Category: Blog

21st June 2018

To learn the tides and currents in this area, our first trip out of Port Chantereyne Harbour  was accompanied with 40 years of local knowledge, French sailor Olivier Mennier and his Canadian/French partner Dana Zaruba.  What a fantastic few days with good company and to learn so much.  Our destination was the closest of the Channel Islands …. Alderney.  25nm from Cherbourg but only 15 kms off the coast of France it is self governing British Crown dependent, not part of the European Union neither does it have anything to do with France.  With a population of 1,980 on 8 km2 of land, they even have their own currency but cash it in before you leave because no other country wants it.  During WW11 after the Germans invaded France then Alderney, Hitler was delighted to have taken small piece of Britain.  He turned the small island into labour camps with his worst SS Generals overseeing them.  This fascinating little island with its cobblestone footpaths, charming old buildings and homes has so much history and such wonderful friendly people who have plenty of mysteries and tales to tell.

Looking like rocks are actual German bunkers still spotted around the landscape.

A rocky outcrop to the west of Alderney is the breeding sanctuary for the cute little Puffin.   Even with it’s webbed feet and chubbiness, it can fly and dive  underwater for food.  They have no need for human company and do not visit the main land preferring to keep to themselves.

The only Puffin seen on the island….

They are so cute I am putting a photo of a puffin from Mr Google for you to see.

We enjoyed good old British fish and chips for lunch, all gluten free with a local beer.

German SS accommodation where ‘ladies of the night’ would kept them entertained.  A rail line barely noticeable in the sand allowed quick mobility of artillery from the small side door.

Happy little piggies in a free range pig farm.

The woman who owns this property, at her own expense,  looks after any neglected horse from anywhere in the UK.  They live the rest of their lives out here, fed, loved and faith restored in humans.

Sailing back to Chergbourg…..

 

 

Thursday 7th June 2018

Today we Christened French Kiss with her Godparents, Sophie Dubost and Francois Treqouet and a good bottle of French wine.

The ceremony was performed on Pontoon H, Port Chantereyne Marina, Cherbourg, France.

‘To the mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we, who venture upon your vast domain, are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to take into your care and protection, this worthy vessel, hereafter and for all times known as ‘French Kiss’, guarding her with your mighty arm and trident, ensuring her safe passage throughout her journeys within your realm.

To the mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our vessel transverses the wild and faceless deep, we ask you to grant this worthy vessel the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gently care according to our needs and grant us permission to use your mighty

See it in action:   youtu.be/TaasWRRFX70

 

Living on a yacht is like caravaning I guess but it’s just on water.  The Garcia is 45′ long and 4.5m wide.  It has a galley (kitchen), dining table with bench chairs (saloon), navigation desk with screens like the dash of your car, two bedrooms (cabins) and two showers and toilets (heads).  Philip has a tool room (man cave) and I have a washing machine which is ‘her cave’!   We have central heating which is fueled by diesel.  The galley is equipped with gas stove and oven, double sink, two drawer refrigerator, single drawer deep freeze and microwave.   On a pontoon we use shore power with an electrical cable running to a electrical box on the pontoon between each yacht.  While sailing, we use diesel, solar power and wind generator.   The fuel tanks hold 745 litres of diesel which means we could motor for 6 days none stop if we needed to.  Sailing is free so it is worth waiting for good winds and good weather to make the journey pleasant.  Outside in the cockpit we have two helms.  We prefer this style as it gives clear access to the transom on the stern where we can lower our small boat, get on easily and go ashore if we are anchored in a bay.  We have full bimini and dodger covers across the open cockpit for sun and wind protection.  An adjustable open table and bench seats in the cockpit is another dining area to enjoy the scenery, peace and tranquility at any time of day.

The French like garden snails, frog legs and sea snails called whelks and cockles.  These shells wash up on our local beach on Curtis Island but we have never thought of eating them.  Their flat peaches are also deliciously sweeter.

In Cherbourg, the sun sets at 2230 and it’s not dark till 2300.  Having a few wines from 1900 to 2200 with friends and neighbours seems to be in order so eating at 2330 is now becoming the normal routine.

Our first neighbours Yury and Yulia where from Moscow, Russia.  Their two children, Mozbena and Konstanstantin where an absolute delight.  Aged about 8 and 13 they were enjoying the adventure of sailing towards the Mediterranean for their 3 month summer holiday.  On board they had their Ukrainian agent, Sasha who assisted them on the first part of their journey.  Fantastic stories were told.  How interesting to learn about life in Russia.  Many laughs between interpretations and helping each other while practicing entering and exiting our pontoon.  It was really sad to see them go although given us a contact whenever we visit Russia.  We wish them fair winds and safe travels!

Yulia (wife),  Sasha (Agent), Yury (husband) and Philip

Nasdarovje!!!!!!

A gift we will always treasure … A Russian Doll with 7 dolls inside!

 

6th April, 2018

After a 3 hour delay from Paris, we arrived at Cherbourg Station to be greeted by Francois.              We were driven straight to the wharf where French Kiss sat patiently waiting our arrival….

The keys were handed over and after 3 years, she was officially ours.

 

 

 

 

We have been most impressed with the safety in Zimbabwe.   The people are friendly, their villages and roads are clean, their animals are wild and their environment is still natural and protected .   Elephants still cross the main highway to the small city of Victoria Falls.  We experienced it.  WOW!  Can you believe it!  

The ‘Mighty’ Zambezi and Victoria Falls has to be seen and felt to understand it’s meaning.  Nothing less than spectacular!  Add canoeing and put it on your bucket list!

‘He who drinks from the Zambezi will return to drink again!’

See our helicopter ride:

https://youtu.be/VR3Ijp3QvFA

We stayed in the upper Zambezi above the falls and lower Zambezi.  Absolutely worth every minute and every cent.

 

 

 

 

 

The Zambezi was in full flood.  Estimated 11.6 million litres per second reaching the Victoria Falls which was 46kms from our tented camp.

We seriously avoided hippos and crocodiles staying in the center of the river where the flow would have been too strong for them to venture.

Our tented camp:  Gorges Lodge and Zambezi Sands Lodge

‘May all who sail on her stay safe and always be protected.  May fair winds and good seas bring her  home.’

         Not all who wander are lost!

 

Splash Down!!!!

7th February 2018

All our personal gear is packed and ready to be sea freighted this afternoon to Cherbourg, France.