Still More Sunshine in St. Vaast

Thursday 29th August  2013

                                      Waiting to set off on the amphibious bus to Tatihou island.

Another great day.

I turned Blazer round this morning so that with her stern facing the main pontoon I had access to the last of the woodwork that needs scraping.

It was a fairly easy job with no wind - all done gently with ropes spinning her round.

Unfortunately - I didn't think about what I was doing because the bit I wanted access to was still out of reach when I had her all tied up neatly.

So - untie again and move once more - DONE - Jackie said - I could have told you it was wrong !!

Out on the bikes this morning - shopping - fresh baguette and pate' for lunch.

Back at the marina - jobs - scraping and cleaning in hot sunshine - then lunch and showered ready to visit the little island of Tatihou just off shore.

Just 10 minutes to get there on the amphibious bus and an hour or so walking around in the sunshine - great.

The island's history goes back hundreds of years - used mainly as a fort to protect the bay with cannons.

Back on Blazer - It was G & T time for Jackie and two or three glasses of red wine for me

Jackie cooked a roast dinner of belly pork - veg - new potatoes and Yorkshire pudding!!

A boat had arrived in the afternoon - a Westerly Discus ( bridge deck version at 33 feet long)

The owner - a French character - Peter was keen for me to see his boat which is the same age as Blazer but 4 feet longer - he has made a great job of the upkeep.

I offered to show him Blazer and on the way there - I FELL IN !!!

Not all the way in - I tripped over a cleat and neatly descended into the water turning as I fell to grab the side of the boat next to Blazer - I only went in up to my waist but it made quite a splash !!

Peter helped me out and two or three others came to help - it was more funny than anything.

My main worry was that the boat next to me had only just been launched from new recently and was all gleaming varnished wood - a hand made wooden boat - probably cost half a million pounds - I was clinging onto the side of it - did I scratch it ? - not so far as I could see - WOW !!

Luckily the owner was not on board at the time or he would have had kittens !!

I dried out over a game of Scrabble in the cockpit ( I lost again ).

Having the cockpit next to the main pontoon is good - people stop and chat more - sociable.

A new looking  British boat arrived at tea time and the couple on were very chatty - recommending restaurants for us to visit in Cherbourg - We are not quite in their spending league I don't think.

Quite a day.

Mike and Jackie Smethurst.

Hot and sunny in St. Vaast

Wednesday 28th August 2013

                                                                     Taitou island.

We love St. Vaast.

Hot and sunny morning so - off on the bikes - exploring the oyster farm area - the oysters are farmed in heavy duty plastic mesh bags about 30 inches by 18 inches laid flat on a steel bar framework about 8 inches from the sand - thousands of them.

As the tide goes out - uncovering the oyster beds - the tractors and trailers emerge and trundle down the sand tracks between the neatly laid out oyster beds.

They take sacks back to the processing sheds to sort out which are ready and return the ones that need to grow some more.

We went food shopping and then back to Blazer for lunch - local pate on French bread.

Jackie oiled the woodwork that I scraped clean yesterday.

Then Jackie went off to the beach on the bike -  while I got on with jobs on board.

I refitted the top mainsail batten.

Drilled a big hole and fitted a fishing rod holder in the cockpit.

Scraped all the varnish off the companionway surround  and oiled it.

After cleaning up - we went for a walk into town and had a drink in a harbour side bar.
Pinacolada for Jackie and a Pelforth beer for me.

Tea on board - Calamari with macaroni cheese with jam sponge cake for afters - Great!

After tea - we went for another bike ride - this time - along the main breakwater that goes right out into the bay.

A lovely day - we decided to stay on a bit longer here and have paid for another two nights.

Mike and Jackie Smethurst.

A lovely day in St. Vaast

Tuesday 27th August 2013

                                                      The bikes are out again.

Tuesday morning was hot and sunny and our mission was to see more of this area.

St. Vaast La Hougue is a peninsular forming two bays - one very shallow even at high tide and one more open to the sea and deeper.

There are two distinctive forts  - one on the end of the peninsular and one on the island of Taitou.

We cycled to the first one and found it to have a moat round it !!

It is used by the military - no access.

We cycled  out of town towards the mainland to try and find access to the oyster beds which stretch over a massive area but we didn't find the access - never mind - the exercise was good.

