We anchoed in 3m of water in this glorious bay click to enlargeI was in the middle of a lovely dream when the alarm rudely intruded and woke me. We had an hour before we needed to be hovering outside the 0645 lock, ready to exit the Les Chalutiers basin.
Today, the destination was St Martin de Ré.
Plan A
First, a hearing check. Thankfully, all eight of our collective’s ears were in good working condition despite the previous night’s Franco Folies’ best attempts to increase the sales of hearing aids.
Second, the mandatory visit to the boulangerie for our breakfast croissants and pains au chocolat.
Third, a review of the proposed passage: lock out at 0645, motor to a lovely sandy bay on the south east coast of the Île de Ré, anchor, have breakfast, swim and have lunch before motoring north along the east coast of the island to take the first lock into the heavily fortified town of St Martin.
Plan B
John dived off Play d’eau and swam in the 23°C sea click to enlargeGiven the cloudy skies and breezy weather, we implemented plan B and nipped into the close-by Les Minimes marina to wait for the weak weather front to pass. Spending time at anchor in these conditions would not be pleasant.
Two hours after croissants the sun came out, the breeze disappeared and the waters calmed. Time to revert to Plan A.
Anchoring out
What a great time we had. The sunlit bay was a pure delight.
Having anchored in 3m of water, Beryl and Lin sat on the transom dangling their feet in the sea whilst John showed us to be the wimps we were by diving in and having a great swim.
St Martin, here we come
After 40 minutes of motoring we entered the fortified walls of St Martin, passed through the open lock and were directed to the same mooring we’d had two years ago.
It’s such a treat to be back here. Such a beautiful ancient town. A gem.
Met data
An alien spacecraft disguised as a boat? click to enlargeLa Rochelle: NE3/4, low cloud cover, moderate visibility
Sea state: Choppy
St Martin de Ré: N2, clear skies, hot sun, no loud music
Nav data
Times are FST.
Date: 15 July 2015
Departed La Rochelle: 0645
Arrived St Martin de Ré: 1520
Pinchpoint: Les Chalutiers and St Martin lock times
Navigation: Pilotage
Time en route: 8hr 35min, inlcuding time in Les Minimes and anchoring time
Planned distance: 11.6nm
Tech issues: Nil
Piers and Lin
from the Pilot House of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
(click on the photos below to enlarge, and use the left/right arrows)
Staging for the threatened ‘Pop Concert Énorm’ was assembled in St Denis click to enlargeAs the staging for a ‘Grand Groupe Pop Orchestre’ was being assembled, a large multi-coloured van was prowling around with its public address system booming to one and all that a ‘Pop Concert Énorme’ would be held in the marina ‘Ce Soir’.
It was our cue to depart. Leaving the concert énorme behind we made our escape, motored out of the marina and along the narrow fairway between the channel markers.
Anaesthetised
With Play d’eau having been the collision target for so many boats (is it something we’ve done?), we’ve become anaesthetised to being surprised.
Only once on this short passage were we attacked. A small 18′ motor boat from the St Denis Bateau École was hovering outside the fairway ahead and to port of us. Engaging its outboard engine, it turned, sped up, and made to cross the fairway aiming just ahead of us.
‘Here we go, again,’ I said to John. ‘How many COLREGS is this one about to disobey?’This Newfoundland dog, keeping an eye on the skipper, was bigger and heavier than any of its crew click to enlargeAll five on board the small boat were seemed to be talking at the same time to the poor chap under training, probably drowning the student with ‘wise guidance’ oblivious of what was happening or where they were going.
With my finger hovering to fire five shots from the Kahlenbergs, I held off. Were any of the five people on board the training boat looking out? Ah, one of them, leaning against the stern, looked up and saw us. Would he alert the others? No. Was he hypnotised? Was he so excited at the thought of the concert énorme that he couldn’t speak?
We watched in amazement. With power off, we slowed down and the Bateau École gently slipped in front of us. Only as the boat passed under our bow did they look up. None looked surprised. Some even waved, and I think the word they uses was ‘Bonjour’.
Énorme becomes Gigantic
We thought we’d escaped until we neared La Rochelle and saw the most gigantic staging, and above the sound of our engines we felt, more than heard, bass with a power that defied explanation. We vibrated.
Although half a mile away from where we were berthed, the noise was horrendous. Thankfully, it stopped sometime around 3.30am.
