Page 19 - Yachter Autumn/Winter 2022

Aware that StVaast was not a Port of
Entry, but that advice from the Cruising Association (CA) suggested Normandy ports might show some flexibility, we contacted the Harbourmaster at StVaast (who is also the CA HLR) for guidance. He confirmed that it was possible to arrive directly in St Vaast from the UK, providing an e-mailed form had been submitted in advance to
both the Police Aux Frontier (PAF) and the regional ports agency.This made the event viable for those without the time to sail via a Port of Entry such as Cherbourg.
With a fair weather forecast, three RSYC and four ROA yachts (making six in total) headed for St Vaast, five arriving on the Friday evening, in time to avail themselves of the extensive Saturday market and to explore this very pleasant port and the surrounding area. A sunny evening and a Rival 41 foredeck provided good surroundings for pre-dinner drinks. It also saw the arrival, just in time, of our sixth vessel, before we all headed to La Marina restaurant, where we had an enjoyable meal and managed to avoid the temptations of joining the locals in a 1980s karaoke night!
Sunday saw one boat depart back to
the UK and the rest continue with the convivial gathering, comparing notes on each other’s boats, helping one another with maintenance and further explorations of the local area. It was interesting to
compare a fifty year old Rival 34 with a four year old RM 1070, but both designed to sail well and be efficient passage makers! One boat stayed on Monday to explore
the neighbouring island of Tatihou and its Vauban fort (by amphibious bus), whilst the remainder moved on, to either return to the UK or continue explorations in Normandy.
Monday morning also saw a visit by the PAF to the harbour office, to stamp passports as required.
We carried on, to Grandcamp-Maisy, Port en Bessin and Courseulles sur Mer, before returning to StVaast and a subsequent swift passage back to Poole.
This corner of France is as welcoming as ever, with fine restaurants, great sea food and pleasant sailing, and the new bureaucracy seems entirely manageable! Of note, the CA is now reporting that the Brittany ports of St Cast and St Quay, whilst not formal Ports of Entry, are now offering similar arrangements, which might open up cruising options for later this year.We look forward to returning to France next summer and hope to see other members over there!
Steve and Cathy Lacey
CRUISING REPORTS 19