About this site

Piers and Lin du Pré bought their new Fleming 55 / 129, Play d'eau, in 2003.

She was berthed in Beaucette Marina, Guernsey in the Channel Islands at N49° 30’.197 W002° 30’.350 until she was sold in October 2021.

This site charts the thrilling adventures they had in her.

You can contact us here.

Where’s Play d’eau?

If the new owners have the AIS on, you can find where Play d'eau is right now.

Click here.

Zoom in and our position will be shown on a map.

Recent Posts

Leg 11 – La Rochelle to Rochefort – 31 July 2013

There are many of these huts on stilts with huge nets along the Charente

We’ve had a great time in the Bassin des Chalutiers. One of our sons, his wife and two children came to meet us for a day; we met Pat and Michelle who spend their life racing their Class 40 yacht, Croix du Sud, all over the world – literally; we explored …

Continue reading Leg 11 – La Rochelle to Rochefort – 31 July 2013

Caption competition

Tchou Tchou, La Rochelle

Seen in La Rochelle between Les Minimes marina and the town. Caption, anyone? …

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A Red Letter Day

The 'weasels' in the dinghy

We had a great treat yesterday. One of our sons, his wife and two children are on holiday staying with two of their dear friends who live in Riberac, France. Yesterday, they all came to visit us on Play d’eau in the Bassin des Chalutiers, La Rochelle …

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Ocean station vessel, this is Speedbird …

France 1 Ocean Station Vessel

When flying for BOAC in the 1970s, I’d call these ocean station vessels (OSVs) on the VHF radio when overflying the Atlantic. Being stationed in specific geographic locations, OSVs could identify you by radar and advise your position. Really helpful given astro-nav and Loran were the two main navigation aids – there was no GPS in those days …

Continue reading Ocean station vessel, this is Speedbird …

Rich tomato sauce

Rich tomato sauce

This rich tomato sauce is brilliant for pizzas and tomato based soups. By making the following quantity, you’ll have plenty to store in jars in the fridge where it’ll keep for months and months and months …

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Gazpacho to cool those hot, hot days

Gazpacho, dressed with diced cucumber and shreds of basil

This Gazpacho is just perfect for a hot day when ‘cool’ is needed. It’s so refreshing, so ‘clean’. Making it in these quantities means you’ll have a good number of servings. Any left over can be kept in the fridge for use during a heat-wave, or frozen whilst you wait for the next heat-wave …

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Play d’eau, Play d’eau how does your garden grow?

The garden travels in the sink for protection!

Play d’eau’s garden is planted with mint, basil, thyme and chives. Having fresh herbs makes all the difference, and ‘boat grown’ somehow makes them taste so much better. As some of you will know Lin used to grow orchids …

Continue reading Play d’eau, Play d’eau how does your garden grow?

Leg 10 – Les Sables d’Olonne to La Rochelle – 18 July 2013

M. Christian, Harbour Master, guided us through the lock gate and to our berth

As dawn was preparing to make her golden appearance to grace another red hot day, there was just enough light to see the trawlers off-loading their night’s catch at the maritime cooperative. The Bassin des Chalutiers at La Rochelle was today’s destination …

Continue reading Leg 10 – Les Sables d’Olonne to La Rochelle – 18 July 2013

Memories of Les Sables d’Olonne

Le Clipper, restaurant gastronomique, where we celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary

We’ve had a great time at Les Sables d’Olonne celebrating our 41st wedding anniversary, cleaning Play d’eau, exploring the town and enjoying the constant movement of trawlers. We ate at Le Clipper, Restaurant gastronomique, one of many restaurants along the Quai Garnier where Play d’eau is moored …

Continue reading Memories of Les Sables d’Olonne

What’s in Play d’eau’s make-up bag?

Poly Marine Ltd's Dinghy and Fender cleaner and polish

Often I’m asked if I have any favourite products for looking after Play d’eau. I do, and here are some of the key items you’ll find in her ‘make-up bag’ …

Continue reading What’s in Play d’eau’s make-up bag?