Next morning
Dusk fell on the marina front in St Denis click to enlargeSomewhat blurry eyed, we surfaced, yawned, stretched, scratched, made teas and coffees and opened the saloon doors only to see staging being erected immediately behind us on the waterfront.
We learned that at 10am sharp a military parade would be made in front of local dignitaries. So not another concert, just a parade.
Being next to the waterfront, we decided to dress Play d’eau overall. We had twenty minutes before ‘kick-off’. We made it. She looked lovely.
People began assembling, military began lining up, PA systems were checked, and at 10am sharp – nothing happened. It seemed no one knew what to do. With many discussions, scratching of kepis and examinations of clipboards, someone began introducing the assembly forty minutes later.
We never quite understood what the parade was for. Yes, there was a lot to say over the PA, and yes, some decorations were handed out, and yes, someone inspected the parade, and yes, colours were paraded with much marching music played over the PA.
With a final march pass it was over. Whilst dignitaries left in their cars and some on their motorcycles, we undressed Play d’eau and had lunch.
Met data
Sea sports are taught from year dot click to enlargeSt Denis d’Oléron: WSW3, cloudy, hot sun, good visibility
Sea state: Smooth, with a swell from the west
La Rochelle: W3, clear skies, hot sun, and loud music
Nav data
Times are FST.
Date: 13 July 2015
Departed St Denis: 1128
Arrived La Rochelle (lock): 1500
Pinchpoint: Access to Les Chalutiers
Longest individual leg: 4.2nm
Time en route: 1hr 32min
Planned distance: 11.2nm
Tech issues: Nil
Piers and Lin
from the Pilot House of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
(click on the photos below to enlarge, and use the left/right arrows)
Yacht Joshua, which circumnavigated the world between 1966 and 1969 click to enlargeWith a following wind, blue skies and an almost too hot sun, we cast off for the short 1½ hour trip to St Denis.
At a gentlemanly time of morning, we nosed our way between the many pontoons of the 5,000 berth Les Minimes marina and entered the fairway to meet the day’s challenge.
Challenges
Wall to wall yachts. They were everywhere. Yet with such a large yachting fraternity should we really be surprised? Maybe not, but today seemed like an overload.
First, we were targeted by the red, steel ketch, Joshua, which circumnavigated the world between 1966 and 1969 with Bernard Moitessier. She looked great, but not when coming straight for us!
Second, fleets of small racers with their multi-coloured sails lit by the sun, looking so deceptively pretty.
And then…
Fleets of small yachts were racing all around us click to enlargeAh yes. And then. Third, and potentially by far the most dangerous, was an 8m yacht, no more than 100m ahead and to starboard of us, which suddenly tacked but thankfully aimed to go behind us.
A few seconds later the skipper changed his mind to cut right in front of us. It was a question of immediate power off, engage reverse and open the throttles in an attempt not to mow him down and add him as decoration to Play d’eau’s anchor.
He passed not more than 10m in front of us. He lifted his hand in thanks. Did he know what he’d just done? Did he realise what we’d had to do?
Maybe the name of his yacht is more than just a name but a description of the skipper. It was ‘Bozo’.
Annoyingly, it happened too quickly to pick up the camera and take photos.
En route
Entering the approach channel to St Denis d’Oléron click to enlargeAn hour or so later, we were entering the channel for St Denis.
Met data
Les Minimes: E3/4, clear skies, hot sun, good visibility
Sea state: Choppy, with wind against tide
St Denis d’Oléron: E4
Nav data
Times are FST.
Date: 10 July 2015
Departed La Rochelle (Les Minimes): 1049
Arrived St Denis: 1223 (2 minutes late – I blame ‘Bozo’)
Moored: 1233
Pinchpoint: Access to St Denis
Longest individual leg: 4.9nmTime en route: 1hr 34min
Planned distance: 11.2nm
Tech issues: Nil, but still monitoring the Sat Compass and stbd engine charging voltage
Piers and Lin
from the Pilot House of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
(click on the photos below to enlarge, and use the left/right arrows)
The early morning sun chases the cloud away click to enlargeHmmm. The best laid plans….
We’d be unable to anchor out. The wind was forecast to rise significantly in the afternoon and stay strong overnight.
Where to?
The plan was to leave peaceful Rochefort at HW when the lock gate opened and anchor overnight at the southern end of Île d’Aix before making passage the next day to the St Denis marina on the island of d’Oléron.
