Page 33 - Yachter Autumn 2024

Closing the Bridge we were a little confused by three sets of lights ahead with multiple flashes of white and red lights; we assumed it must
be fishermen. When we cleared Bridge 23:45, after a 19:35 start, the wind picked up to 15-18 knots perfect sailing. Slowly we approached the fishing boats and realised they were in fact the fleet in front of us. Feeling like chumps, but no one knew, we decided on cupa soups and a bite to eat. With the increased wind Barti picked up speed and soon we were passing the fleet to leeward, with the exception of the IOC boat.
The wind started to increase slightly and the sea was confused, so we had no idea what it was doing. We put a reef in the main and rolled in the genoa. What was amazing was how dark it was; no clouds, no moon but still very dark. Entered in log “Unreasonable dark for a clear night”.
The Shipping Lanes proved to be simple, as AIS makes it so easy; didn’t have to alter course
once our closest encounter which was little nerve racking was just under 0.5 mile. In the Separation Zone we reefed down to second reef and more turns on genoa, as wind was gusting fairly consistently up to 25 knots which had been predicted. We both think it felt higher. However Barti bowled along at 7-8 knots.
As dawn arrived the tide turned east,
which really lifted the seas and made for occasional exciting surfing down waves and more frequently being knocked off course. On one occasion sliding sideways down a wave caused me to effectively do the splits across the cockpit. Uncomfortable. With the dawn came sight of the Cherbourg coast and finishing line.
The marina had reserved places for us under the Capitainerie. Up to check in and clear Border Control, who couldn’t have been more accommodating, stamped us in and out as we were leaving next morning. Bacon, egg and mushroom butty, five hours sleep and shower
had us raring to go. But not before visiting the Chandlers to buy sail repair cloth as mainsail had ripped between the top and second batten. My phone didn’t pick up Vodafone for couple of hours, so our WhatsApp messages regarding arrangements for meeting for a beer and dinner went amiss. So, as a couple of “billy no mates” we wandered around Town, having a couple of beers and made our way back to restaurant above the Capitainerie. They were fully booked but the patrón placed us on a table in the bar; excellent accommodating service. We were served a superb French meal of crevettes, fish soup and obviously steak and frites washed down with good red wine. We missed meeting the other racers but such is life.
A good way to spend a weekend.
Michael Boyle
Barti Blue
BEAULIEU PENSIONERS 33