With sore bums we headed for the marina restaurant for a splash out lunch !

 
                                                                   Pate and salad
                                     

                                                        Six oysters with lemon juice.

                                                                      Paradise.

The meal was superb !

Starters of  a rough pate and salad for Jackie and six oysters No.2 (medium small ones) for me - all with brown bread and house white wine from a jug - which tasted like Muscadet - perfect.

Main course was a Pappilote of salmon with Julien vegetables for Jackie - ( all cooked in a cellophane bag to seal in the flavours) - and a very fresh crab for me - they had all the right tools and it was presented just right on a crab shaped plate and not dressed too much - perfect!!

For desert we shared a cold bread and butter pudding with cold custard - lovely.

The sort of meal I dream about while covered in sawdust at work.

The afternoon saw Jackie off to the beach on the bike for a swim and I got on with some jobs -

Unbolt the saloon table - raise the floor boards and mop up 3/4 of a bucket of water left over from a leak - now sealed up.

Then on with scraping the rubbing strake and toe rails ready for oiling once they are dry - now almost finished - we might turn Blazer round tomorrow to let me reach the last bits.
This job is messy but easier here with pontoon access and I have found it to be quicker scraping the teak wet through - yes me and the wood!!

Jackie watched a very poor dubbed film in the evening.

A lovely day in hot sunshine.

We plan to stay tomorrow - Wednesday - plan the trip to Cherbourg - very strong tides around the top of the peninsular and it the weather is good - set off Thursday.

Mike and Jackie Smethurst.

Onward to St. Vaast

Monday 26th August 2013

                                                  Blazer in St Vaast.

Quite a day !!!

St. Vaast is a huge marina with a gate that holds in the water when the area outside dries out as the tide goes out.

The gate is open about 5 hours - 2 before and 3 after high tide.
If you are late arriving - you don't get in!

Can't be late.

From Deauville to St. Vaast is 54 nautical miles - 11 hours for Blazer - too much for Jackie.

03.00 - up and get ready - Jackie transffered to the sea berth in the saloon - you are held - snug - by a lee cloth that stops you falling out of bed.

Off at 03.40 - weather no wind but a bit of swell - no rain - full moon.

The lock at Deauville was on free flow and it was not easy negotiating the channel to the safe water mark with no lit buoys!!!

The course was to pass a wreck bouy - 2 miles off - then turn west directly to St. Vaast 54 miles away across the bay of the Sienne.

4 fishing boats and a big ferry to keep me busy - keeping out of their way - lots of hot coffee - no wind - engine on - tide helping us to get 7 knots over the ground.

Daylight about 07.00 and Jackie emerged shortly after - saying cosy but noisy - still restful.

I cooked breakfast - using the bum strap to wedge myself into the galley - 2 fried eggs and beans on French bread - served on tin dishes - they don't break when you drop them  - (Vic).

Overcast but dry - we were warm enough - wrapped up in our waterproofs.

The wind picked up so full sail on - plus engine - flying.

Jackie suggested we try fishing -

Engine off - still doing 4 knots - Jackie caught FISH AFTER FISH !!!

                                              One bucket - not two.

Lovely Mackerel for tea.

Very exciting - it made the trip- the hand line was working brilliantly with a Mackerel feather on it.

Fishing done - engine on again and full speed.

We fished once more and caught a total of 16 fish between us - Jackie caught nearly all of them.

We arrived at the safe water buoy off St. Vaast - spot on - thanks to the plotter and were tied up by 14.00

10.5 hours - not bad - plus we slowed down to fish - twice.

After a good sort out - we saved the four biggest fish - then gave the rest away to three neighbouring boats.

They were lovely for tea cooked in the oven with garlic - thyme and lemon juice.

Jackie baked a jam sponge and we had our wonderful tea in hot sunshine in the cockpit along with - a G & T for Jackie and red wine for Mike.

A walk into town across the marina gate - we saw a boat selling fresh caught crabs - cheap !!

This is a big oyster production town and one of the reasons we came here.

There is a little island just off shore called Taitou and they take trips there in an amphibious vehicle built for the job - clever - all hydraulic.

                                                     We might have a go on that.

We have booked in here fo two nights for now and the weather looks good for the rest of the week.

Mike and Jackie Smethurst.

Deauville

Saturday & Sunday 24th / 25th August.