But with a forecast strong F5 veering from NW to NE, it would be really uncomfy wherever we anchored. Instead, we altered the plan to head back to the marina at Les Minimes, La Rochelle, before making way to St Denis the next morning.
La Charente
Cargo ships use the river and go faster than you click to enlargeAfter a breakfast of fresh LIDL croissants (LIDL came fourth in our 2013 croissant competition), we had a lazy morning, casting off at 1150 as the lock began to open.
Exiting, we were first into the muddy river. With a gentle breeze of 5kts behind us, John navigated the 12.9nm along the delightful La Charente accompanied at one time by a buzzard flying lazy circles looking for his lunch.
Nearing the river’s mouth it was as if a switch was thrown. The wind suddenly jumped from 8kts to 19kts, and I mean jumped. No warning such as a ruffling of the water and no apparent reason such as coming out of the protection of buildings. The wind just jumped.
One for the book of experience.
North to La Rochelle
With the wind agitating the sea into a short, steep, side swiping annoyance, salty spray began to fly for the forty minute sector to La Rochelle.Harvesting oysters from the shell fish farm click to enlargeNorth of Île d’Aix we pass a huge, protected shell fish farm measuring 1.7km by ½km, covered in hundreds if not thousands of markers.
Nearing destination, the racing and leisure yachts seem to appear from nowhere accompanied by a smattering of jet skies, ferries and speedboats, making it a concentration challenge to navigate. Nothing seemed predictable with goings-about, gibings and wanderings, seemingly with no thought for where other boats may be.
But hey-ho, it’s all part of the challenge; all part of the fun! Isn’t it?
Les Minimes
With an excellent berth in Les Minimes (pontoon 7), John and Beryl insisted on bathing Play d’eau to chase away the salt whilst I tended to a potential mechanical problem and Lin planned dinner.
Phew. Life’s so hectic, isn’t it?
Met data
Moored in hot, peaceful Les Minimes click to enlargeRochefort: NE2, clear skies with a few ‘good weather’ cumulus balls of fluff, good visibility
En route: Wind increased NE5. Skies remained clear
Sea state: River smooth, becoming slight to annoying
La Rochelle: A strong ENE5, clear skies
Nav data
Times are FST.
Date: Thursday 9 July 2015
Cast off Rochefort: 1150
Exited the lock: 1158
Arrived Les Minimes: 1510 (2 minutes ahead of plan)
Moored: 1515
Pinchpoint: Lock time leaving Rochefort
Longest individual leg: 12.9nm (pilotage along La Charente)
Time en route: 3hr 12min
Planned distance: 25.4nm
Tech issues:
Sat Compass. No issues this leg.
Voltage drop stbd engine. Alternator wiring and battery connections checked. Beginning to blame the 9 year old bank of 4 x 8D batteries
Piers and Lin
from the Pilot House of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
(click on the photos below to enlarge, and use the left/right arrows)
John and Beryl have joined us for a fortnight click to enlargeOur dear friends, John and Beryl, have joined us after a nine year absence from cruising.
Flying into La Rochelle two days ago, we’ve already been having a ball; dinner at Safron (first there, last to leave), exploring the ancient town and climbing the recently restored tower that guards the entrance to the vieux port.
Un petit navigational challenge
Our nav plan showed the passage would take 3hrs 10mins. But with the Les Chalutiers lock opening only 2hrs before high water (HW) and the Rochefort lock closing some 30mins after HW, we’d have some 2hrs 30mins in which to execute our 3hrs 10mins nav plan. I say some, since HW at both locations is almost the same.
It didn’t take an Oxford mathematics don to see this was not possible unless we installed warp drive. Note to self: add warp drive to the wish list.
5,000 boat marina
A sea of 5,000 masts at Les Minimes marina, La Rochelle click to enlargeHowever, the solution was simple. The day before, we’d take the Les Chalutiers evening lock and motor all of 0.7nm to the Les Minimes marina which is open 24hrs a day with no lock. High five!
Enlarged over the last two years, Les Minimes is home to 5,000 leisure boats and the largest marina on the Atlantic east coast. When we say, ‘C’est énorme!’ we really are making a severe factual understatement. Gigantic would be a better description.
En route
On Monday, the alarm woke us at 0445 to give us time to prepare for our ETD of 0535. Again we were blessed with clear skies, a light N’ly breeze and warm air. C’est la vie.
