Saint Martin to La Rochelle anchorage

Andy Riches

After some juggling about in the rafts we set off around 10 with a bit of help from the harbour launch pulling our bow off and through the wind. As we went through the gate and break waters the sea outside looked pretty rough. It felt a good 20 knots NE ly and we motored straight into it until clear of the cardinal. Let out most of the jib and sailed close hauled at around 5-6 knots. Not too much leaning and Nikki seemed quite happy. As we closed in on the Bridge we could bear away abit. Once through the shallows bore off a bit more and under the bridge. Suddenly seemed calmer but probably just the change of wind angle. Headed to the anchorage and after some toing and frowing anchored for the afternoon in 5.7 which should leave 3.2 at LW. A short nap and watched the Grand Prix in the cockpit on the iPad. Before headed off to La Rochelle at 1700