Stop off at d’aix en route to Rochefort

Andy Riches

Prepared to leave Vieux port (bassin des yachts) for gate opening at 10:45. Getting edgy by 10:55 when suddenly some action. Gates open and we reversed out and off we went. Down the narrow channel past Les Minimes huge marina. NE ly gusting 16-17 knots. But mostly around 10-14 knots. Jib up and broad reach to D’Aix. Quite busy for lunch and all the bouys taken. Anchored in 5.5 as only 2 m of tide, put out 20 meters but dragged. Reset with 27 and as soon as we were settled we saw movement on a yacht preparing to leave a bouy. So got ready to weigh anchor and as soon as he slipped we swung around to take a path in for pickup. Nikki took the wheel and I picked up. Very smooth! Beautiful sunny afternoon. Nikki in Bikini. All good. Wind forecast to pick up from 0300 but NE off the island so hopefully won’t be too bad.