Saturday

A late start and a walk into Deauville - WOW !!!

It's like Paris !!!

Very posh - lots of designer label shops - the first of many was Louis Vuton.

All neat and tidy streets - almost manicured - too much really.

A market where prices were scary - high.

One stall selling bespoke violins!

All way past our budget - not even a local supermarket - too posh for that.

We walked over the bridge across the river that divides Doauville from Trouville and back to reality.

Much more down to earth - a supermarket - and a row of eight or ten seafood stalls that were the best we have seen anywhere in the world.

Each stall had massive displays from which you could choose and lots of people eating their choice at high tables with wine and French bread.

We bought good size prawns for our seafood curry for tea.

I bought 6 oysters for Sunday lunch.

We walked down to the Trouville beach and had lunch in a busy restaurant - Jackie had menu of the day - I had mussels and chips.

We fell foul of the language - Jackie's linge of beef turned out to be tongue done in a gravy with gerkins!!

Jackie didn't like it at all and finished off most of my mussels while I ate the tongue - not good.

Shame really - we were both looking forward to a nice meal out.

The wind was due to be force 5 to 7 on Saturday going down on Sunday but raining all day so we decided to stay put until Monday before moving on to Saint Vaast .

The boat was jerked around quite heavily at midnight and I was out sorting better mooring ropes and extra fenders - sorted.

Sunday

A lazy day - A good clean up all round - passage planning while Jackie watched a film.

Raining - drizzle - cold - I lit the fire - snug as a bug!


Mike and Jackie Smethurst

Two More Days In Fecamp.

Wednesday and Thursday 21st / 22nd August 2013

                                            Benedictine Monastery

Wednesday and Thursday we were in Fecamp and really enjoyed it.
We got the bikes out and cycled into town - shopping and coffee at a pavement cafe.
Then down to the harbour and found a great shop selling boating and fishing stuff - bought a wonderful pull scraper to speed up the woodwork renovation as we go along.

We had dinner on Wednesday at a Chinese restaurant by the harbour which tasted good but was re-heated food by microwave !!!  - at least it was cheap.

After dinner we walked around the back streets and found the Benedictine monastery the home of the Benedictine liquour.

Thursday - More cycling - we went further round the harbour - found the fish market - lots of crabs and lobsters in big glass tanks - and people buying them - wonderful.

Jackie had a good long spell on the beach while I did paperwork and more woodwork scraping and oiling.

Friday 23rd August 2013.

Fecamp to Deauville.

Up at 04.00 and off at 05.00 in the dark !!

We had to get into the marina through a tide Gate because the channel dries out completely.

I read up that the free flow period was 10.00  to 14.00 on Friday and we aimed early just in case.

Checked the weather - not too windy 10 to 15 mph E / ESW  - perfect.

It is spring tides now which run really fast - not surprising as the tides are about 8 metres !!

As we left the harbour entrance the tide was helping us along by an extra 3 knots - a first!

Jackie was up with me to leave port but then tried to sleep for a couple of hours on the sea berth with the lee cloth up.
she needed it  - it was lumpy weather - so much for the light wind.

It was bright daylight as we got to the very busy channel for shipping going in and out of LeHarvre.

I counted six big ships all in our\way as we approached - thank goodness for AIS.

We backed off a bit to let most of them pass and then nipped across as fast as we could.

I chose to cross the lane well out (eight miles) to have the best chance of the ships being spread out - they are pretty much nose to tail as they approach LeHavre.

It was VERY LUMPY with wind speeds of 27 Knots !! were did that come from?

We turned onto a direct course for Deauville - head to wind and pressed on.

The tide was with us all the way and we made the 36 miles by 11.00 perfect!!

Not a lot of sailing - mostly motor but still a great trip.

I didn't see the traffic light on the lock keepers office and passed a big boat going the other way in the lock!!

WHOOPS !!!

We were both absolutely worn out but it was so hot and the beach was just over the sea wall that we just had to have an hour on the beach.

It is massive !!  it is about a quarter of a mile wide and two miles long.

It has hundreds of beach chalets for hire at the top - a board walk full length of the beach - posh restaurants and bedouin style umbrellas with curtains around them for hire.

Mike And Jackie Smethurst.

Still in Fecamp.

                                         Fecamp marina.

