPmlM/w640-h426/1C0B750E-7166-42AB-BD76-B311E66E7637.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A tanker drops anchor, waiting for orders. Quickly able to rejoin the Channel shipping lanes (in either direction), when they arrive. She lies bows east. Indicating that the tide is running against Stargazer, for now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvsHQJlhn38pAdkFI8OlVrHEtJliwpLse86jv9OebJ3wV0k0kLec4Pt58o-YNfaJq_WG_eabaAEboR2V03zoaDWyz96iv2IR-_XllgmRWn4BfXgcnbel-dKnYcbHNYbm9JFsy653LUapuN8_AXNN8omoxV6oqRnJQkC_InMAHioAr04h0sLJuLohTxts/s5265/1E6EB92F-4924-46C5-A81D-BFB07CF78F94.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3509" data-original-width="5265" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvsHQJlhn38pAdkFI8OlVrHEtJliwpLse86jv9OebJ3wV0k0kLec4Pt58o-YNfaJq_WG_eabaAEboR2V03zoaDWyz96iv2IR-_XllgmRWn4BfXgcnbel-dKnYcbHNYbm9JFsy653LUapuN8_AXNN8omoxV6oqRnJQkC_InMAHioAr04h0sLJuLohTxts/w640-h426/1E6EB92F-4924-46C5-A81D-BFB07CF78F94.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Caen ferry thunders in, on the port beam. The AIS predicts a closest point of approach (CPA) of two hundred metres. Stargazer throttles back and makes a thirty degree change of course. To show clearly that we intend to cross astern.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf6lIToAiWS0CoB8gxJvc-8TblL7GBzZry9CKCYvwWvSqbZrDRpP67sSx2qC6F_DnCuubbA8HuCr5S6q3Pc4SXboeKATq0WAVI6PvT9BDLRlludGBjY9-q5yCJshkDrH8j57dHpVoch422TGzU9zTIkUqL44cVsG6VEYeIA0l_W9VIfPR3KC2Kry_zqs/s5367/3818C722-5A77-4FCA-B844-8F7CA0401055.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3578" data-original-width="5367" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf6lIToAiWS0CoB8gxJvc-8TblL7GBzZry9CKCYvwWvSqbZrDRpP67sSx2qC6F_DnCuubbA8HuCr5S6q3Pc4SXboeKATq0WAVI6PvT9BDLRlludGBjY9-q5yCJshkDrH8j57dHpVoch422TGzU9zTIkUqL44cVsG6VEYeIA0l_W9VIfPR3KC2Kry_zqs/w640-h426/3818C722-5A77-4FCA-B844-8F7CA0401055.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Fifteen miles out, I begin to prepare lines and fenders. By the time I have finished, our northerly breeze has returned. Ten to twelve knots true belly Stargazer’s main and jib. The engine falls silent. Leaving only the rush of water and the sigh of the wind.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5JbipQjKTrLrfGzPQTOrE_CGH634Rkvs63a7PHbOaC-0nP8pI13dw4y7jp0Gym3OjDS2soTmnWzni-lzX9ZnHVHKrJX6Y4dnrMCdkx36oHIjNj9LrGft8rytoQg5WTaYO8-SpiM2G7oDG6Ed69fhCrb-ZmxCdFtoT8bp8aCpgcgSE1BmHujqUXpUWDk/s5472/DA7AC1C7-A048-436F-B600-22881045F67E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5JbipQjKTrLrfGzPQTOrE_CGH634Rkvs63a7PHbOaC-0nP8pI13dw4y7jp0Gym3OjDS2soTmnWzni-lzX9ZnHVHKrJX6Y4dnrMCdkx36oHIjNj9LrGft8rytoQg5WTaYO8-SpiM2G7oDG6Ed69fhCrb-ZmxCdFtoT8bp8aCpgcgSE1BmHujqUXpUWDk/w640-h426/DA7AC1C7-A048-436F-B600-22881045F67E.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">With a fair tide under her, Stargazer skims effortlessly over a lightly ruffled sea, making a little over six knots.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cZv89OOdv6pAJ7piFF1odWmylfgG4JvTC91_dPYU-eX1XFvqYFZenfdDTx4LTPybDy7xWAIU5AVtHv_dkdri39OvAFuVtXTNalkGm4P2ZKyvxugMSjdVZI4z86DMNEDe2yrnchq3xMsIbVw_Xapb6GQm0c9X7aGINNK1o4dq449uTUD1vhxICfdCVxA/s4485/B39FEB67-5883-465C-B525-53E89AEF6B02.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2811" data-original-width="4485" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cZv89OOdv6pAJ7piFF1odWmylfgG4JvTC91_dPYU-eX1XFvqYFZenfdDTx4LTPybDy7xWAIU5AVtHv_dkdri39OvAFuVtXTNalkGm4P2ZKyvxugMSjdVZI4z86DMNEDe2yrnchq3xMsIbVw_Xapb6GQm0c9X7aGINNK1o4dq449uTUD1vhxICfdCVxA/w640-h402/B39FEB67-5883-465C-B525-53E89AEF6B02.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">An Arpege skips out, from the shore, for an afternoon sail. Waving merrily as she passes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfp7ya7v17GcvrMjk1-fan-cfhaH3NabAfX-bj9u6rdDG74Pkw7ut_N85pKumV41j-eadfHYNZhW-G3vO7YjpuzxreV3JxP56WLMp8SJGALz8gdy_cfBqZbdxJVQcxD0piZHEV8lfG9csMeguXzvTStqu_BK5klMESkC71h6mlH2-65Ppuw3-iUl3YVE/s5266/CF32D054-6B4E-4F3C-A9E0-CC78F6570447.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3510" data-original-width="5266" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfp7ya7v17GcvrMjk1-fan-cfhaH3NabAfX-bj9u6rdDG74Pkw7ut_N85pKumV41j-eadfHYNZhW-G3vO7YjpuzxreV3JxP56WLMp8SJGALz8gdy_cfBqZbdxJVQcxD0piZHEV8lfG9csMeguXzvTStqu_BK5klMESkC71h6mlH2-65Ppuw3-iUl3YVE/w640-h426/CF32D054-6B4E-4F3C-A9E0-CC78F6570447.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The high chalk cliffs come into a sharper focus, emerging through the heat haze.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhges55N1oNzkOgrvVsitbLqS4kqKIcEzpFMQv3gJAA9FPr_j60XBEnEukC4GTM6Gerya7q7ddBI5xs3bPgnLUtlzoDnUkhvNiLifCq0tMI53HnWAuxbYTkaW4eT9cmqfoNcA5Pn5P2ZPYJL56lpQfoeZQhVFUuYJRQH4WpU5QTwG8SUo-We66COIEKwfs/s5472/48789F68-FDD7-40F6-9E9A-80517DC2A5A2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhges55N1oNzkOgrvVsitbLqS4kqKIcEzpFMQv3gJAA9FPr_j60XBEnEukC4GTM6Gerya7q7ddBI5xs3bPgnLUtlzoDnUkhvNiLifCq0tMI53HnWAuxbYTkaW4eT9cmqfoNcA5Pn5P2ZPYJL56lpQfoeZQhVFUuYJRQH4WpU5QTwG8SUo-We66COIEKwfs/w640-h426/48789F68-FDD7-40F6-9E9A-80517DC2A5A2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Stargazer is broad reaching, at seven knots. Parallel to the Le Havre approach channel. Watching, by eye and AIS, for a gap in the shipping. In which to cross to the north side, and enter port.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-88263588818013132572023-09-05T14:56:00.000+01:002023-09-05T14:56:00.994+01:00La Hirondelle 109<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhw_Z-6M4oNzyWBBrGC0d26cTykeXsJLSgppNhk13ZMazFRmrrN8J2HqDUkqbtrqPy9PFuLOwwOVTxTRtq1yAUmIc11KpDTCrEt6rKUD_AO7FcmGJcBo-nnpCN1QPdgSVHkPw15kyJC8m3HQGw566LF_B-Ta-60_pQeztPS802YQwULnhy2YlDyHreyY/s4166/8C421FCF-AB79-4993-9E9E-084EA3037FB0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2803" data-original-width="4166" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhw_Z-6M4oNzyWBBrGC0d26cTykeXsJLSgppNhk13ZMazFRmrrN8J2HqDUkqbtrqPy9PFuLOwwOVTxTRtq1yAUmIc11KpDTCrEt6rKUD_AO7FcmGJcBo-nnpCN1QPdgSVHkPw15kyJC8m3HQGw566LF_B-Ta-60_pQeztPS802YQwULnhy2YlDyHreyY/w640-h430/8C421FCF-AB79-4993-9E9E-084EA3037FB0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The harbour gates will close an hour before daybreak, tomorrow. Giving Stargazer an opportunity to slip out. With a full day ahead of her, in which to make progress east.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU2lcjJo93ycPNYbmAo7zJLQOvFPtL4bxxDnV9r8L15JQiYpizD8QmmgOLFxzfxqmd1Bi-TmfgG54qPBfFsFHDYyPqoYouOrsA-b_kozTGUg6ZjCUOCbfyriAqB0Kn5DgvIoDKVFMTiycYdB-1DbWRWofYRukeCeM7cF96YEqLl5heRcz2bx11ISKY5w/s4548/CB755C0E-A162-4C70-BA68-AF205BAC9185.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2978" data-original-width="4548" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU2lcjJo93ycPNYbmAo7zJLQOvFPtL4bxxDnV9r8L15JQiYpizD8QmmgOLFxzfxqmd1Bi-TmfgG54qPBfFsFHDYyPqoYouOrsA-b_kozTGUg6ZjCUOCbfyriAqB0Kn5DgvIoDKVFMTiycYdB-1DbWRWofYRukeCeM7cF96YEqLl5heRcz2bx11ISKY5w/w640-h420/CB755C0E-A162-4C70-BA68-AF205BAC9185.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Winds are forecast to be lighter than ideal. But, at least not from due east. Most likely, local thermal factors, too subtle for the forecast to register, will be at play. A day then, to make the most of, whatever is out there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_DZveaQaj04NY3X8fNO0fuo3tRy9oXJA7jKcjVNUc2-mHPBdPhiwCXRcKXaAJQq8ydMXWzJYG2CaOXD8Ivroc9MqsVDA0Y8_Yf4uVB63eCJ7o5oyYNvlCqwuRT87nMoUzF7GB_ORYgeQF4rZwPE-Kb26PESLeGEmOcq-bIw4KMZzaYC1zaO7qDBl_PM/s5472/5C2FB5F6-3024-4EDF-A407-BAE44F5BC6EE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_DZveaQaj04NY3X8fNO0fuo3tRy9oXJA7jKcjVNUc2-mHPBdPhiwCXRcKXaAJQq8ydMXWzJYG2CaOXD8Ivroc9MqsVDA0Y8_Yf4uVB63eCJ7o5oyYNvlCqwuRT87nMoUzF7GB_ORYgeQF4rZwPE-Kb26PESLeGEmOcq-bIw4KMZzaYC1zaO7qDBl_PM/w640-h426/5C2FB5F6-3024-4EDF-A407-BAE44F5BC6EE.