We had not seen St Malo this quiet, it was a sure sign that the European economy was taking it's toll. Normally the wall would see yachts 3 and 4 deep at least rafted out.
However, it suited us very nicely because we could roam about the walls of St Malo in peace and enjoy the walks and views. Inside the walls the restaurants and cafe's were charming as ever, with huge choices, musicians and performers were on the street corners to entertain, including artists ready to do a cartoon/portrait sketch of you. It always makes for an exciting atmosphere and we love it!
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Mariette on her way to the finish line!
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Note the narrow entrance behind us!!
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My backup is rather all over the place, but I must mention Beaucette, a wonderful marina at the top end of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. It used to be an old quarry until one day, the owner decided to blow a hole in the wall and hey presto, a marina was born!!! As a result, the entrance can be very daunting, as you sail straight onto a lee shore and what initially looks like a cliff face, with a rocky channel either side of you, and you have to negotiate a sill at the entrance. One definitely needs to get the tide right!! The masts showing at the top of the wall, keeps the confidence level reasonably high! I will post a couple of pics, to show the entrance.
It is a very friendly place, with excellent shower facilities, and as they have now re-opened the restaurant at the top of the marina, it is even more reason to go and pay a visit. We just love the peace and knowledge that it can blow like blazes, and you are snug as a bug in a rug under the walls of the quarry. The walks along the cliff paths in the area are wonderful for the soul and it is one of our favourite places.
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This is a shot of Eleanora having some practice runs in the Solent just before the racing. We had to engine out of her way, because she came on so fast! skip was gently sailing and ogling when all of a sudden we realised she was coming up way too fast and we felt the need for speed to move it!!
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12/18/2011
Am in serious catch up mode on this blog. Going through some pics, I must put a couple up from the Westward Trophy sailed in the Solent last year, Mariette was pounding up to the mark and looked fantastic! These magnificent sail yachts really bring a tear to the eye up close!
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