Tuesday - 20th August 2013

We have booked into here for 3 nights and today is cloudless and hot !!

Jackie was on a mission today - watchout !!

Two lots of laundry was put through the marina laundrette before anyone else bagged it!! 

We went shopping to the local Carefore and re stocked on lots of goodies.

Jackie had a couple of hours on the pebble beach while I did a few chores on Blazer and started to tidy up and oil the toe rail - the first one looks good!

                                           View from Blazer

                                            The harbour entrance.

                                           Very posh houses overlooking the marina.

I cooked pork chops with a shrimp salad starter for tea and we walked out in the evening on the promenade watching the sun go down into a glass flat sea - wonderful.

Mike & Jackie Smethurst.

Dieppe To Fecamp

Monday 19th of August.

We left Dieppe at 08.20 on Monday - sunny but with a forecast of wind @ force 4 to 5 reducing to 3 in the afternoon.

The SW going current was due to start at 11.30 so that's when we left - a bit overcast and blowing.

We had the wind directly on the nose as we made our way out to about 2 miles off the coast then we turned to port a bit and sailed - full sail sheeted in with the engine on as well - we flew!!

It was quite lumpy with wind against tide kicking up short sharp waves but Blazer loved it.

The wind picked up to 20 / 25 knots - bottom end of a force 6 !!

We made fast progress and when I thought we could manage - we turned the engine off and Jackie trailed a fishing line with a mackerel feather - and caught a mackerel!!!

Off we went again in bright sunshine - trying to fish twice more with the line and the rod but nothing.

We were into Fecamp at about 17.15 - both very tired again!!!

We cooked masses of mussels in tomato,onions and garlic - with fresh French bread  and wine plus a little fresh mackerel fried in olive oil.

Quite a day.

Mike and Jackie Smethurst.

Onward to Dieppe

LFriday 16th and Saturday 17th August 2013.

 I have had a struggle to get connected  - just managed it through a dongle on the boat computer .

Friday - we set off about 08.20 for Dieppe - 54 miles - a long one.

We had the option of stopping at Le Tuquet but it dries out with the tide and was high and dry when we got there and we both felt good about pressing on - it was only 12.00 ish.

Stopped and tried fishing with the mackerel tackle - nothing.

A fine and sunny morning with the wind on our nose - so motoring hard with a bit of help from the sails.

The wind went round to South West and we flew - the tide helped and we were doing 7 knots for ages - WOW !!

Then we got tired  - the tide went against us - the wind came round onto the nose - we plodded and plodded under engine for hours - it was lumpy - just to make it worse with a bit of drizzle thrown in.

We arrived at Dieppe at nearly 20.00 - Jackie not a happy bunny !!

Dieppe is an expensive marina at 28 Euros per night -( Bolougne 18 Euros).

Saturday dawned bright and sunny - we sorted ourselves out and went shopping!!

The massive local market was in full swing - we really enjoyed it - but Jackie was stunned at the high prices compared to Spanish markets.

A coffee watching the crowds was good.

I bought oysters for lunch and whelks for tea with small Sole fish and fresh green beans - wonderful.

We had a great lunch in hot sunshine in the cockpit and chatted with our neighbours from France.

                                                    Peter and Mariejosie

We invited them to visit Blazer at 6 pm then went off to the beach  - thousands of people on the beach which stretched for miles and lots in the sea too.

All pebbles but we laid out and snoozed for an hour in hot sunshine - lovely.

There was a grass area set up as a world war one American Army camp with a collection of vehicles which looked like they were new!!

All the people were in period dress - even the local girls!!

It was all part of an annual tribute to the Canadian liberation forces that landed on the Dieppe beach on 19th of August 1942 - 550 soldiers died that day !!!

There was a great funfair set up on the grass area of the promenade with what looked like show jumping and other entertainments - Dieppe tries hard in August..

Drinks with our neighbours was great and they know this coast well and gave us help to sort out shorter legs for our journey to Guernsey.

They gave us booklets for Alderney and Guernsey with tips for handling the fierce tides round there.

We had tea - Jackie loved the Sole - and then walked out around town looking at all the nice restaurants full of holiday makers.

A good day !!

The plan is to stay here Sunday  ( high wind) then set off for Fecamp - 6 / 7 hours - on monday.

The wind should be good then and it will speed us up a bit.