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">With Ouistreham, Honfleur and Le Havre, all possible destinations. Dependant on actual wind direction and how far it carries us.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-89954259275580619982023-09-04T15:07:00.002+01:002023-09-04T17:21:59.396+01:00La Hirondelle 108<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gUfi6wLaTe3z6e6zRtFq9f8agOuLTmYsyqHiI6_IjPkz_hn1OTJ40EITqadR1CCkyt4u0-L-XECI6rnsb96Rh0rWs2FCR1EHiycqQ0jW20cIrQfk4w8FOgVBsTn525IWZLwUvuQ0Z9JZmvENthsZi9UfPI3FZDwUUiHtX41GA1GwY2bUSfOgjInukek/s5472/98999018-2EE1-45CC-988A-A8B4472CF8D6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gUfi6wLaTe3z6e6zRtFq9f8agOuLTmYsyqHiI6_IjPkz_hn1OTJ40EITqadR1CCkyt4u0-L-XECI6rnsb96Rh0rWs2FCR1EHiycqQ0jW20cIrQfk4w8FOgVBsTn525IWZLwUvuQ0Z9JZmvENthsZi9UfPI3FZDwUUiHtX41GA1GwY2bUSfOgjInukek/w640-h426/98999018-2EE1-45CC-988A-A8B4472CF8D6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">At high water there is depth aplenty off the pier head.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2RfjS1CFlIYk9SV8nKyzdzouXNDywIPxbnIQdir8b2_Yj4CgZOt-9bowM7Cf_i-77bDpaV1BwRbrlpKKTYxCBIcu00EO3VBO-DTT_tad7q-5Afz0mRyZh0PWXKrHBBU4OOsb0_vm4YSQOY7lVv_P5D-qwpAghUt_nDp0OM4ozHWd3n-_QmugStydqjk/s4832/91EBC994-FD2E-4263-AD82-6826EA7A41B8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3203" data-original-width="4832" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2RfjS1CFlIYk9SV8nKyzdzouXNDywIPxbnIQdir8b2_Yj4CgZOt-9bowM7Cf_i-77bDpaV1BwRbrlpKKTYxCBIcu00EO3VBO-DTT_tad7q-5Afz0mRyZh0PWXKrHBBU4OOsb0_vm4YSQOY7lVv_P5D-qwpAghUt_nDp0OM4ozHWd3n-_QmugStydqjk/w640-h424/91EBC994-FD2E-4263-AD82-6826EA7A41B8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Or to sail around the Ile de Tatihou.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kh0CPxl9_MLwF57JmcB36URCGyk3fWgYVvkyvpcqkD1IJFJDmM8gtKbHTYCP2yDlAiTuJNoYJnmx6EI1XMSEND0lH_SZxeUWJMrbz0qp5kih7EYFAjcBy3Ep3_CQLGWBJnTR3j2tpcOdH5trELUUfM6yjGjnIw-ik-7qwjo80-xFezIenW4JhsDNUJA/s5472/1461D207-0606-4C9E-B31D-44B227AE5858.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kh0CPxl9_MLwF57JmcB36URCGyk3fWgYVvkyvpcqkD1IJFJDmM8gtKbHTYCP2yDlAiTuJNoYJnmx6EI1XMSEND0lH_SZxeUWJMrbz0qp5kih7EYFAjcBy3Ep3_CQLGWBJnTR3j2tpcOdH5trELUUfM6yjGjnIw-ik-7qwjo80-xFezIenW4JhsDNUJA/w640-h426/1461D207-0606-4C9E-B31D-44B227AE5858.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">At low tide the approaches, to St Vaast, dry to nigh on two metres.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4THycF2kCI2rN1CUtT3cbEMLZT4eCk-LkulaveUjAOqE6EKQr1iImgYAXMty0-gUtl91XoH_WZt6lb0d1DKSlLX_tztfjKZ_gFikKKx8R_5rvgLziS2KKLa4axrdgKZyekdK55HmAwRi4Ri0w0Jgfxhmt_Qq4WsVBaNgW4xzuX6u2IuImfpa8maq1lI/s5140/A74251AA-7C96-4A5B-8A36-9A9801B2D143.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3427" data-original-width="5140" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4THycF2kCI2rN1CUtT3cbEMLZT4eCk-LkulaveUjAOqE6EKQr1iImgYAXMty0-gUtl91XoH_WZt6lb0d1DKSlLX_tztfjKZ_gFikKKx8R_5rvgLziS2KKLa4axrdgKZyekdK55HmAwRi4Ri0w0Jgfxhmt_Qq4WsVBaNgW4xzuX6u2IuImfpa8maq1lI/w640-h426/A74251AA-7C96-4A5B-8A36-9A9801B2D143.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Revealing the stone walls and stout posts, of the oyster farms. For which the bay is famous.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWd6zGENLRXwoVkoh_8jZDx3FgguGhGq2kvD-s5xmdTIKq4Do0ZA_fl9CHEwpLMFc5xDhkckyexiPSWoki0X6aulmublqfHXJywwvXUz5fumo2J4entKiko4aFQTLW7Wbtk3konznno39g0dfrul9ZmRBTzug-u3qdBqZ7ubRCvcl_zJNJGkVVbYr0eQ/s5472/C6BA5F47-D7F9-4FFD-9C75-C1C895754D94.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWd6zGENLRXwoVkoh_8jZDx3FgguGhGq2kvD-s5xmdTIKq4Do0ZA_fl9CHEwpLMFc5xDhkckyexiPSWoki0X6aulmublqfHXJywwvXUz5fumo2J4entKiko4aFQTLW7Wbtk3konznno39g0dfrul9ZmRBTzug-u3qdBqZ7ubRCvcl_zJNJGkVVbYr0eQ/w640-h426/C6BA5F47-D7F9-4FFD-9C75-C1C895754D94.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">A pair of tall gates permit vessels, within the port, to remain afloat. Presently they open in the middle of the day and the middle of the night. Neither is ideal, for an onward passage of ten to fourteen hours, depending on destination.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sHHVyX1WTTdOGpSrkhVeusrUkRWN18Dyc3EkvvaKjn6jzOP4ZJD836o2UA13LgI--omXYHfC4MBtSBd_JyIvFt0Cd2KY43SDTZP4ZgBAe5WbyOgYUdZ03dWMnO_U-D6w3t90LelaK6ikXvItEP7K-YvK1joJvo7tLQpIa6nHjhzGxbDn4D2lMAH30aI/s5009/F0EB0A39-720C-4EEC-A616-ACDD77BCABFB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3391" data-original-width="5009" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sHHVyX1WTTdOGpSrkhVeusrUkRWN18Dyc3EkvvaKjn6jzOP4ZJD836o2UA13LgI--omXYHfC4MBtSBd_JyIvFt0Cd2KY43SDTZP4ZgBAe5WbyOgYUdZ03dWMnO_U-D6w3t90LelaK6ikXvItEP7K-YvK1joJvo7tLQpIa6nHjhzGxbDn4D2lMAH30aI/w640-h434/F0EB0A39-720C-4EEC-A616-ACDD77BCABFB.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">If Stargazer waits a while, gate openings will coincide with the dawn. But, forecasts suggest, by then the wind will have veered from northeast (which affords a slant) to east (square on the nose) and dropped. Somewhere, there is a happy medium to be found.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-86781233731399039362023-09-03T16:58:00.013+01:002023-09-03T20:25:32.684+01:00La Hirondelle 107<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EZxF-7Ty0duh_Ps4qpNFF6Ojc-fW2Wwg3yap7MTEjZhNFwDJG8NNbVDIFMNt816MicF4IoTZgUKNBX2wzsv9ge75TP8xxu4Xagogbr0Wrw_As-zCMAAvORPR153uMVP4kSBCOhtNHBY9y5HjQ0kZmEyYYh4j22qSS_dqdH3kLVtnTyVjSRAuCRropiM/s5109/5ADD0AC3-4D32-4F14-80C2-CAEFB08093EF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3388" data-original-width="5109" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EZxF-7Ty0duh_Ps4qpNFF6Ojc-fW2Wwg3yap7MTEjZhNFwDJG8NNbVDIFMNt816MicF4IoTZgUKNBX2wzsv9ge75TP8xxu4Xagogbr0Wrw_As-zCMAAvORPR153uMVP4kSBCOhtNHBY9y5HjQ0kZmEyYYh4j22qSS_dqdH3kLVtnTyVjSRAuCRropiM/w640-h424/5ADD0AC3-4D32-4F14-80C2-CAEFB08093EF.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">As luck would have it, Stargazer timed her arrival perfectly. To coincide with the start of a three day festival of folk music.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dt1bBDdzVIDbofj3pTtTVBgW6hXUjIp8asKHzl2l1mVA4gozDO56ouhZb_TMWZYOZtswdWjboAJ7qZjmQDZy6bQV3bWeRzjzUt9nMIHCGdHbCqEyplkJ-Yw3iWJVa2HJECCmwPaMMIRMCwxMOS8KyvzcHShR2Tc3u9qeEA6lCECfgPKS0lNDFHwx7QU/s4391/4A808030-87F3-48FA-AFA1-54B9EE7AD36B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3366" data-original-width="4391" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dt1bBDdzVIDbofj3pTtTVBgW6hXUjIp8asKHzl2l1mVA4gozDO56ouhZb_TMWZYOZtswdWjboAJ7qZjmQDZy6bQV3bWeRzjzUt9nMIHCGdHbCqEyplkJ-Yw3iWJVa2HJECCmwPaMMIRMCwxMOS8KyvzcHShR2Tc3u9qeEA6lCECfgPKS0lNDFHwx7QU/w640-h490/4A808030-87F3-48FA-AFA1-54B9EE7AD36B.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Known as the Traversees de Tatihou.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqv1egvwWA39UucsTcdeL0A_1u2AlKm5URS48JIY6or1i5BjeVFG5m4mDYkEGJZubvDmWSzG8EJyuFIfK_Bqh616QwHV99Sm13cvru43eIJslmrkZHZTR2TzVXUoU6LCVMgW39Xl43BMndiZlPoieJNPpV7VqHo5EvQHJfhlvwh-IdifiOU7afjhnUIk/s4333/DBDEB0EC-15A3-48DB-A260-CAD1D014A9DD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="4333" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqv1egvwWA39UucsTcdeL0A_1u2AlKm5URS48JIY6or1i5BjeVFG5m4mDYkEGJZubvDmWSzG8EJyuFIfK_Bqh616QwHV99Sm13cvru43eIJslmrkZHZTR2TzVXUoU6LCVMgW39Xl43BMndiZlPoieJNPpV7VqHo5EvQHJfhlvwh-IdifiOU7afjhnUIk/w640-h428/DBDEB0EC-15A3-48DB-A260-CAD1D014A9DD.