16th August 2008

David Rainsbury

Words and Pictures

Date:

No internet access since I left Spain!

I left La Coruna with a good sailing breeze and high hopes for a good passage direct to La Rochelle. The wind had other ideas and died out giving me the chance to visit Cedeira, about 30 miles along the coast just in time for their percebes festival. More seafood.

The next day followed the same pattern and I called at Carino where, thanks to a lift from a kind local, I filled the jerry can with diesel, hoping it would not be needed.

Despite the met’s promises the wind again failed to materialise and I made another stop 10 miles along the coast rather than set out under engine on the 300 mile crossing.

My fourth day out from La Coruna the wind finally arrived and I turned away from the land on a heading for France. Before long it was blowing SW up to force 7 and we made very fast progress though not without some anxiety. Kate was happy however and bowled along taking no more than spray on her decks. Throughout the day I passed the Figaro single handed race from La Rochelle to Vigo on a reciprocal heading.

By evening the wind was easing down and the morning brought a light northerly. It was a long passage, minimising engine hours and praying for wind whilst teasing up to 2 knots out of the zephyr and playing with the cruising chute. After four and a half days at sea I finally entered La Rochelle.

On the way up the coast of France I have called at Ile de Re, Ile d’Oleron, Ile de Yeu, Ile de Noirmoutier, Hoedic and Belle Ile before entering the Odet River where I sat out three days of strong winds. I left Benodet into a huge swell and little wind to spend a surprisingly restful night at Audierne. The Raz de Sein was moody and lumpy but without wind it showed none of its malice, a breeze giving me a pleasant run up to Camaret. Today the wind is gusting Force 7 but tomorrow I should be on through the Chenal du Four and onto the North coast of France or even on my way across the Channel. Who knows?

Medieval market, La Coruna

A dramatic late entrance to Cedeira

Cedeira Percebes Festival

Octopus, bread and beer

Figaro single-handed race, Biscay