We left at 0533. Two minutes early. We couldn’t wait – too excited. Pre-dawn light was just starting to take the edge off the star studded darkness as we crept out of the marina and into the fairway.
Captain John took his rightful place on the helm seat.Sunrise illuminated John as he was in the helm seat click to enlargeThe sun made her rich orange appearance over the landscape forty five minutes later as we were motoring SSE along the Plateau des Duraignes, heading to pass just east of Ile d’Aix, before entering the Embouchure de La Charente.
La Charente
Approaching La Charente, you can’t miss the numerous forts that guard this seaway, including Fort Boyard. It’s no surprise given Rochefort, some 12 miles upriver, was a major naval shipbuilding town between the late 1600s and early 1900s.
The river is so pretty albeit the water is a muddy brown. Flat land either side, fringed by reeds and carrelets, small fishing huts on stilts dangling large square nets waiting to be lowered by rope and pulley into the muddy waters to catch – who knows what?
Rochefort
Having piloted Play d’eau the 12.9nm upriver, we arrived outside Rochefort lock at 0844, one minute early of the time we were given. The nav plan had worked! But actually it hadn’t. The lock hadn’t yet opened.La Charente has many strange looking carrelets on her banks click to enlargeHovering outside in the river, the lock opened at 0853 allowing a stream of boats to leave before we entered at 0910 and were moored by 0915.
Might that extra 25 minutes have allowed us to have made the journey in one hop from Les Chalutiers rather than stopping at Les Minimes?
‘But hey!’ I answer with a Gallic Shrug. ‘This La Belle France. C’est la vie!’
Met data
La Rochelle: N2, clear skies, good visibility
En route: Wind veered and increased to NE3. Skies remained clear
Sea state: Very smooth
Rochefort: Outside the lock, NE3. Inside, NE2 (the trees and buildings offered shelter)
Nav data
Times are FST.
Date: 6 July 2015
Departed La Rochelle (Les Minimes): 0833
Arrived Rochefort: 0844Moored in Rochefort on her own pontoon click to enlarge(1 minute ahead of plan)
Moored: 0915
Pinchpoint: Lock times Rochefort
Longest individual leg: 12.9nm (pilotage along the river La Charente)
Time en route: 3hr 11min plus 31 minutes waiting for the lock and mooring
Planned distance: 25.2nm
Tech issues:
Sat Compass. This has suffered two problems since Les Minimes. ‘Aborting’ & ‘Output Error’. Changed sources to the fluxgate compass and No 2 GPS. Will monitor the Sat Compass over the coming three days whilst we are in Rochefort.
Over the last few legs, there’s been a gradual reduction in the starboard engine instrument readings. Not a problem in itself apart from creating a furrowed brow. The cause appears to be a lowering of DC voltage. Need to eliminate probable causes sooner rather then later
Piers and Lin
from the Pilot House of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
(click on the photos below to enlarge, and use the left/right arrows)
Brian George of Golden Arrow’s International Rescue click to enlargeThe slight hydraulic leak from the port stabiliser ram had been sufficient for me to isolate it from use.
The last thing we needed was for the ram’s seal to blow under 1,500psi and spray litres and litres of fluid into the engine room creating a highly flammable if not explosive oil mist.
Thankfully, this didn’t happen. By isolating the port fin, we were safe, although it meant the starboard fin would be left to do all the work on its own.
Golden Arrow & International Rescue
Having spoken with Brian George, Golden Arrow’s TRAC stabiliser commissioning specialist, a master plan was hatched.
Brian, based in Southampton, would take the ferry to Cherbourg and drive to La Rochelle with a van load of tools, spares and oil, to repair Play d’eau on 30 June.
30 June 2015
Squeezed between the port engine, the aft fuel tank and engine room bulkhead click to enlargeAt 8am sharp, Brian arrived and parked his sign written van immediately adjacent to Play d’eau on the Quai d’Honneur. A welcome sight.
Without delay, he disappeared into the engine room, squeezed between the port engine and the bulkhead and began disassembling the top plate and ram.
‘Aha. That’s the problem. The yoke’s misaligned with the ram causing the piston to operate slightly out of true, putting uneven pressure on the seal.’
Repairs
Having realigned the yoke, replaced the ram with new, centred the fin’s electronic sensor, replaced a weeping hose and topped up the oil reservoir, we were ready for a test.
‘Start the engine,’ Brian called. I did. ‘Perfect,’ said Brian. ‘No leaks, accurately aligned, and working a treat.’