Sunday 18th August

We spent the day walking around town - stripping woodwork on Blazer and oiling it  - Jackie was sewing  and sunbathing.

In the evening we visited  our neighbours boat for evening drinks - lovely - all in hot sunshine.

Mike and Jackie Smethurst.

Bolougne

Wednesday 14th August 2013

                                           Ramsgate marina

Wednesday morning was hot and sunny with little or no wind - we planned to explore the town and do a little shopping but when we checked the weather forecast for Thursday it gave force 5 with occasional 6 !!!

We decided to leave straight away and forfeit the next nights charges ( not easy to get refunds).

We motored out in company with a fleet of racing yachts all serious machines - they headed south as we headed for the Gull channel inside the notorious Goodwin sands sandbank.

                           Crew -  off watch.

The sea was smooth all the way to Deal and was comfy until we reached the shipping lanes where it became a bit lumpy but not too bad.

We had to run parallel to the traffic until two very big ships passed - then we had a good run across - aiming a bit West of the compulsory right angle crossing to keep the wind in the sails and make a course past Cap Gris Nez - the headland which is the nearest point to England.

                  Half way across - looking back at England

                       The French coast.

We made a good course around the headland and passed a motor boat escorting a channel swimmer!

We eased the sheets and flew along south although the tide was now against us for the run down to Bolougne - Jackie decided to trail a fishing line - but we were doing 5.5 knots with no engine !

She caught a fish !!

But the poor little thing was being dragged through the water so fast that it was pulled off the hook and gone !

We arrived in Bolougne at about 6 pm and crashed out after tea - cream crackered.

Thursday 15th August 2013

A bit overcast this morning - so a leisurely start and a nice continental breakfast.

Shopping in the Carefore supermarket and then the famous Bolougne fish market - heaven !!

We cooked our live seafood in the massive pot that we keep on board for the job - then went for a walk up to the old walled part of town but found all the shops were closed - strange.

It was a local holiday for a fete !

We waited and waited for the precession to start then gave up and went back to the marina for tea.

Then we heard all the marching bands parading around the town for the massive crowds that turned out.

                      Fresh cooked lobster & crabs with whelks as a starter.

Just what we love - eating !!

A seafood extravaganza with G&T and wine - fresh French bread and a fruit merange desert.

After tea we walked to the beach and sat with a beer in the last of the sunshine - glorious.

As we walked back through the park we came across a music festival with quite good music - lovely.

Quite a day!!

Mike and Jackie Smethurst,

Ramsgate

Tuesday - 13th August 2013

                        Gunfleet wind farm in the distance.

After a pieceful night at anchor in the Roach - up at 06.00 - off at 08.20.

Wind from the west and at the most 15 knots - perfect.

A cool breeze needed Jackies new waterproofs as we negotiated the Whitaker channel avoiding the Cross Rail muck ship on the way.

All sail and a bit of engine saw 7 knots over the ground - flying.

I left the mainsail tucked up in it's bag all winter and this was the first airing.

As we hoisted it - a full birds nest and piles of dry leaves came out but no birds - luckily.

No damage done.

We crossed the Sunk Sand sandbank with 2 metres under the keel  - spot on.

As we approached the London array wind farm we had to cross the shipping lane and it was busy.

I couldn't work out which way a tanker was turning until it turned directly towards us!!!

Five blasts from his hooter meant - I am unsure of your intentions - but really meant - get out of my way!!!

We turned into the wind and hove to until he had passed - there is a first time for everything - Whoops.

The sails were keeping the sun off the cockpit so Jackie caught some sun on the foredeck as we sped South towards the Thames proper.

Jackie kept a proper log every hour  - as you should - but a first for me.

The sun went in and clouds formed as we passed North foreland  - we took a more inshore track to save time.

Past Broadstairs and then Ramsgate was in sight.

We were in the marina by - about 5.30 - poor instructions from the marina office over the radio saw us looking for our allotted berth up a dead end.

Luckily no wind and a reasonable space saw a perfect about turn and a kind chap helped us find our way to berth C12.

It turns out that it's Ramsgate week with the marina jammed with visiting yachts - some very special racing machines that must fly like muck off a shovel ( a racing term)

We were lucky to find a berth  - but at £26 per night - OUCH!!

A rolly night with creeky ropes - but we were tired out and crashed out.

