Yacht Pipit

      

Crouesty (again), 3rd October 2010

Rain and wind in varying but relentless combinations is holding us up in Crouesty Marina. We'd like to have one more lovely autumnal sail from here to our winter berth, a trip of about 30 nautical miles. At the very least, we need the wind to abate enough so that the shallow entrance to the Vilaine River isn't dangerous and the seas breaking, even if it is still raining when that happens! Neither the barometer, nor the forecast are giving any indication of a significant improvement any time soon...

Prior to the turn in the weather, whilst here in Crouesty to catch up on work and chores, we stumbled upon a very small classic car rally. It seemed to be in support of a charity, and included some old fire engines, a couple of beautiful Jaguars, a very odd but cute little three-wheeler, a few Peugeots and the obligatory Citroens.

'Traction Avant', French for 'forward traction', the world's first front wheel drive monocoque production car. I make no apology for knowing that...


Maserati allowed - Citroen bought them in 1968 - I knew that too...


Iconic DS.


And another one.


French registered contemporary British competition.


And a stunning XK120.


Not sure what this is, but I made something not dissimilar once....



We also walked to Port Navalo and along the coast path into the Morbihan. It was interesting to see the tidal races from another aspect and amusing to see yachts 'sailing' or motor-sailing at high speeds at very jaunty angles - the angle to their ground track, that is, not their angle of heel!



We were fortunate that on Thursday, the day before this weather really set in, the forecasted dry morning continued into the afternoon, allowing us to apply a coat of protective wax to Pipit's topsides. We wanted to do everything possible to avoid the yellowing which seems to occur at LRB. The alongside berths in the visitors' basin were all but empty, which meant we could easily turn the boat around as we finished washing each side, then repeating the process after applying the polish. We did all this from the dinghy, with Ann manoeuvring and keeping it in position as Andy cleaned and polished. After over eight hours work, stopping just long enough for a quick lunch of the leftover pumpkin soup Ann had made the day before, we were both tired and aching, but extremely satisfied with our day's achievement, so treated ourselves to a meal at Le Yacht.

We've found a way to watch programmes on the BBC via the internet, either live or on iPlayer. We're not really turning into couch potatoes (or boat potatoes?), but do enjoy some programmes and it helps the wet and windy days or evenings pass more pleasurably. So until next time...