To be off Utah beach on the 6th of June is something of a privilege, though the fog meant that we didn’t see anything till we arrived in the buoyed channel into Carentan, and then it was only egrets and the occasional cow!
Leaving Saint Vaast as soon as the lock opens and hurrying down the coast under motor meant that we arrived in the river at high tide, and it was possible to see the ebb beginning as we approached the lock into Carentan, so there isn’t much time to get there without having to plug tide. We had come round Cap Barfleur the evening before, catching sight of the Gatteville lighthouse against the sun through the mist, but to get to Carentan in one hop means having to wait out the ebb at anchor, so we took the chance to have some excellent moules in Saint Vaast and enjoy the company of the crew of the Sigma 33 ‘Carabot’ who had accompanied us from Cherbourg. A good way to round off a delivery trip from Poole with my Canadian friends Billy and Christina, ending a period of Channel-hopping in a variety of boats!
A short train journey back to Cherbourg reminded me that a day trip to Carentan might be something for people to consider as an activity during our annual rally weekend here in two weeks time. I’m also trying to organise a visit to the Abbaie du Voeu, the oldest building in Cherbourg with a fascinating history, and it’s just up the road from the marina; those who have done the weekend before know that there is the wine-tasting at Normandie Wine, and the chance to visit the market on Saturday morning, or on Sunday if you fancy the walk up to Octeville, with great views over the town and rade.
For eager beavers who get here in time, there is the chance to join Axel Gadbin on his new J to discuss racing sails on Saturday, but I will need to know in advance as Axel is giving up his precious weekend time to do this. Then on Saturday evening the Yacht Club de Cherbourg invite everyone to an ‘aperitif dinatoire’ at the club at 1900 local time, and there is also a party at the Cercle Nautique Cherbourgeois to celebrate their 40th birthday, at which I will be presenting them with a Weymouth burgee. On Sunday there is the chance to join YCC for the annual outing to St Martin’s bay for the barbecue of the year – again I will need to know who wants to do this.
Another great chance to enjoy Cherbourg; if you’ve not been before then make sure you come this year, while those who have been on previous rallies will need no encouragement. See you all here very soon!
Steve Fraser
Submitted on 8th June 2016