We have booked 2 nights here to show Jackie the delights of Ramsgate ( there might be some)

Then next stop France !!!

Mike &Jackie Smethurst.

We are off!!!

Monday 12th August.

Yes we are on the move - the travel hoist - driven by Toby Lester - picked up Blazer at 15.30 and off we trundled to the launch ramp.

Barely walking pace we slowly navigated past the other yachts - a job they do every day,

but nerve wracking for us!

Held in the slings - she is reversed into the water with great precision.

The dory boat was waiting to strap to the side of Blazer and take her to the pontoon.

I asked if I could check out the stern gland for leaks once she was afloat - no problem.

Off we went to the pontoon - afloat again after 6 months ashore!!

Once we were on the pontoon we checked out the engine, which started straight away, and then we ran the prop which I knew was a bit tight in the new cutless bearing but no problem - sweet as a nut.

With about 5 hours of daylight left - we decided to head off straight away and anchor in the river Roach overnight to give us a head start in the morning if the weather looked OK then.

A lovely run down with Jackie on the tiller saw us anchored at about 6 pm.

The anchor set first time in 6 meters of water at the anchorage in company with two other boats away in the distance.

After a hearty tea of the left over stew - livened up with a dash of curry powder - we fitted the foresail in a brief window were the wind dropped to nothing.

OK - now the plan came together - we would have enough water to get over the Sunk Sand sandbank after mid day so an 8 o'clock start will be good with light westerly winds should see us sailing most of the way to Ramsgate. - ALL SET.

Job lists and more lists

All the jobs on the under water parts are now done and looking good.

The job lists are still expanding a bit but with two of us knocking them off - we are winning.

Down below is looking very tidy now - ship shape.

Jackie has finished the painting of the wash basin and wardrobe area.

Much better- just a bit of silicone needed around the basin now.

A hearty beef stew and dumplings for tea today and probably tomorrow - lovely - with fresh bread.

Followed by my favourite - bread and butter pudding with custard - WOW!!

You might think that I am a slave driver - making Jackie work hard all the time - we do have some relaxation and the odd G & T.

Launching Monday at about 4 pm - to be sure the launching ramp has enough water to float Blazer- then we can fit the fore sail and check her out - sailing.

Jobs for Monday - 

Top up the starboard battery bank.

Fill the reserve fuel cans.

Double check that the stern gland is nipped up just right.

Swap the calor gas bottle - so we have a spare - we do have camping gaz as a back up but it's expensive - but all you can get in France.

Stow Jackie's folding bike in the pilot berth- (thanks Zoie).

Re oil and fit the tiller - a little last minute job!

Plan the route to Ramsgate - checking the weather and tides - we have a sand bank to cross as we turn South at the mouth of the river Crouch - we might have to make a very early start to cross that and arrive at Ramsgate in daylight - always a good idea.

The trip will take about 10 hours if we start from the river Roach anchorage - 2 hours down river from here.

Spending time at anchor is good to get your sea legs.

We can't wait to get going.

Mike & Jackie Smethurst.

Blazer Trail 2013

Sunday 11th August 2013

We travelled down on Thursday and found Blazer to be in good shape after 5 months of neglect.
A bit scruffy - bird poo and little spiders all over but dry and sound - sat on her blocks in the storage compound.

The tasks that we needed to do before launching have now been done -

Anti foul the hull
Fit the new cutless bearing.
Fit the shaft and prop.

The radar was also not working and I hoped to take a look inside the radome from a ladder!!
This was a great success - the ladder was well short but with Jackie on the winch and me in my very old sit harness - I managed to get the radome top off and found the array to be stiff to rotate.
A bit of 3 in one oil and - sorted!!

To get a better look and refit the cover Nigel winched me up a bit to sit on the spreaders - comfy!!

I am so pleased - that would have been so expensive if I got the professionals involved.

Launching booked for Monday about 3 pm - (tides)

Jackie is painting the washroom area to brighten it up - 2nd coat today.

We also want to clean the deck and sort the green algae on the spray hood today.

Nigel is coming to dinner tonight - beef stew - lovely.

2 pages of little jobs and we will be ready for off.

We aim to go down the river to the river Roach on Tuesday ready for a very early start Wednesday for the trip to Ramsgate.

Mike and Jackie Smethurst.