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">So called, because stages are set up both on the Ile de Tatihou. . . . . .</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20FXfndW3c6zxkyNMgm9zf48a_8iL_rocP3j_fg6p31_wboTOIDNSB56b5HF2dktvD_pvmOwaGNVlUQgMCjbYLdWqY9bEheHzIF_6bnIf6VIaQs3MZiSizO1qBUTDBHAMmeoQTVIvOVBUu2zuDVG4nmbvhM42akh-0K28iTn1ftH4sc_ODvat7qhpe7A/s4577/E638495F-30DD-4BAF-BF77-2721A3EDBD22.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3117" data-original-width="4577" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20FXfndW3c6zxkyNMgm9zf48a_8iL_rocP3j_fg6p31_wboTOIDNSB56b5HF2dktvD_pvmOwaGNVlUQgMCjbYLdWqY9bEheHzIF_6bnIf6VIaQs3MZiSizO1qBUTDBHAMmeoQTVIvOVBUu2zuDVG4nmbvhM42akh-0K28iTn1ftH4sc_ODvat7qhpe7A/w640-h436/E638495F-30DD-4BAF-BF77-2721A3EDBD22.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">. . . . .and on the St Vaast quayside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_z8mmG1G0l5XR0w0jhcGs6IBmCK1pIodZlXqBtvRX5zgYBdPu-tRBLOaln1GCZG8DJbEr9O7_JpzFfa1MaJXQHMEljWiTW1pZumypWPIQCO8iwzEeWY84AyOoxSjCLdfF9ko4nPUPuplV1cc7hJXFLPnPuta7LOm5zHdO1bS-LsNcwjhtim9HWzuj00/s3920/331EB6D4-9430-43A1-9D49-CBF324336D71.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2470" data-original-width="3920" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_z8mmG1G0l5XR0w0jhcGs6IBmCK1pIodZlXqBtvRX5zgYBdPu-tRBLOaln1GCZG8DJbEr9O7_JpzFfa1MaJXQHMEljWiTW1pZumypWPIQCO8iwzEeWY84AyOoxSjCLdfF9ko4nPUPuplV1cc7hJXFLPnPuta7LOm5zHdO1bS-LsNcwjhtim9HWzuj00/w640-h404/331EB6D4-9430-43A1-9D49-CBF324336D71.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The musicianship has been extraordinary. Playing in a tradition, whose rhythms, cadences and instrumentation transcend national boundaries.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnVALR8xtBmO3OS6SReCvlLGoKYdto7CLic99oItOVXgcICs0AyK1VmYK14UTDJCS0etV6c6bepPQU5Y5VfNKG5fAIzJzBELdJPBHJYiT6dWUlg0VVCoRvUWyb9oIJsToEijDhlXCzA_MVI3bFP3LyuPTup2uOFrWhLCTdxwocD3Ns74B_4RXTkmw34o/s4823/5591A7EA-8032-41ED-9F84-D4607ACECD05.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3313" data-original-width="4823" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnVALR8xtBmO3OS6SReCvlLGoKYdto7CLic99oItOVXgcICs0AyK1VmYK14UTDJCS0etV6c6bepPQU5Y5VfNKG5fAIzJzBELdJPBHJYiT6dWUlg0VVCoRvUWyb9oIJsToEijDhlXCzA_MVI3bFP3LyuPTup2uOFrWhLCTdxwocD3Ns74B_4RXTkmw34o/w640-h440/5591A7EA-8032-41ED-9F84-D4607ACECD05.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Band members routinely switching instruments during the course of their sets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6-o5h_34wo-BvAF8zvk_ghUi7AfgSLAr2K-AgTssRIE97x5lI3W2H8uEFMeqPQlh9JLJLVmXzGaCOhf7PHLyCoMdwFlLdDVmIaAWlpDA9dfXqv5C0NJ2DX0qIvVzgSHhnl15NnaWWExmL4JeUfbbaGMFF3sw1fVjW85Zhgnirv26tJ8beF6zsFSLG9w/s4464/14747F9A-7D22-4384-8D00-DC9B8AA98B3A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3008" data-original-width="4464" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6-o5h_34wo-BvAF8zvk_ghUi7AfgSLAr2K-AgTssRIE97x5lI3W2H8uEFMeqPQlh9JLJLVmXzGaCOhf7PHLyCoMdwFlLdDVmIaAWlpDA9dfXqv5C0NJ2DX0qIvVzgSHhnl15NnaWWExmL4JeUfbbaGMFF3sw1fVjW85Zhgnirv26tJ8beF6zsFSLG9w/w640-h432/14747F9A-7D22-4384-8D00-DC9B8AA98B3A.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">There are no visible leaders, let alone conductors. Not even a counting in to songs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd4yAtE-e-h6RMwAWv6fTrHYppTjih6kqOBK2v3uI7KPwnf5jv2AeAIzRUImX_9nFn3DtaGNoJYoWO7HiXuQ5HmCyUNi-_liHlfETlFcODN5n_VsaNHRrhy7z-_RRho2zoCZ1QXx3OMp63EhsMbXzEraZBvWizRCAx8oibvyDYUhZwpKWzF5t3G59ncU/s4303/C1FEFD6C-54CB-4A4C-8CCF-49FE57C72E70.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2766" data-original-width="4303" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVd4yAtE-e-h6RMwAWv6fTrHYppTjih6kqOBK2v3uI7KPwnf5jv2AeAIzRUImX_9nFn3DtaGNoJYoWO7HiXuQ5HmCyUNi-_liHlfETlFcODN5n_VsaNHRrhy7z-_RRho2zoCZ1QXx3OMp63EhsMbXzEraZBvWizRCAx8oibvyDYUhZwpKWzF5t3G59ncU/w640-h412/C1FEFD6C-54CB-4A4C-8CCF-49FE57C72E70.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Yet the troupes stay together, tight as their tambourine skins.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyhAevyHO4t4Lic46vTRUmz3dkx38RQNz6mqNnfQXnTgTMhxpGGgNE6fbno4aEVGOYkzpHoEupnO9BH90Ar4QpcSDPu4TB4VUDLkGADwz5zyn6JOPrDXCUQlnrDEbK0xuz9Xuiv4LKl7W1qOJ3UsLRnsE3_Fz0EhaAiq0js7Uhn2_2fUB7Mb2DtyJOXE/s5104/A487587D-6538-48EC-B8CF-A715341C001D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3477" data-original-width="5104" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyhAevyHO4t4Lic46vTRUmz3dkx38RQNz6mqNnfQXnTgTMhxpGGgNE6fbno4aEVGOYkzpHoEupnO9BH90Ar4QpcSDPu4TB4VUDLkGADwz5zyn6JOPrDXCUQlnrDEbK0xuz9Xuiv4LKl7W1qOJ3UsLRnsE3_Fz0EhaAiq0js7Uhn2_2fUB7Mb2DtyJOXE/w640-h436/A487587D-6538-48EC-B8CF-A715341C001D.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Face painters gleefully stalk the audience, in search of converts to their art.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPhZtAiYJNl6bfxBEaD9RdvLSWj6dqRqA3aXcxjoQ9DgrO65wBlhXAZxKIpjOfGPpbOUS_VCwa3AoMf4kjluB_EYDZv874R7pzJaPcae2FbMKFHP_u_SRidLcChjECK01NFYfhjP7XP-AWHaQLVQigAuI-wnmHTITAz8lppE3Z7TeoRY8MV9RW1I_CAI/s5472/4AD5F122-8350-471C-B8F4-A4319CAF3259.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPhZtAiYJNl6bfxBEaD9RdvLSWj6dqRqA3aXcxjoQ9DgrO65wBlhXAZxKIpjOfGPpbOUS_VCwa3AoMf4kjluB_EYDZv874R7pzJaPcae2FbMKFHP_u_SRidLcChjECK01NFYfhjP7XP-AWHaQLVQigAuI-wnmHTITAz8lppE3Z7TeoRY8MV9RW1I_CAI/w640-h426/4AD5F122-8350-471C-B8F4-A4319CAF3259.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Adding to the colourful carnival atmosphere, amongst the milling crowds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTIz77J8oVzAavzxrN-HzA3FtLhBCP_aw6FsUNNNEsCBBLVuSkmnb-xA4me_4daNlPRigcCj4jCMOBH6zMljrH6lUSDznoaLsiqDPEY7G_1f6FmuOhvtxxUJryB4XcwQCM4I-DDKKk9JG4Ys8--GBE_uBvvec-JO45UOQTxxVglisV29lambq1xs2r_A/s4842/44D08680-E151-43A7-8EA8-7CBD02C64E7D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3007" data-original-width="4842" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTIz77J8oVzAavzxrN-HzA3FtLhBCP_aw6FsUNNNEsCBBLVuSkmnb-xA4me_4daNlPRigcCj4jCMOBH6zMljrH6lUSDznoaLsiqDPEY7G_1f6FmuOhvtxxUJryB4XcwQCM4I-DDKKk9JG4Ys8--GBE_uBvvec-JO45UOQTxxVglisV29lambq1xs2r_A/w640-h398/44D08680-E151-43A7-8EA8-7CBD02C64E7D.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Many of whom are moved to dance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUh1lkQQQMICtDwd4tywv9gV9AdaMYTf_o7XWn6pdoSv01SkoMy0b0GdlLO4OMOPiE3bFy26joCoaho8NiFUHRa03WPEtWOns9ZsZvxyk7nY9YqPgj69yLyZEyp3hjeMHDHlfrXQrip1Pj8WfEUaZ7nqv1fENvPL4luK42zOZv-6kjh9Ns6BZWp7pDok/s4622/3F8C10EF-5E2E-4C65-82F1-CB217C084E9B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3332" data-original-width="4622" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUh1lkQQQMICtDwd4tywv9gV9AdaMYTf_o7XWn6pdoSv01SkoMy0b0GdlLO4OMOPiE3bFy26joCoaho8NiFUHRa03WPEtWOns9ZsZvxyk7nY9YqPgj69yLyZEyp3hjeMHDHlfrXQrip1Pj8WfEUaZ7nqv1fENvPL4luK42zOZv-6kjh9Ns6BZWp7pDok/w640-h462/3F8C10EF-5E2E-4C65-82F1-CB217C084E9B.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Whilst others simply soak up the toe-tapping ambience. Each enjoying the occasion in their own way.</p><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-19739536087567328032023-09-02T15:15:00.005+01:002023-09-02T16:14:39.022+01:00La Hirondelle 106<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZxE9_aahZa0rIAVda2jbxfrP6PBLHyvVyOMwxfsVU4iza6-tWfYQS_FYHeGe10tWyH4WJ7NIYh4sivhBWA3vrKF6h7MRF3Khu1c3u2OId1HOuJl7V4dvEaOX8WziMEqxwFUmckRFMG-ZsiQXfT15yVxon1A09omcg_6z9nGClMjzufN5z0CqzvIWI5E/s4828/CF826BE1-8CC7-4166-8C6D-30D60E11A631.