Update Mon 13th from La Rochelle

Thurs 9th Aug
Left Port Joinville, Ile D’ Yeu to go to Bourgenay and arrived about 5:30pm, quite a good sail after the wind picked up later in the morning (quite exciting by the time we were going into the marina – cranking along at 6 & 1/2 knots with just the cruising chute). Purpose built marina with no town just holiday lets so it was clean, quiet and very pleasant.

Fri 10th
Had thought about going to La Rochelle but changed our minds for St Denis on Ile D’Oleron because we thought it would be quieter --– wrong…. Squeezed into the very end of the trot, didn’t think they could fit on another boat but they did. However, it is the French version of Glasgow Fair Fortnight so everywhere is mega busy. We were going to stay another day and try to make for Royan (so that we could meet up with some friends) but the tides and difficult entry timing would have made it all too difficult.

Sat 11th
Anyway; Saturday afternoon tide – most people in the raft of boats were wanting to move so we had to get out of the way and didn’t fancy being the inboard boat on a raft of 6 (everybody traipsing over the decks – nae piece). So a hasty decision was made to head for La Rochelle, roughly 3 hours. Wind was wrong and it may have been moving backwards on the map but there is everything in L’Rochelle. Zoom in on the google map (link from the route) for a good look at the marina and city. Oh – another bonus pay for 2 and the 3rd night is free.

Sun 12th
Checked the 5 day forecast and see that there is a major weather front arriving in South Biscay in a couple of days. The next step had been to head for Santander but we would like a definite clear couple of days because it is about 36 – 40 hours passage. Well the forecast is for 35 knot winds off Finesterre and the seas building up to 18 feet – so we are staying here for at least a week til the seas and wind settles out.

Sun 12th
Rechecked the weather and updated the pins on Google map for the route, 1st mate did some laundry; ate dozens of crepes (in the interests of research – trying to find the best). Walked up as far as the city towers & decided that Monday would be a day in the town. Found out the hard way that the HOT showers are not included in the price…..

Mon 13th
Day in town, prepared the photos and diary notes. Rechecked the weather and will definitely stay until about 20th. Will let you know when we are moving and what we are up to.