With some small adjustments to the system’s operating parameters to bring Play d’eau more accurately level when cruising, the job was complete in seemingly no time at all.
What magnificent service. What a star!
Piers
from the Technical Log of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
(Click on a pic and use left/right arrows to scroll through the album)
Dawn breaks over Les Sables d’Olonne click to enlargeIt was Sunday morning. We’d slept well. The endless succession of trawlers that passed by the marina en route to the busy 24hr Maritime Cooperative auction market at the end of the port had taken the weekend off. Well, almost all of them.
In their place, the Saturday night revellers had tried but failed in their attempt to compete, thankfully.
Quai Garnier
During our six days in Quai Garnier we’d cleaned and polished Play d’eau, eaten at our favourite restaurant Le Clipper and attended to many cabin and the engine room housekeeping chores. With John and Beryl coming on 3 July to spend two weeks cruising with us, Play d’eau had to look her very best.
To our delight, boaters we’d met along this coastal region with its beaches of golden sand two years ago seemed to materialise during our stay. So Play d’eau just had to host an early evening party, didn’t she? Lin created some delicious Canapés whilst I created (well, bought) the wines and beers.Paul from Rowena was in Les Sables and filled my dive tank. I knew Paul and Sue from MBM Cruise in Company days click to enlargeRowena, a Grand Banks that used to come with us on Motor Boat Monthly cruises in company was there as well. Paul and Sue
In addition, great evenings were spent on board Harvester (Glyn and Pat) and Stress Breaker (Nick and Rhona), and a breakfast of pain au chocolat and excellent coffee was consumed with gusto on Deo Jubilate with Trevor and Gill.
We had a wonderful time in Quai Garnier, even though the trawlers motored past us 24 hours a day, refuelled and re-iced opposite our pontoon whilst squadrons of seagulls never seemed to cease their incessant war cry….
Plaideau? Play d’eau?
Would you believe the Harbour Master’s assistant is known to her friends as Plaideau? Can you imagine the fun on the radio? ‘Play d’eau, this is Plaideau, over?’
Leaving Sables d’Olonne
Skipper Lin piloted Play d’eau from the fly bridge click to enlargeWith checks complete, we were ready to go but the washing machine delayed out departure. A neighbouring boat had allowed their dog to pee on the pontoon cleats and the last thing we wanted was dog pee ropes. So we singled up ready to go, stood guard, and put the infected ropes in the washing machine – with an overdose of powder and fabric softener.
Hence, we left 14 minutes late, but we had beautifully white, soft ‘dog pee free’ ropes that had a fresh wonderful laundry aroma about them.
En route
Sandy beaches and good fishing are the hallmarks of Sables d’Olonne. So for the first ten miles, we threaded our way through endless lobster pots and small fishing boats whilst dodging trawlers with their long nets on even longer wire cables.
Nearing La Rochelle, we navigated between the mainland and the small Ile de Ré before passing under the 2.9km bridge which spans the island and La Rochelle.As we approached la Rochelle, we saw a sad looking face under a ‘witch’s hat’ click to enlargeTurning into the strait that leads to La Rochelle, the water became quite choppy and Play d’eau seemed to became a moving target for speedboats, water skis and boats rushing to find an anchorage on the already crowded Ile de Ré beaches. That’s apart from the many flotillas of tiny sail boats racing across the fairway.
Arrival
Access to the Les Chalutiers basin is through a single lock gate above which a short bridge carries a road. The gate is opened 2hrs before high water and closes 45 minutes thereafter.
With the gate open, we only had to wait for ten minutes before the siren sounded, the traffic stopped and the bridge lifted.
Having moored up, we found a yacht we’d met in Sables d’Olonne was opposite us, a Guernsey registered yacht was behind us as well as a huge Explorer Yacht, Med Adventure.
To bless Play d’eau, we found our mooring was on the Quai d’Honneur.
Of course!
Met data
Les Sables d’Olonne: Wind calm, clear skies, good visibility
En route: Wind became WNW F3
Sea state: Glassy flat, to smooth, to ruffled at La Rochelle
La Rochelle: NW3, mainly due to local sea breeze. Clear skies, good vis.
Nav data
The heavily fortified entrance to the ancient town of La Rochelle and its port click to enlargeTimes are FST.
Departed Les Sables d’Olonne (Quay Garnier): 0914, 28 June 2015 (14 minutes late waiting for the washing machine to complete its cycle!)