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3324" data-original-width="4828" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZxE9_aahZa0rIAVda2jbxfrP6PBLHyvVyOMwxfsVU4iza6-tWfYQS_FYHeGe10tWyH4WJ7NIYh4sivhBWA3vrKF6h7MRF3Khu1c3u2OId1HOuJl7V4dvEaOX8WziMEqxwFUmckRFMG-ZsiQXfT15yVxon1A09omcg_6z9nGClMjzufN5z0CqzvIWI5E/w640-h440/CF826BE1-8CC7-4166-8C6D-30D60E11A631.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The quaysides of St Vaast come languidly to life, on a Saturday morning. With time to linger, for a chat, in the sunshine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztfqnZKo-lk2qLP9eOnutbRhfA8R8Un9vf8VcumQd6UB0y3sXr2jp5MtX-ZrV6zBJQBtbTnj_axw0ZJaGvOjmZmw8kaGsBsUn2uG7OQNecL-bSnHI-lsLFe4CyFodqoY2QO8ZFAPBKRf35pjsHyTG1tQRXYT84jXDQOKkIVlwMqtaNUHKOEbjtgcmsKI/s3917/576D917C-5483-41B8-BE7A-542323AC65E4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2403" data-original-width="3917" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztfqnZKo-lk2qLP9eOnutbRhfA8R8Un9vf8VcumQd6UB0y3sXr2jp5MtX-ZrV6zBJQBtbTnj_axw0ZJaGvOjmZmw8kaGsBsUn2uG7OQNecL-bSnHI-lsLFe4CyFodqoY2QO8ZFAPBKRf35pjsHyTG1tQRXYT84jXDQOKkIVlwMqtaNUHKOEbjtgcmsKI/w640-h392/576D917C-5483-41B8-BE7A-542323AC65E4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The fishing fleet are all in port. Decks hosed. Pots and nets readied, for an early start, on Monday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuhf0yXCViDK0l9-m4mo69n4nS0vPxgBvMYDop-a67tOkqP3DYN2x2IL32WY8mzJoss2PReQ15N6K0ByBCbfnB_B5O8LgQHlFqeOZeGMAO37AJeOJfdUXL13ZuUYA3Bas8NyHvUwBoSw1U7hm3SvhjXL8_FxAyANTqQL4N93BfRWtkK-bzAgXd865QJk/s5275/9451F4A2-EB5B-4F9F-B508-3A43CC30D745.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3503" data-original-width="5275" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuhf0yXCViDK0l9-m4mo69n4nS0vPxgBvMYDop-a67tOkqP3DYN2x2IL32WY8mzJoss2PReQ15N6K0ByBCbfnB_B5O8LgQHlFqeOZeGMAO37AJeOJfdUXL13ZuUYA3Bas8NyHvUwBoSw1U7hm3SvhjXL8_FxAyANTqQL4N93BfRWtkK-bzAgXd865QJk/w640-h426/9451F4A2-EB5B-4F9F-B508-3A43CC30D745.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The Main Street is thronged. Market goers shopping, at the stalls which fill the roadway, with a determined intensity. For fresh sea-food is as much a passion here, in Normandy, as it is in the ports of Brittany and the Vendée.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi89xPdrR7jrE1R6B_q0ZNgmq4q3s4r9iAw_TlLXUS2ncCGfWinwNn2Lh3w4lbhjqa606J35453td8HCYxAJxN7Jg7Vm3itWVnXz0h9RfEt8EF-5fwNY35GpPWmGukDfDBCkeygjw9cIaHXJbyxH8t14O92ezGCQ2IJcy1qD14F3jyKWJMARdUh5aSOA/s5110/8763F81D-ABE5-428A-AE07-85FF9645AB0B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3460" data-original-width="5110" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTi89xPdrR7jrE1R6B_q0ZNgmq4q3s4r9iAw_TlLXUS2ncCGfWinwNn2Lh3w4lbhjqa606J35453td8HCYxAJxN7Jg7Vm3itWVnXz0h9RfEt8EF-5fwNY35GpPWmGukDfDBCkeygjw9cIaHXJbyxH8t14O92ezGCQ2IJcy1qD14F3jyKWJMARdUh5aSOA/w640-h434/8763F81D-ABE5-428A-AE07-85FF9645AB0B.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">A steady stream of weekend anglers, often with a pot or two aboard, put to sea. To secure the freshest of catches for themselves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxFwHXKi258mcQC17sW3q6W43QopEic23JI-ActBnMy9O4YxzoIF7f6hichS9aOzRnrnMKx5wcoFpPa9Mwe5-uF9VgS9sNf9WvVgJV6lvM319ILwp0beansXK2aFwfXVLWGYoKsRXabbRZw5KyztH31VlOTVo4fMUfLsxVb8raku54mEIcZlOangcf9U/s4101/B35ECCBE-25ED-44DF-A651-750FA2331F91.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2845" data-original-width="4101" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxFwHXKi258mcQC17sW3q6W43QopEic23JI-ActBnMy9O4YxzoIF7f6hichS9aOzRnrnMKx5wcoFpPa9Mwe5-uF9VgS9sNf9WvVgJV6lvM319ILwp0beansXK2aFwfXVLWGYoKsRXabbRZw5KyztH31VlOTVo4fMUfLsxVb8raku54mEIcZlOangcf9U/w640-h444/B35ECCBE-25ED-44DF-A651-750FA2331F91.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Whilst sailors set out, for the sheer pleasure of a day on the water.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-22290742221341070042023-09-01T14:59:00.010+01:002023-09-01T19:48:11.854+01:00La Hirondelle 105<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVXb-hrP0DR_o5FHaN-Sgqu68dVrw5Eb_fAPA149ZXnkwqikPJvJKOJAHl8e3oyO6YHfanYNqLLt7xDMu6-UK-cn_TOuK-lloZKr0TuVSGvR3utDziEqCFabI-wKyn00ooi0Q-vTuOUa7Z1sZNUggg3_44derEglVMGCuBjgbBcPrLLsVk3DIf_66uMI/s5472/D38202C3-E911-42DA-851E-D29AADCFA0FF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVXb-hrP0DR_o5FHaN-Sgqu68dVrw5Eb_fAPA149ZXnkwqikPJvJKOJAHl8e3oyO6YHfanYNqLLt7xDMu6-UK-cn_TOuK-lloZKr0TuVSGvR3utDziEqCFabI-wKyn00ooi0Q-vTuOUa7Z1sZNUggg3_44derEglVMGCuBjgbBcPrLLsVk3DIf_66uMI/w640-h426/D38202C3-E911-42DA-851E-D29AADCFA0FF.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">By the light of a Blue Super-Moon, Stargazer sets sail. The wind at her back.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc07G1_LpS15vWXMj_6zZ3-BGXosM2wXrzd9AZfkOKgs-2UFr-E9dAkZ_-FKlA-_sfn-DTkHDzIi7x8f6m_KWF1FqBNZj6jFvmQrXQwoALdXaRBtHGfOVhg-H0v4EDCMT5SqklsI_e1LLRbnPCO7Dohvgvt-qzj42JBtkBNgnKVq7DqJVNy4T5DwwuhL0/s4752/B3D4A8D0-9049-4ED3-A9CF-C89B15633674.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3011" data-original-width="4752" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc07G1_LpS15vWXMj_6zZ3-BGXosM2wXrzd9AZfkOKgs-2UFr-E9dAkZ_-FKlA-_sfn-DTkHDzIi7x8f6m_KWF1FqBNZj6jFvmQrXQwoALdXaRBtHGfOVhg-H0v4EDCMT5SqklsI_e1LLRbnPCO7Dohvgvt-qzj42JBtkBNgnKVq7DqJVNy4T5DwwuhL0/w640-h406/B3D4A8D0-9049-4ED3-A9CF-C89B15633674.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">We glide silently past the wharves, of Cherbourg’s outer harbour. Where derricks whirr, humming to themselves as they unload cargo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgamTwNJd8q-JjTuoBBeb5f0VuV_-u8Ad9o217McpI7fpqX_cfSj3_rir3c73E-9FxaaMCMcW4Jby0TOVL2d1ab-sgcwYTJVpR8w3yTCG6qgQ2Jd62yPGwriHP4R1VXU1Fw0prMmEqtzvHzOd4vyNe_45v-H8WEX_B28Vmo9PI5y1whSKN7bFutTQPlTI/s5317/86B5F73B-422B-4610-9846-7C834835A1FB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3544" data-original-width="5317" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgamTwNJd8q-JjTuoBBeb5f0VuV_-u8Ad9o217McpI7fpqX_cfSj3_rir3c73E-9FxaaMCMcW4Jby0TOVL2d1ab-sgcwYTJVpR8w3yTCG6qgQ2Jd62yPGwriHP4R1VXU1Fw0prMmEqtzvHzOd4vyNe_45v-H8WEX_B28Vmo9PI5y1whSKN7bFutTQPlTI/w640-h426/86B5F73B-422B-4610-9846-7C834835A1FB.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Skeins of mizzle drift in, from the Channel. Borne by our fair breeze. The tide is running hard. Feeling the power in tonight’s moon. Stargazer reaches at eleven knots over the ground. Steering to be carried south, rather than north east. Where the current forks, off a Pointe de Barfleur which is lost in an opaqueness of greys.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iszV2_waNJZ_A106xfNg84y9lsmAaVGPsy8qbbOIZ4BjV4aeeNdbjViZT72LVq1X33HNeLIdUmxE3XmyKr3uVwRwFp2hRaZyyOdBNyZajtWRh_R-s-JQzXN7T2RXA7mF3K0mNwP3B3B-BVjaRDdxSBmTOK9AWE8tqrTksXOEZDSWCyzH7qyQDycLXCo/s5472/5821C80E-EE0E-4A2C-9406-5BC73A34D27D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iszV2_waNJZ_A106xfNg84y9lsmAaVGPsy8qbbOIZ4BjV4aeeNdbjViZT72LVq1X33HNeLIdUmxE3XmyKr3uVwRwFp2hRaZyyOdBNyZajtWRh_R-s-JQzXN7T2RXA7mF3K0mNwP3B3B-BVjaRDdxSBmTOK9AWE8tqrTksXOEZDSWCyzH7qyQDycLXCo/w640-h426/5821C80E-EE0E-4A2C-9406-5BC73A34D27D.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The plotter shows that we are off the Pointe. We sheet in, to angle south east. Speed now eight knots over the ground. The curtain of mist is abruptly torn away, in tattered shreds, by the wind.