Same weather pattern. Very windy when we awoke but we were ready when the wind dropped. Fenders sorted , crew organised (sort of) and 3 really nice French people came to help us off ( obviously sorry for us after their country man couldn't even offer an apology. And then the lights changed to red. So there we were diddling up and down when we could have been tied to the pontoon. Don't you just love it when a plan comes together!!! Fortunately Phil was able to yell at Nick before he cast off or there would have been two of us trying to avoid each other.
A fast ferry bombed across the harbour and then the lights changed to go - with caution. The sea in the harbour mouth was pretty grim and Phil had to give the engine a boost to keep us moving against it. And then the skipper swore and said he had forgotten to put the halyard on the main. God preserve us from skippers with alzheimers. So I said wait until it quieted a bit - but no - risk life and limb and stress crew out totally before the day has started and go and hop about on the deck with the boom swinging and big rolly seas. I would have done it bit I am too feeble in the finger department to twit the shackle key. Any way much bollocking for Captain from crew for extra stress level.
And once we reached the end of the island the sea turned in to a pussy cat. We had between 8 to 14 knots of wind nearly all the way to Sable d'Olonne but the wind dropped and went down to 2 in the last hour so we finished the day on a motor after a really fast sail with everything up.
We are in Quai Garnier. There is a little street opposite and a short walk up it takes you to a superb beach. We spent all afternoon there yesterday and are taking a holiday in fantastic heat. Sea bathing (still a bit chilly) but town en fete as the Tour de France is started in the Vendee and goes through here.
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