Hi
to all
This is a different year for us, in not having a major sailing
plan, but we always knew that with refurbishing the teak deck
throughout May/early June we wouldn't do too much this year.
Ian worked very hard for 5 weeks whilst the boat was out of the
water, sanding back and recaulking and plugging the deck. He was
on his knees for 9 hours a day and was shattered by the beginning
of June. So much so that he still has the aft section to
complete, but that will be done later. It looks great anyhow! I
then spent days cleaning up the mess!!
We
are very fortunate to have 3 good friends who between them
"loaned" us their houses whilst the boat was in the yard and they
were away and I almost became a landlubber again!
We
left Torpoint for Brittany on 11 June, 10 days behind other boats
from the club who were travelling to rendevouz at Benodet for a
club/twinning association get-together. Had a great sail over with
the wind on the beam, comfortable seas and sunshine.
We
arrived at Benodet on Friday 15th. The local sailing club Odet
had arranged for the 10 boats who'd made it from Cornwall to have
free berthing at the marina. A pontoon party had been planned for
that evening, but the weather was wet & windy so we hosted a
reception for the French in their sailing club (see pic). This was
great, despite the lack of french on the part of the English (with
a couple of exceptions). Ian and I wore our new "Caprice" club
shirts (see pic), although someone I'd only just met thought I was
named after the busty model, but as she pointed out - without the
equipment!!!
Saturday morning we all trooped up to Torpoint "corner" in the
town - an area that that has been "English" planted and even has a
red telephone box (see pic). The mayor then invited us into his
chambers, where we were given a (morning) champagne reception. I
think all they would have got in Torpoint is tea & biccies! In
the evening they hosted a reception for us in the club.
The weather hasn't been too kind to us whilst in France - several
days of near gales force winds and heavy rain - just like 2011,
2010 .... etc
The 10 boats have since gone their own ways, although 5 of us are
all still in the South Brittany area and are in touch on VHF. I
write this from Port Louis, which is at the entrance to Lorient.
A great little marina - only 14 euros a night with free showers,
wifi and electricity!
We
think we'll go as far as Vannes (we haven't been there in previous
visits to this area) and then turn back for the UK, via the
Channel Islands, to arrive in Cornwall for the beginning of August
when Ian's son Pete is down on holiday. We then plan to go to
Holyhead on Anglesey, where we stopped only briefly last year and
then make our way home in Sep/Oct via the Scilly Islands - our
"spiritual" home.
It
will be good to hear from you via email if you get the time.
Denise & Ian x
