Ad Lib 116

 

Ant-like, Gitana 18's acolytes swarm about the open expanses of her trampolines. Which are strung taut from the muscular amas (crossbeams). This latest and most radical, of the giant Ultim trimarans, is under pressure, to be race ready for November's Route du Rhum.

Launched on Valentine's Day, she was flight testing, off Groix when Stargazer saw her in June. Tuning the unique, hydraulically adjustable rig and foil controls. Not to mention her aerospace inspired rudders and super-sized lift surfaces.

As expected, teething troubles emerged during those sea trials. Robbing her of valuable testing time. Whilst her foils are replaced with stronger items. Her control rams upweighted.

Meanwhile, her nemesis, Sodebo 3, has undergone a spring refit. After the rigours of setting a new Trophee Jules Verne (non-stop round the world) record during the winter.

Last week, she was relaunched. With an upgraded foil package. Said to be "S" shaped. Although details, given the current Ultim arms race, are understandably scant.

Yesterday, Thomas Coville's preparateurs were commissioning the redesigned foil lift mechanisms.

This morning, Thomas slipped out to sea. Putting in some practice miles. His eye set on achieving both a Trophee Jules Verne and a Route du Rhum win,  in the same season. During, what could be, his retirement (from serious record setting) year.

 Whilst Gitana 18's skipper, Charles Caudrelier, is forced to forgo valuable familiarisation time. His cutting edge craft's performance potential, as yet, untapped. Her bearded Boat Captain (far right) pacing the deck. Waiting impatiently for their parts delivery.

Picture Credits

Sodebo on her record run. Aerial shot. Courtesy of Sodebo / Tropheee Jules Verne

Ad Lib 115

 Britain's Will Harris strides the deck, sorting sails, aboard the freshly launched IMOCA Mailzia 4. For she is about to face her inaugural competitive outing.

The Ocean Race. Which starts on the first of September, off New York's Statue of Liberty. With the finish in Lorient. As for many entrants, this is a prelude to November's Route du Rhum. Boris Herrmann will skipper both races. With crew for the former. Solo for the latter.

 Malizia 3 is also entered for the double header. Under her new name of Eleventh Hour Racing. Frankie Clapcich at the helm.

The boat in which Will and Frankie won last year's Cafe L'Or transatlantic race. During the post purchase handover period. Amongst the IMOCA's finest performances. 

I have entered the Aladdin's Cave at the heart of French Atlantic coast (for which read World) short-handed offshore racing. Where the major Ultim trimaran, IMOCA, Class40 and Figaro teams are headquartered. With Classe Mini 6.50's aplenty, on trailers ashore.

Lorient La Base. A cave in the literal sense. Being converted from the gaunt subterranean shelters of the former nazi submarine fleet.

Ad Lib 114

Stargazer noses into Lorient's Port Kernevel. Riding the tide past the Port Louis Citadel (background) and the silver sand beach. The day's breeze exhausted by its early exertions.

For, in the pre-dawn twilight, a robust eighteen knot easterly breeze greeted Stargazer, beyond Piriac's cill. Sending her romping west.

As the sun rises behind Ile Dumet

Quickly crossing Quiberon Bay to close the Ile de Houat.

Stargazer's favourite anchorage is deserted today. Requiring westerly weather for shelter.

The day warms, sapping the wind of its early morning vigour. Its impetus reduced still further by the need to run dead downwind.

To clear the Teignouse pass. Whose fast flowing tide compensates, to maintain Stargazer's speed. 

Once through, Stargazer comes up onto a reach. Her forward motion increasing the apparent wind once more. We race north along the Quiberon peninsula.

 By the time that Stargazer arrives off the Lorient Channel, a Figaro, out from La Base on race training, is barely moving. Even with the aid of a tennis court sized spinnaker.

Stargazer fires up the engine. The flat water allowing her skipper to make leisurely preparations for arrival, in the way of lines and fenders, whilst taking in the view.

Ad Lib 113

 

Fortune smiles upon Piriac's sardine celebrations (See Ad Lib 111 & 112).. On Saturday evening, the breeze picks up

In time for the classics regatta. The ancient mariners leave harbour to a delighted round of applause.

Gwen Ha Du's (the black and white striped Breton flag) stream proudly from their gaffs. Bow waves foam. Sparkling, as white as a weather-beaten sailor's smile.

It is the prelude to a big blow, from the north west (Stargazer's current direction of travel). Which confines all to port, for Sunday.

Today (Monday) the wind rests. With zephyrs from the west.

Tomorrow, a fair breeze from the east is forecast.

Ad Lib 112

 

Market day in Piriac.

With a pipe band serenade. . . .

….marching through the village streets.

In anticipation of a sardine supper (See Ad Lib 111).

But, first things first, there is fresh fruit to be gathered.

Perhaps some soft furnishings, too.

It can be thirsty work.

Later, the communal sardines are served. With frites. If desired, saucisses, or additional frites, may be substituted for the small silver fish to which this village owes its origins.

Ad Lib 111

 

An authortitative rap, upon Stargazer's cabin trunk, signals the arrival of three naval officers. One in camoflage fatigues and beret. The others more nautically uniformed, in blue. Here to examine Stargazer's (rather than her skipper's) documentation.

Their opening question is "have you visited Spain?" Prompting me to believe that they have consulted the MarineTraffic AIS tracking site. On which Stargazer's profile picture (above) shows her moored off Castro Urdiales. "Not this year." I reply

"Do you come from Brittany?" is the follow up. There is a large contingent, of British flagged boats, based year round on the river Vilaine. Which is only ten miles away. Since Brexit, these boats will owe French TVA (VAT) unless they have proof that they leave Schengen waters every eighteen months.

They may also be subject to the, controversial and recently made more stringent, French boat tax. If their owners have applied for a French Residence. As, reputedly, many were encouraged to do, by La Roche Bernard Capitainerie. "No. I sail over from England each year."

"What was your route?" We chat aimiably, and in depth, about Stargazer's ports of call. A question here. A nod and an anecdote there. Until (I suspect) the officers are satisfied that Stargazer is bona fide and has indeed visited the harbours which her skipper claims.

"You have arrived for the party?" I look blank. But am soon enlightened. It seems that Piriac is to celebrate its sardine port roots by throwing a communal fish supper. With sea shanty accompaniment. All invited. Smiling, the naval trio bid Stargazer and her skipper "bon soiree." 

Ad Lib 110

 

Debate ensues. Amid the cool shadows, cream canvas, wooden deadeyes and varnished brightwork of Piriac's 'classics row.'

Two crew, raised in the true traditions of a Republic, means two skippers aboard.

A democratic decision is soon reached. The yankee is duly lowered, tamed and bagged.

Silence falls. Whilst ancient mariners warm their greenheart bones in the afternoon sun.