Conditions for my second trip to Cherbourg this year were an improvement on the first, with a not quite so chilly NE 4-5 to blow me there, and a 100% coefficient spring tide meant I could get a long way east before the ebb, in case the wind veered into the east as per the forecast.
As it happened, the direction remained constant, so that I could get a kite up for the broad reach across the ebb and into the Passe de l'Est, though when the wind dropped I had to motor for a bit to make sure of the tide gate – or I'd end up in St-Vaast! The tide turns earlier off the breakwater than further offshore, and there is barely 15 minutes of stand on springs, so it's important not to be late if you're at that end.
The crew of 'Arcsine' were propping up the YCC bar as part of the JOG contingent – good to see other WSC members making themselves at home in our club across the water. Being in Cherbourg for the week meant I could be involved in the sailing programme, and I was an ARO for the Tuesday night race (31 boats racing), and on board 'Ranven' for the CNC race on Thursday evening (12 boats), where we came a useful second, beating a brand new JPK10.10 in the process. The racing in Cherbourg is very competitive, and general recalls are standard – and of course it's all in French, which is a challenge, but the Grande Rade is a lovely place to spend the evening sailing with friends. Boats of all sizes, crews of all levels of experience, but with the same keenness to be on the water and competing.
As well as working in the library of the Service Historique de la Marine, I was able to get on the water as usual with Wilfried in 'Adele' to take pictures of the breakwater for my research – the very low tide meant being able to see the original rubble base along the inner side, with the granite masonry bedded on it. Wilfried pointed out the dredging works which are being done to create landfill to extend the reclaimed area of the port de commerce, which will be given over to wind turbine manufacture. The platform can be moved quite easily, and by Friday was at the other dredging area at the western entrance, so you need to watch out if you're there.
A rather uncertain forecast meant I came back a bit early on Friday, motor-sailing most of the way, but managing to set the symmetrical kite for a bit in the Channel – the nice weather meant I had managed to wash and dry both kites in the sunshine during the week, so I was careful not to get it in the water when dropping it. Yesterday's race in 20+ knots suggested that it would have been a very lively day to cross the Channel, so I was happy finally to have come back when I did, which meant I had the chance to race both in Cherbourg and Weymouth in the same week.
Now the fridge smells of cheese, and there is home-made jam for breakfast again, and the wine cellar is refilled – no need to go to France for a week or two...
Steve Fraser
Submitted on 13th April 2015