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi170M8z4Ux8NnWgOyQDg__iv-zcT4bcFiGRVc9lGIhJcZKNxCSainsrvWrqblbVl24oCE_aWhjhzfajYcJZAeViNmkpdiAzcpcqSKH2Ap_XKj38LZ-SYcOzjUYYarvtTfIb9boih900ZCZaiM5es-rzgh068Hdn6JMLfYBSM8cX-M4bOGJx7nHFwT4zNA/s5472/833839F3-C0E3-4563-847B-987C4F80CC9E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi170M8z4Ux8NnWgOyQDg__iv-zcT4bcFiGRVc9lGIhJcZKNxCSainsrvWrqblbVl24oCE_aWhjhzfajYcJZAeViNmkpdiAzcpcqSKH2Ap_XKj38LZ-SYcOzjUYYarvtTfIb9boih900ZCZaiM5es-rzgh068Hdn6JMLfYBSM8cX-M4bOGJx7nHFwT4zNA/w640-h426/833839F3-C0E3-4563-847B-987C4F80CC9E.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The sun breaks through. As Stargazer races along the shore. Two miles further ahead, of a Bavaria C38, than when we lost visual contact with her, off the Cherbourg breakwater. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-Lh0E5T2O1Uu1_3qoLVVsmGwnHHglhtLKGVTzOC4VJ08NU4gnUSdcYf-mtm9ZYXnyeKACC5oC-naSWzUJEelWeaqaNcCm0e7lE0VjkwPzhXB7Eoule70LHw0_EVkBnAIPRngNxikylOcm9S7t8mFhsxR7keqokS16zUNdWU6ZEqNlOjcF8MHzKRcgng/s5472/1954689F-9048-468D-9F7A-F08CAB55BBE9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-Lh0E5T2O1Uu1_3qoLVVsmGwnHHglhtLKGVTzOC4VJ08NU4gnUSdcYf-mtm9ZYXnyeKACC5oC-naSWzUJEelWeaqaNcCm0e7lE0VjkwPzhXB7Eoule70LHw0_EVkBnAIPRngNxikylOcm9S7t8mFhsxR7keqokS16zUNdWU6ZEqNlOjcF8MHzKRcgng/w640-h426/1954689F-9048-468D-9F7A-F08CAB55BBE9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer arrows toward the Vauban tower, on l’ile Tatihou, hardening sheets onto a fetch. Shaving as close in as depth permits, to cut the corner, into the bay.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t9hZjHk8lvebpC70jaYOQ22jCcRa_S7N-J6lDmBOTvgiGUj1zhmh_gwEV9uxhvIQlsVyAyc4Cq95cdLhFM6ZRAqzKY9ZIYropOkp1lb9BfenlD9AYJY9BROhTA8o2on3AYE4GPjR11SUvy-6XJQjA8i7rbKc-3NhESpgBtjbsq9dG-T94eYdlSkiLIA/s3359/463CE8B8-B90C-486D-84B5-D98B08804E65.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2516" data-original-width="3359" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t9hZjHk8lvebpC70jaYOQ22jCcRa_S7N-J6lDmBOTvgiGUj1zhmh_gwEV9uxhvIQlsVyAyc4Cq95cdLhFM6ZRAqzKY9ZIYropOkp1lb9BfenlD9AYJY9BROhTA8o2on3AYE4GPjR11SUvy-6XJQjA8i7rbKc-3NhESpgBtjbsq9dG-T94eYdlSkiLIA/w640-h480/463CE8B8-B90C-486D-84B5-D98B08804E65.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hard on the wind, Stargazer creams past La Hougue. The southern-most of the port’s fortifications. Whilst I rig lines and fenders on a tilting deck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdBovaNYjFfcqcfL9ZJyMLw4xUp3PRlsm83FZuJz1fT9zlGaVpZvHuBnr2S8zmiRjzNSOxNKw6a9xbkhGd24A1TT8Qg8FjLwwBl7_z2kMdiBp3YN18jUHlEv0zZj9p9GZ1jRQEofGDBMmOREh4-IjrINYAK-IfPn6HLISGRfCTw7B12VUILLl1D3uwow/s4288/C8B76A4D-607D-45A8-8B84-B43CB6B23223.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3144" data-original-width="4288" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdBovaNYjFfcqcfL9ZJyMLw4xUp3PRlsm83FZuJz1fT9zlGaVpZvHuBnr2S8zmiRjzNSOxNKw6a9xbkhGd24A1TT8Qg8FjLwwBl7_z2kMdiBp3YN18jUHlEv0zZj9p9GZ1jRQEofGDBMmOREh4-IjrINYAK-IfPn6HLISGRfCTw7B12VUILLl1D3uwow/w640-h470/C8B76A4D-607D-45A8-8B84-B43CB6B23223.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Watching for pot buoys, as Stargazer bounds toward the pier head, of Saint Vaast La Hougue.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-87997885172087603942023-08-31T14:54:00.001+01:002023-08-31T15:15:01.600+01:00La Hirondelle 104<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm4xxzXygzYDwEQZ-dlaO5uRCwKCam-LorLUrCwnRvWnThPTy7Jcx84wvaiSCj8WzAFyX_zqCaG2keg1IaJZy2hpEK_hKCTSDhDN6aDZfhQLBrAChjVSrowCEbUgzZcbcJsjvSo5IH5nb2t2AGOZsdI2i6fNEt1lz1pdAKg9kgk-uebM3k3oPj8M6FO4/s3560/916BC1CF-DA70-44E9-8273-91598AEFBC33.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2663" data-original-width="3560" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm4xxzXygzYDwEQZ-dlaO5uRCwKCam-LorLUrCwnRvWnThPTy7Jcx84wvaiSCj8WzAFyX_zqCaG2keg1IaJZy2hpEK_hKCTSDhDN6aDZfhQLBrAChjVSrowCEbUgzZcbcJsjvSo5IH5nb2t2AGOZsdI2i6fNEt1lz1pdAKg9kgk-uebM3k3oPj8M6FO4/w640-h478/916BC1CF-DA70-44E9-8273-91598AEFBC33.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A moist maritime airstream, from the south and west, gives Stargazer a fair breeze, to round the Pointe de Barfleur. Twenty miles east of Cherbourg. But that is expected to change from Saturday. With the forecast arrival of a week, or more, of easterlies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HkLwcxCOEb3B-YPom3etpq6FNHBviVbrZ4rQQcAWDrwnO7nWXU2-Z1EELdT3o_57OzrT-qxehFRMgCgGdjWq1BRPlARzLvqI9Rg7gd1bU-ubuUcfsjQFSmP-Zo8lGcedLXarh1krwj9oqOMdPZQmhi7RyjJ6CyhbpG7EEabyQy-bX6fhKT0wXEC65rk/s2160/D3F6CA15-74E8-497F-A1C6-06517CDF6D05.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HkLwcxCOEb3B-YPom3etpq6FNHBviVbrZ4rQQcAWDrwnO7nWXU2-Z1EELdT3o_57OzrT-qxehFRMgCgGdjWq1BRPlARzLvqI9Rg7gd1bU-ubuUcfsjQFSmP-Zo8lGcedLXarh1krwj9oqOMdPZQmhi7RyjJ6CyhbpG7EEabyQy-bX6fhKT0wXEC65rk/w640-h480/D3F6CA15-74E8-497F-A1C6-06517CDF6D05.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer plans to catch tomorrow’s east going tide, and the last of the west wind. Making for St Vaast La Hougue (orange anchor symbol). From there Stargazer should be able to find a favourable slant, once the wind veers. With a leg south east into the Baie de La Seine. Followed by another, north east toward Fecamp or Dieppe.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-82438227735388407312023-08-30T10:53:00.013+01:002023-08-30T20:09:23.776+01:00La Hirondelle 103<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNqbbFiq40A6Se36ZBrPmw3O99nNSb_Hypc3QuEhQn3cBX8MQybCluci1u97zQcLySLxjiNT_Y6GgG15LEGDyyeRSXtVDLyyYRYkQufrfWnwCoCY_26_Hr9ddk10xMM2RJvDghrOBEz5ruvIRKrksCSKDDmKzISb4Yq28p_ckijnHQ4XvYapUHOkXHcU/s5384/1FE8BF99-E040-4C3E-8FB3-B89A9B9AC627.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3589" data-original-width="5384" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNqbbFiq40A6Se36ZBrPmw3O99nNSb_Hypc3QuEhQn3cBX8MQybCluci1u97zQcLySLxjiNT_Y6GgG15LEGDyyeRSXtVDLyyYRYkQufrfWnwCoCY_26_Hr9ddk10xMM2RJvDghrOBEz5ruvIRKrksCSKDDmKzISb4Yq28p_ckijnHQ4XvYapUHOkXHcU/w640-h426/1FE8BF99-E040-4C3E-8FB3-B89A9B9AC627.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> At times Stargazer is barely stemming the tide. Despite hugging as close as we dare, to the reef fringed shore, to stay in the slowest moving water. The breeze rolls in fitfully. Out of breath, after it’s forced march across the summits of Guernsey.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKltEMkHY0hUP5v7ImjMtia-of_42x-yRFQkx16rp_M8CLvZ0ise5sfQAZk7HjzG0UoQJyWDajO0ZeDx9Ov6z7i8XSkY8o2BO7v6Sz0krkvwd29dzCBdC5wxc4sdZo1YHjxiVY9mKI3KAGrbT1V6RlJtFLFkK0voPQMnck1rlg-3JaCb1C6BK-kmzWAI/s5472/037529B0-9EE4-4541-83F7-A4C256949EA7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKltEMkHY0hUP5v7ImjMtia-of_42x-yRFQkx16rp_M8CLvZ0ise5sfQAZk7HjzG0UoQJyWDajO0ZeDx9Ov6z7i8XSkY8o2BO7v6Sz0krkvwd29dzCBdC5wxc4sdZo1YHjxiVY9mKI3KAGrbT1V6RlJtFLFkK0voPQMnck1rlg-3JaCb1C6BK-kmzWAI/w640-h426/037529B0-9EE4-4541-83F7-A4C256949EA7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">It may be neaps, but in the Little Russel channel, particularly at its narrow northern end, the tide runs hard. The choke point is off the, toppled, Roustel Tower. Which loiters long, on Stargazer’s starboard beam. A foaming white bow wave to its north, a slick wake to the south.