On the way back
03 June 2009
We came back on Marcita after a week off, and it was wonderful to find her sitting there quietly waiting for the return trip.
Three days later we think the Gulf must want to be rid of us, because we've had downwind sailing now for 3 days in a row. First we floated down from Vannes, out into the bay and back into Crouesty on Monday. Neaps and wind with tide, so no dramatic tidal tango. So nice was it that we reached up and down the bay for an hour just for the pleasure of a perfect wind on a sunny afternoon.
Then yesterday we had a NE 4 to take us NW to Lorient, and we were roaring along at 5.5 to 6 kn, shirts off in an attempt to achieve that youthful honey bloom. As if. Passing yachties averted their gaze.
Now today we have a dead run to Loctudy, and as I write the asymmetric is goosewinged and we are floating along in a F3. Marcita is gurgling pleasurably, and occasionally hissing if we try a spot of surfing.
The pic shows the island of Houat, pronounced Hwat. And yes we wrote the lymerics, and no I'm not going to put them on the blog, but you can hear them if you buy me a pint at the Butt and Oyster later on. Houat and Hoedic are just opposite the gulf, tiny islands with tiny hamlets on them. (They breed them for the RSC apparently.) We moored there briefly for lunch on our way, but so lethargic is this downwind lark that we couldn't even raise the strength to blow up the rubber duck and row ashore. We waved amiably.
I seem to be short of crew for next week, so if you're reading this and fancy a few days of glorious sailing and French food, text me on 07762 725 645. We're hoping to reach Brest by the weekend (June 6-7) and you'd be welcome even if you haven't done much sailing. It will be the North Coast of Brittany and the Channel Islands.
A bientot.