Arrived La Rochelle (Les Chalutiers): 1356 (26 mins late due to late lock gate opening)
Pinchpoint: Lock times at Les Chalutiers
Longest individual leg: 13.7nm
Time en route: 4hr 22min
Planned distance: 34.3nm
Tech issues: None
Piers and Lin
from the Chart Table of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
(click on the photos below to enlarge, and use the left/right arrows)
The fortified and walled city of La Rochelle click to enlargeWe’ve had a great time in the Bassin des Chalutiers in the Vieux Port of La Rochelle.
One of our sons, his wife and two children came to meet us for a day; we explored the Maritime Museé and the town; we walked; we were hot; we used the air con many times, and we met Pat and Michelle who spend their life racing their Class 40 yacht, Croix du Sud, all over the world – literally (see photo below).
The nav plan
There were two pinch points on this journey.
Rochefort is some 12nm up the River Charente and we’d been advised the lock gate to the marina would only be open between 1300 and 1400. If we missed it, we’d have to wait until the next day to gain access.The 3500 berth Les Minimes marina at La Rochelle click to enlargeBack at the Bassin des Chalutiers, the exit lock gate wouldn’t open until 1130 leaving us with a maximum of two and a half hours for the journey, in turn demanding an average speed of 12 knots. Too fast as far as I’m concerned, and even if we travelled at this speed there’d be no margin to play with.
Instead, we took the 2215 lock gate yesterday evening from the Bassin des Chalutiers and motored all of 1nm to Les Minimes marina. Given Les Minimes has 24hr access we could leave at our leisure for Rochefort, today.
The Journey
Having had strong W’ly winds for the last few days with the occasional rain and thunder shower, today was different. Hot, clear skies, with only a light E’ly wind. Perfect.
Passing Fort Boyard, we entered the Charente river an hour or so before high tide expecting the flood tide to give us an extra knot. Interestingly, the tide was against us yet in the last mile it changed and the river was still on the flood.Fort Boyard between Ile d’Aix and Ile d’Oléron click to enlargeCrazy – or am I missing something? Yes, I checked high tide with the Capitainerie and there was no mistake.
Arriving
The Charente river is lovely although an avocado green of mud in suspension. We followed the many leading marks passing strange fishing huts on stilts with large nets. Anyone know what these are for?
An astonishing piece of engineering is Le Pont Transbordeur, which suspends a cabin just above water height taking people and cars from one side of the river to the other, linking the road.
We were met by the Harbour Master in his dory and shown to a good berth. By gum, the marina’s a sun trap measuring well into the mid-30 degrees C.There are many of these huts on stilts with huge nets along the river Charente click to enlargeCan’t wait to explore the town and tour the Hermione which we saw close to the marina – it’s on tomorrow’s agenda.
The tecky details
Departed Les Minimes, La Rochelle – 0720
Arrived Rochefort – 1322
Planned distance – 25nm
Longest leg – 12.9nm up the River Charente
Tech issues – nil
Piers and Lin
From the Nav table of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.
The 113 year old Le Pont Transbordeur links the road on either side of the Charante with a suspended ‘flying cabin’. You can see the cabin close to the water at the base of the left leg click to enlargeThe Transbordeur cabin started its crossing after we’d passed. click to enlargePat and Michelle on Croix du Sud. Having raced nearly every yacht race there is (including the Sydney-Hobart ‘many times’) their next race is the non-stop Le Havre-Brazil. click to enlarge
The two ‘weasels’ with Dad in the dinghy click to enlargeWe 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.
Arriving just before lunch it was so good seeing them all again; we’d missed the family so much, and the two grandchildren, the ‘weasels’, gave us such hugs.
Their friends had created and brought a superb lunch with them, after which some of us dozed and had a siesta. Meanwhile, Play d’eau’s dinghy had become the focus of attention.
The weasels, as the grandchildren are known, tested the Torqeedo battery operated outboard to the full. Brilliant fun all round.Madam in charge in the dinghy with Dad as an optional extra click to enlargeA late afternoon stroll into the old town with ice creams was ‘de rigueur’ followed by dinner of various moules dishes on the quayside to complete our red letter day.
It can’t get much better than this.
Piers and Lin
from the Saloon of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
PS – Lin has almost managed to eradicate the cherry stains from the sofa….
You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.
These were the voyages of Piers and Lin du Pré aboard their Fleming 55