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HHYXSu9zY75oNQXe9_yjA0tevfwQF74KHI3bC7GHdtpibtwMIvDWKN0s3v4tdu7C1F76HLw0Vg-SFGMTvsDZCJ_Jk7ryqf6sOCSWbq8Ama2SW2T45nJ5_wvHU4c5zUVMqeWiReFsY7ugpkYi7FwcD3s2uJp2jOIxt9IdGWsqkkgS1hnpYAVmtJLr6XM/s5472/792630F2-F638-4333-944D-88603D9C8DA9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HHYXSu9zY75oNQXe9_yjA0tevfwQF74KHI3bC7GHdtpibtwMIvDWKN0s3v4tdu7C1F76HLw0Vg-SFGMTvsDZCJ_Jk7ryqf6sOCSWbq8Ama2SW2T45nJ5_wvHU4c5zUVMqeWiReFsY7ugpkYi7FwcD3s2uJp2jOIxt9IdGWsqkkgS1hnpYAVmtJLr6XM/w640-h426/792630F2-F638-4333-944D-88603D9C8DA9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Finally, Stargazer breaks free. Her sails fill with clear air, at the top of the island. Where we pick up an east going tidal eddy. Our bows point toward the southern shore of Alderney. Where I know the north east going tide, through the Raz Blanchard (Alderney Race), to turn an hour earlier, than in the race proper.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvvjTlwuqzrrMdQzkwAmbjnY89P0dHsFk7m1FsniY9bAqK8OeKlo83o9uc9Y8cAbpkNWRAQ2VIlNUpxtC9Tptpv9cycZgD9AzZhST_EUjGmcp75fMWGaad76uWGIte8hc7zLtp7BC8Y_HE2K7PodrxzPIpOBMdIkBm94cke-EuoOvKYmr5CbdYtISTb4/s4691/54A80698-E616-4F20-BC15-7F6C0F31EB10.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3127" data-original-width="4691" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvvjTlwuqzrrMdQzkwAmbjnY89P0dHsFk7m1FsniY9bAqK8OeKlo83o9uc9Y8cAbpkNWRAQ2VIlNUpxtC9Tptpv9cycZgD9AzZhST_EUjGmcp75fMWGaad76uWGIte8hc7zLtp7BC8Y_HE2K7PodrxzPIpOBMdIkBm94cke-EuoOvKYmr5CbdYtISTb4/w640-h426/54A80698-E616-4F20-BC15-7F6C0F31EB10.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">A veil of mizzle swirls in, from the English Channel, to cloak the tall cliffs of Alderney. The French shore vanishes from sight. As Stargazer picks up the favourable current. Making seven knots over the ground, on a dead run. Jib furled.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ5LgXKatLxNabTli_IrkfB18tGuIA9ytGVMrPK9f5MF95s1MAoCSjOCx2BSUUgNdpz3oNhhV3kKwKdtqJ_ytyuh92Hlui8RDulCIp2Gq7PtaFQOOkNxWsZMm0XQd3COlQ3QjdZ7UUtilnNJxQ35fjKVYgL1_IdXu8UV80qge4Le-M4jOyx6Y_nexMds/s5472/C04056EE-E23A-4E0F-8031-64B4510DE7C4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZ5LgXKatLxNabTli_IrkfB18tGuIA9ytGVMrPK9f5MF95s1MAoCSjOCx2BSUUgNdpz3oNhhV3kKwKdtqJ_ytyuh92Hlui8RDulCIp2Gq7PtaFQOOkNxWsZMm0XQd3COlQ3QjdZ7UUtilnNJxQ35fjKVYgL1_IdXu8UV80qge4Le-M4jOyx6Y_nexMds/w640-h426/C04056EE-E23A-4E0F-8031-64B4510DE7C4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Two nautical miles north of Alderney, we gybe east. Stargazer rides the full force of the tide. Reaching fast, under all plain sail. Sweeping past the Cap de La Hague, making twelve knots over the ground. Staying wide, to clear the overfalls (after previous drubbings) and out of respect for the restricted visibility. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZpdfmxCu88ITt3_xks0y9ectoUiq_eORyiZ9Vt47o4NFT6-gMOem5JgusS3QXUH96cI9G2TI6O02z8T83Ep5SIBUc-T7TeuA0eiak8PJwbg3xxvID5Fvizuge8gbwepmX9HlfOc0fgSwLH-hJhN26a7S_BCeXZgPkcQ9e2qQ8MasnwnaBNDo-qfipmY/s3820/5F7FD9C2-978A-4F3A-9464-F5919B8E61DA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2653" data-original-width="3820" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZpdfmxCu88ITt3_xks0y9ectoUiq_eORyiZ9Vt47o4NFT6-gMOem5JgusS3QXUH96cI9G2TI6O02z8T83Ep5SIBUc-T7TeuA0eiak8PJwbg3xxvID5Fvizuge8gbwepmX9HlfOc0fgSwLH-hJhN26a7S_BCeXZgPkcQ9e2qQ8MasnwnaBNDo-qfipmY/w640-h444/5F7FD9C2-978A-4F3A-9464-F5919B8E61DA.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The breeze is up. In part accelerated by the force, of the forward motion, lent to us by the sluicing tide. The north going flow, out of the Race, and the east going Channel current, bump and jostle argumentatively.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQhlR6F8tCW_P8csrT2YJzPX3vU1ryKtdsSMZ3L4YIakQDzx5xo0RjtLVDDagQ2WzyaEcn2jrWHhlaHTRmTB156WiC3c2H_jwqPp-2UcAkNLA4AC1WlaRX-8k4IjiKlt3fcGedRyOmi3hLXH1pNWXNRnW6U6-QbnivoTpHCIkzMkHV58c4v9hYL3qC4k/s4804/0E0AE931-E43F-44BC-ACFA-AE2C653BFF43.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3203" data-original-width="4804" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQhlR6F8tCW_P8csrT2YJzPX3vU1ryKtdsSMZ3L4YIakQDzx5xo0RjtLVDDagQ2WzyaEcn2jrWHhlaHTRmTB156WiC3c2H_jwqPp-2UcAkNLA4AC1WlaRX-8k4IjiKlt3fcGedRyOmi3hLXH1pNWXNRnW6U6-QbnivoTpHCIkzMkHV58c4v9hYL3qC4k/w640-h426/0E0AE931-E43F-44BC-ACFA-AE2C653BFF43.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stargazer romps east. Her tidal gamble (of starting with a foul tide in the Little Russel and seeking out the eddy south of Alderney) has paid off handsomely. Giving us an earlier departure and a speedier run in, from La Hague (than the standard pilot book recommendation). And we are enjoying a fine spanking sail, to boot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLI907yV_WFGJ4cMBCzgTNySnhXBCPVQyidhqaFTit9-B4Z2gGXYatWg2N3FdSrG_qjWlmAD_h1RIUcAC0vvosTxNYgh94-sV5lLvIV9-LabnBGe4N_yuLgKch1fNFSnzy4w1j4bllIuilMCBzZK0CiEO1h8nHKgkcj_FCUp2mZ4lONp-JTHJlNPqvLU/s5472/B5FC76C4-930F-43D8-A217-7A18E8775306.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLI907yV_WFGJ4cMBCzgTNySnhXBCPVQyidhqaFTit9-B4Z2gGXYatWg2N3FdSrG_qjWlmAD_h1RIUcAC0vvosTxNYgh94-sV5lLvIV9-LabnBGe4N_yuLgKch1fNFSnzy4w1j4bllIuilMCBzZK0CiEO1h8nHKgkcj_FCUp2mZ4lONp-JTHJlNPqvLU/w640-h426/B5FC76C4-930F-43D8-A217-7A18E8775306.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer sweeps through the Cherbourg breakwater, well before dusk. Sailing to the marina entrance, throwing out fenders, as we skim across the smooth waters, of the outer harbour. A Swedish crew, dining in their cockpit, abandon their suppers awhile, to take Stargazer’s lines.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-76661764178010217722023-08-28T15:52:00.005+01:002023-08-28T17:08:17.511+01:00La Hirondelle 102<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fhjc7-R6zVVIEW9uK6gR1KAe88H5rFI9-ZmNnubzq70r5z5hcIFeMCad8DuPeIZwWIZXmIeYevSRL4H6hzXxwD3f9Fsy_V7UXkGkNByaInzBn_0e4h9NyVqp8Os6dZiyHjM6ejYZPZyP3hdnAe2H6oZiZC5ZFQLXYhAks43rZ0vZ1d6a6c79E8gdxPg/s4705/DDC6EF02-C911-4D2E-A8CF-F1733CF8A235.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3171" data-original-width="4705" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fhjc7-R6zVVIEW9uK6gR1KAe88H5rFI9-ZmNnubzq70r5z5hcIFeMCad8DuPeIZwWIZXmIeYevSRL4H6hzXxwD3f9Fsy_V7UXkGkNByaInzBn_0e4h9NyVqp8Os6dZiyHjM6ejYZPZyP3hdnAe2H6oZiZC5ZFQLXYhAks43rZ0vZ1d6a6c79E8gdxPg/w640-h432/DDC6EF02-C911-4D2E-A8CF-F1733CF8A235.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The scream, of high revving, finely tuned engines, and the squeals, of scrabbling tyre rubber, turns heads on the Val des Terres.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfNUyJFtkh2bYEtCvSgRt0kkfU5Ts0cA9id0B23ek9ebrDtcgqbjdMu06s7hjlvQxJSDjLMLwVqY7l6_0ZuwjVppdzAa3WAiGuphSot-qOZYU5MdpI3DakQNpotJoEYG_2y-s0s3_eok1m_3AvyKq4uXfQ_j58uCCl3jzQ1Ctfu31NrkoEEomT4S-7ko/s5472/9F7074C3-EB51-4EDD-BE99-EE12ABE29265.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfNUyJFtkh2bYEtCvSgRt0kkfU5Ts0cA9id0B23ek9ebrDtcgqbjdMu06s7hjlvQxJSDjLMLwVqY7l6_0ZuwjVppdzAa3WAiGuphSot-qOZYU5MdpI3DakQNpotJoEYG_2y-s0s3_eok1m_3AvyKq4uXfQ_j58uCCl3jzQ1Ctfu31NrkoEEomT4S-7ko/w640-h426/9F7074C3-EB51-4EDD-BE99-EE12ABE29265.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The boulevard at the head of Havelet Bay. Closed, to everyday traffic, for Guernsey’s Bank Holiday motor sport meet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIcXzSfUSy54OhdyaWUP25lDRP2D_jwZMNA9auf0KcEg4pNkG4_B4HosMS3ElNxCGxiLVBBYrY380JYMNpp32LEGX5_nHU2xiAcQ0ZCdNtTYjdIljS3HrJWL-5R8jERMGH4qiJZpfRq5NjnogqnUVNR8HsvOaJR1FkbZPxo8qwlHRfqz1NniUO2MxbXE/s4775/BA16FB4C-3EA0-4001-8592-1F736444C35C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3141" data-original-width="4775" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIcXzSfUSy54OhdyaWUP25lDRP2D_jwZMNA9auf0KcEg4pNkG4_B4HosMS3ElNxCGxiLVBBYrY380JYMNpp32LEGX5_nHU2xiAcQ0ZCdNtTYjdIljS3HrJWL-5R8jERMGH4qiJZpfRq5NjnogqnUVNR8HsvOaJR1FkbZPxo8qwlHRfqz1NniUO2MxbXE/w640-h420/BA16FB4C-3EA0-4001-8592-1F736444C35C.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Cars, and bikes, roll toward the starting line. In single file. Before blasting up a steep and winding hillside lane. To set their best time, to the summit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEDdFE-PXTMCQPnOAsXQshSIvOzr594xXhU7wHdNocXZS0wffrTbRUZRdO8Ut1i_Bqykr8igMbTymoGXAsi9DignihHwdkn6YwvCpSdSWtFRZGtiAWU84zd-krsG-nVRSiy4XqRYxQguvcuBtdolljmgjCHm2MBpmQ1qfXdihhHGbOuPiKEZpEi0of1Q/s3933/9B2A68B5-BF91-49F4-98B4-3156D2F83E62.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2695" data-original-width="3933" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEDdFE-PXTMCQPnOAsXQshSIvOzr594xXhU7wHdNocXZS0wffrTbRUZRdO8Ut1i_Bqykr8igMbTymoGXAsi9DignihHwdkn6YwvCpSdSWtFRZGtiAWU84zd-krsG-nVRSiy4XqRYxQguvcuBtdolljmgjCHm2MBpmQ1qfXdihhHGbOuPiKEZpEi0of1Q/w640-h438/9B2A68B5-BF91-49F4-98B4-3156D2F83E62.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">It is a convivial family affair. With banter aplenty.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQG2ZOari0bhVqJZl4BlJQAWXC3VdS-8j4CB3pPlOBECUZKGA_kW7gTeBLecxEgc4ZfyTP89uKzgz_25yFUePxjpwUOU64LVNLhtNMgamyXQjS9g2TZvKU5VFO1iKbnZSYZlRqZv-auCThmYYDxy4C3Vdu7VXFB9WxLd1as3VkXzjC9B0RKCfCF2fOrg/s4120/A4200499-4F5C-47F1-9DB9-5A4E5EC974D2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2877" data-original-width="4120" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQG2ZOari0bhVqJZl4BlJQAWXC3VdS-8j4CB3pPlOBECUZKGA_kW7gTeBLecxEgc4ZfyTP89uKzgz_25yFUePxjpwUOU64LVNLhtNMgamyXQjS9g2TZvKU5VFO1iKbnZSYZlRqZv-auCThmYYDxy4C3Vdu7VXFB9WxLd1as3VkXzjC9B0RKCfCF2fOrg/w640-h446/A4200499-4F5C-47F1-9DB9-5A4E5EC974D2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Drivers chat, or sit in silent contemplation, awaiting their turn.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MXn1F5haPYP8u8DZDHBBiPVI2HGAT2SbhftOdNXoKgilZlNk0JZUWF1wATg3k2GPdjynMJCxZA9xrCv0YdqpzO9Hg-n-revbDXgb6f6W_wydn_3BjUM8ndecRKvVdqHUtIJqpx-UGLwkniu95LR67mM-1AkPRhUJ_Ewlcv_JJqiK2GKABVCO4uoyOyI/s3719/2B84B748-C977-459B-A094-254C65F3BD7D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2574" data-original-width="3719" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MXn1F5haPYP8u8DZDHBBiPVI2HGAT2SbhftOdNXoKgilZlNk0JZUWF1wATg3k2GPdjynMJCxZA9xrCv0YdqpzO9Hg-n-revbDXgb6f6W_wydn_3BjUM8ndecRKvVdqHUtIJqpx-UGLwkniu95LR67mM-1AkPRhUJ_Ewlcv_JJqiK2GKABVCO4uoyOyI/w640-h442/2B84B748-C977-459B-A094-254C65F3BD7D.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Whilst the marshals send the cars on their way. Wheeling each, precisely, onto the grid marks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUXG80u892kkAGCL-veGXJsel1k-3dApL4Kru1AL5CY3XdKGptVd_z-AUb-qEi3h_bMnMhbAIchv9CmC3xhaP-jiLG1Oz9Die0VxXAZ7LLm-VGgCNxs2yA1QajefXdte-E8uHteTuZWCQxPBJdt0kwts9YnepA6-0-k5c2OqjiJYt8SEGF8snIky9748/s5472/EDF00EA9-46B1-4346-B5AA-E1F3265EC749.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUXG80u892kkAGCL-veGXJsel1k-3dApL4Kru1AL5CY3XdKGptVd_z-AUb-qEi3h_bMnMhbAIchv9CmC3xhaP-jiLG1Oz9Die0VxXAZ7LLm-VGgCNxs2yA1QajefXdte-E8uHteTuZWCQxPBJdt0kwts9YnepA6-0-k5c2OqjiJYt8SEGF8snIky9748/w640-h426/EDF00EA9-46B1-4346-B5AA-E1F3265EC749.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Stargazer, meanwhile, crosses the cill, once there is water. Ready to catch tomorrow’s tide. Soizic has left. Electing to motor through the Alderney Race today, in exchange for a daylight arrival in Cherbourg. For tomorrow’s tide times mean an arrival after dark. Albeit with the forecast of a fair breeze.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-2894993009282408492023-08-27T15:33:00.004+01:002023-08-27T17:44:38.877+01:00La Hirondelle 101<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CbWRxt_9BXHaQsoGQtkGvdfxmL-1xJyvvVpJ5YUieQN0ixH6ZIqay7bdS9gldAAF1gqkxRFx2T4ZLVtWiOA6yU_UISi3yHsWS9dEpMIAtbrwVntT9q0FA99Y2VkKL9TrjOpMXLU0lMf8kHvh9-8yqrJJCBWL084X0JRaOuBCkFKP8eGvFpAQmobyllE/s5228/4DEF0B5F-443E-4785-AAE1-7C73E5FA57E3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="5228" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CbWRxt_9BXHaQsoGQtkGvdfxmL-1xJyvvVpJ5YUieQN0ixH6ZIqay7bdS9gldAAF1gqkxRFx2T4ZLVtWiOA6yU_UISi3yHsWS9dEpMIAtbrwVntT9q0FA99Y2VkKL9TrjOpMXLU0lMf8kHvh9-8yqrJJCBWL084X0JRaOuBCkFKP8eGvFpAQmobyllE/w640-h426/4DEF0B5F-443E-4785-AAE1-7C73E5FA57E3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Two familiar sights greet my eyes, as I open Stargazer’s washboards, to welcome the new day. Those of The Albion House Tavern, with the Town Church peering over its, freshly scrubbed, lime washed, shoulder; and of Soizic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7tllfoY6BFtCyPEEIncYtE5eNgZxhsJDfcJTKPSa9s4HoMdj7DwqA3cDLEmRhBt5q_w1dvK9h2eWk9ZpJ9WzY5iN4F1K23Or-IQVVu_jm8fPbKRW7kVOUJ_Q9i-knhT4Gxm1xBURGWKhtawnm6pb_B-MngOphqyLTKGiJVP-Xk5mqMvmmg5nM_O9I9Y/s4973/8D319E72-30F6-441C-863E-B9DC74FBBF29.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3177" data-original-width="4973" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7tllfoY6BFtCyPEEIncYtE5eNgZxhsJDfcJTKPSa9s4HoMdj7DwqA3cDLEmRhBt5q_w1dvK9h2eWk9ZpJ9WzY5iN4F1K23Or-IQVVu_jm8fPbKRW7kVOUJ_Q9i-knhT4Gxm1xBURGWKhtawnm6pb_B-MngOphqyLTKGiJVP-Xk5mqMvmmg5nM_O9I9Y/w640-h408/8D319E72-30F6-441C-863E-B9DC74FBBF29.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">With her distinctive white dove silhouetted on the bow. Companion of a gale bound fortnight, in Brest, at exactly this time last year. We have both decided to ensure that our returns, from a summer in Biscay, are a more leisurely affair this year. By starting for home (Soizic’s is Dunkerque) rather earlier.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLYScdQkuTyCpjpjsluIgcGQZKoa9qs8Z5L_1fuEkfBCrv6dUy3UmPmrQkRyYCqrFnZMFNUNRXr5FczAsMCR2l2BxyhkOytJ5yRKozWwh143O8qmTV6rZOCuKKUHJZTs-Xc5bje4lJkJzQ9X-WMNRngAfA7oVGllwkSwhRDpImQeM4HtxjpwnInK-Ak8/s5171/55D83535-DAEF-431A-8DCB-222C30452993.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3447" data-original-width="5171" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLYScdQkuTyCpjpjsluIgcGQZKoa9qs8Z5L_1fuEkfBCrv6dUy3UmPmrQkRyYCqrFnZMFNUNRXr5FczAsMCR2l2BxyhkOytJ5yRKozWwh143O8qmTV6rZOCuKKUHJZTs-Xc5bje4lJkJzQ9X-WMNRngAfA7oVGllwkSwhRDpImQeM4HtxjpwnInK-Ak8/w640-h426/55D83535-DAEF-431A-8DCB-222C30452993.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We each hold the other responsible, for a morning downpour and the wind veering (unexpectedly) northerly overnight. A headwind for the Raz Blanchard. Deciding that Tuesday is likely to be the better day, for our onward passages. The breeze now forecast to remain northerly on Monday, before going west to northwest on Tuesday and dwindling, to light airs, by Wednesday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-54139128645790138732023-08-26T15:51:00.000+01:002023-08-26T15:51:57.778+01:00La Hirondelle 100<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9FEETbMxPuR-yiFpHIsy9KlTUjTzyTsLLc4Gwhus4ZXiYFVq7lBKyCFP5gz81Vfz2WXjAcUhl_rWiQciuUvlciQPR6H2-WmCx6LIDUzBKdNFs0WsEqgvUOhtlXz2_GeWKbsC27V7NMAZzfAYz-Fc0hzAGdelJd_315Tq3DCkx3t1gZ7zjJtRXGlxNLY/s4270/7A01AE77-D653-4A27-A807-25836B45A5EF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2878" data-original-width="4270" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9FEETbMxPuR-yiFpHIsy9KlTUjTzyTsLLc4Gwhus4ZXiYFVq7lBKyCFP5gz81Vfz2WXjAcUhl_rWiQciuUvlciQPR6H2-WmCx6LIDUzBKdNFs0WsEqgvUOhtlXz2_GeWKbsC27V7NMAZzfAYz-Fc0hzAGdelJd_315Tq3DCkx3t1gZ7zjJtRXGlxNLY/w640-h432/7A01AE77-D653-4A27-A807-25836B45A5EF.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">In the thronged outer harbour, beyond the St Peter Port cill, close quarters manoeuvring is the order of the day. With fenders at the ready.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjuUbU5QSbLcnWtpw0qJFEsq84tVy7DdAxz79qr2nZM1c1BCOkugUVlnPRFK0lBpzb4fWepgxnTGiHzCi95VSmk61pccPqM7ZaLvyxxP8v8JpHU8oW6wMfq2LE-Pg-RVowADiTuTQY4aQMorLkrUnUZiD-IN49zRm6UtfUtggwSEmcsSCw6cDz1_s8VA/s5472/A3BCA29C-7545-4AB3-A7FE-D914BDEC0AF5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjuUbU5QSbLcnWtpw0qJFEsq84tVy7DdAxz79qr2nZM1c1BCOkugUVlnPRFK0lBpzb4fWepgxnTGiHzCi95VSmk61pccPqM7ZaLvyxxP8v8JpHU8oW6wMfq2LE-Pg-RVowADiTuTQY4aQMorLkrUnUZiD-IN49zRm6UtfUtggwSEmcsSCw6cDz1_s8VA/w640-h426/A3BCA29C-7545-4AB3-A7FE-D914BDEC0AF5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Bank Holiday arrivals are rafted three deep. Due to the timing of high water, at around two pm and two am. The latter being an antisocial hour at which to move berths. The situation is compounded by the fact that it is neaps. Which gives less than the usual two hours, either side of the top of the tide, in which to cross the cill.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lh2dyRyBhFsdmoyR1UWnGqI9dg7Y9KGgNExBZqemDDiZ_zZg-BLHNMw7rVcju5x0lDLRU2y2NPayl1jJ38PyR4vSx5LsZVaC_pQmYjKA2TBVIK2aDkC5ecn3-G_J9Z5kAUpCrog5UV2H-kU0zDAS-Hi9u14ObN4o4_Zx_i5nWXqJYyE00BoSC48BjJY/s4359/64AE9ED5-2F16-4451-A39B-F126F4DB5720.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2924" data-original-width="4359" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lh2dyRyBhFsdmoyR1UWnGqI9dg7Y9KGgNExBZqemDDiZ_zZg-BLHNMw7rVcju5x0lDLRU2y2NPayl1jJ38PyR4vSx5LsZVaC_pQmYjKA2TBVIK2aDkC5ecn3-G_J9Z5kAUpCrog5UV2H-kU0zDAS-Hi9u14ObN4o4_Zx_i5nWXqJYyE00BoSC48BjJY/w640-h430/64AE9ED5-2F16-4451-A39B-F126F4DB5720.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Craft on passage, with tides to catch tomorrow, are therefore predominantly electing to remain outside. Due to the fact that there will not be sufficient depth, to leave the inner harbour, at the optimum departure times to head either north or south.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkl_S6fJ_WTtHamdnWhzNCx1OR8b6ORrZGN1zPQJYp2Dm-1NplZrTjitCJwLFzfXUEyBw8bP_ApWeVuf9BmKk0c6eSTn9Wbz3RS9jXj5O9FUPCXONk0IMAqU2ArbiJZ8vHEnPLFwlmn-oQOl84PrUwZhenpZWTXg9NumZQhU1Ln9MBHonN_Cd2QDpMN4/s5472/47279CA5-8DD8-4FF1-8354-74216B2691E8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5472" data-original-width="3648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkl_S6fJ_WTtHamdnWhzNCx1OR8b6ORrZGN1zPQJYp2Dm-1NplZrTjitCJwLFzfXUEyBw8bP_ApWeVuf9BmKk0c6eSTn9Wbz3RS9jXj5O9FUPCXONk0IMAqU2ArbiJZ8vHEnPLFwlmn-oQOl84PrUwZhenpZWTXg9NumZQhU1Ln9MBHonN_Cd2QDpMN4/w426-h640/47279CA5-8DD8-4FF1-8354-74216B2691E8.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This leaves Stargazer in a delightfully deserted inner harbour. But facing the same dilemma. To resolve it, we shall need to cross the cill mid afternoon on Sunday. To be ready for a Monday midday departure. I am hoping that the crowds thin, as the holiday weekend progresses. To release an outer harbour berth for us.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704622441235454595.post-41959135945803400402023-08-25T16:50:00.001+01:002023-08-25T18:28:40.282+01:00La Hirondelle 99<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-gWXZOxUE3DDfHh111L8Yh-7T9nshcGGZcWO-dwdX2qxERekdZetejTW3KSgtYq1_5mRfYVke123yy5Pz2LEHbKWZLRfMyy3yFOU-4LxXjK_C-EllPBFekvY6tDrVFv2WrYcKeLp9hDm11E4YgbtGgEH8JmLQl04vxpFWQGvEw-814lCpAvhMRi2z8g/s4682/A2D5F8E8-7643-4272-AFE0-29C340541350.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3167" data-original-width="4682" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-gWXZOxUE3DDfHh111L8Yh-7T9nshcGGZcWO-dwdX2qxERekdZetejTW3KSgtYq1_5mRfYVke123yy5Pz2LEHbKWZLRfMyy3yFOU-4LxXjK_C-EllPBFekvY6tDrVFv2WrYcKeLp9hDm11E4YgbtGgEH8JmLQl04vxpFWQGvEw-814lCpAvhMRi2z8g/w640-h432/A2D5F8E8-7643-4272-AFE0-29C340541350.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I wake five minutes before my alarm sounds, fully refreshed. My body clock finally reset after Stargazer’s overnight passage, the rigours of the heads replacement and hatch repairs, the consequent operation mop up, and the eventual reassembly of cabinetry removed for access.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGM2Wx75OYICKaYdlDiXdiPn4sOLOhPfsL7GxWvSd1eMQ1p54clknm099d9k1rnnr0N4rFcaaiim3nHDRYZBbMAsh9IA1qtRSaY5eDuOCpfxBOCKXfX-JvuwDVrFlLmm4PCuXnyEWZz3b2hhnwrcuwfJMsSLVGXF7z67y80yklLSA494Pxb4HIWHSMUk/s5472/DC10C1B4-0EFB-4281-BD14-0B22A253B0E8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5472" data-original-width="3648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGM2Wx75OYICKaYdlDiXdiPn4sOLOhPfsL7GxWvSd1eMQ1p54clknm099d9k1rnnr0N4rFcaaiim3nHDRYZBbMAsh9IA1qtRSaY5eDuOCpfxBOCKXfX-JvuwDVrFlLmm4PCuXnyEWZz3b2hhnwrcuwfJMsSLVGXF7z67y80yklLSA494Pxb4HIWHSMUk/w426-h640/DC10C1B4-0EFB-4281-BD14-0B22A253B0E8.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I lounge in Stargazer’s cockpit. Eating a long leisurely breakfast. Watching the harbour come to life around me. Simply because I can.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyqGXDtBCxCyTE5mYTMZQTLphPdgWU-L3Wp7SN3-HcyXWRjlEH665qEEuXryAQ9AaQJaPy4_lDG_iFynwnfAQDhrkLbLw06uGP78iXT3vLpcZM_NW_-Z911-x6lN_mbcgewXHoWXTIvdAHW5_8SjL3l8IQdnooPz0mD_h2icpj2rCkCu_6434ksyQ_Zs/s5472/FEF94A70-7BA0-4113-BB6D-487F18F9C7F2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyqGXDtBCxCyTE5mYTMZQTLphPdgWU-L3Wp7SN3-HcyXWRjlEH665qEEuXryAQ9AaQJaPy4_lDG_iFynwnfAQDhrkLbLw06uGP78iXT3vLpcZM_NW_-Z911-x6lN_mbcgewXHoWXTIvdAHW5_8SjL3l8IQdnooPz0mD_h2icpj2rCkCu_6434ksyQ_Zs/w640-h426/FEF94A70-7BA0-4113-BB6D-487F18F9C7F2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Brought out of my delightful reverie only by the departure of my two Rassy 34 neighbours. Although the arrival of an immaculately renovated, forty year old, Swedish Hallberg-Rassy 38 maintains the pontoon’s claim to the title of ‘Rassy row.’</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxOhuA9ft7J0hmfEYWhNhG0TPYX6iTfVpRkTLUNZSC_5x3iBTcRShrDPcYVv3n02xHdsUq_8g2ass_sD9PVe7AETHhVdYrt9NEJQ7fpavnLj8YwaAvrmXtblMBXSAtt_GtsYEPODIRlIPxtQaNWtwUD2MkIo2nCmzSWDmWysOKvoP4hMIPkiheGJ38SA/s5472/93B778AB-ACCA-4E87-8F0A-D484AA1EA671.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxOhuA9ft7J0hmfEYWhNhG0TPYX6iTfVpRkTLUNZSC_5x3iBTcRShrDPcYVv3n02xHdsUq_8g2ass_sD9PVe7AETHhVdYrt9NEJQ7fpavnLj8YwaAvrmXtblMBXSAtt_GtsYEPODIRlIPxtQaNWtwUD2MkIo2nCmzSWDmWysOKvoP4hMIPkiheGJ38SA/w640-h426/93B778AB-ACCA-4E87-8F0A-D484AA1EA671.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">After five days in port, I am usually ready to leave. Or have already done so. But instead, I find that I have that special ‘just arrived’ feeling. Which leads me to take the coast path south. Winding through woodland, clinging to the cliff side. It leads through a variety of battlements and fortifications, augmented through the ages. From their ramparts, raised above the tree line, there are views to Herm, Jethou and Sark, beyond a cruise liner, at anchor in the Little Russel. To the north, Alderney is sharply silhouetted on the horizon. An unusual sight, lending credence to a forecasts of a stormy night. Improbable though they seem in the afternoon sun.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0