1st to 3rd July - Jersey (CI) to St. Quay Portieux (France)
Posted at 4:02 PM, Friday, July 3, 2009
Seems the freebie wifi is compliments of St Helier Marina, another improvement since we came here in our old Swagman back in 2003. It’s not the only change, as the whole place has a more affluent feel to it despite the recession. Lots of new trendy bars, hotels and coffee houses. Lots of well dressed people scurrying about their business. But not lots of tourists.
We took a day out and grabbed a bus to revisit Durrells Wildlife park. They do not call them zoos any more. But it was here in 2003 Sue fell in love with the great apes so we went back see how they had got on.
The biggest lady gorilla could not even remember seeing us back in 03. She laid back and tried to recll seeing us before .................
............but ended up apologising. Said sorry, but we all kind of look alike.
He big mate was even less impressed.
The notices say he gets grumpy when stared at – as you can see. He's definately the daddy.
Weather for our two day stay was warm but showery. Good to feel a hot deck under our feet once more and to enjoy a light lunch prepped for the cockpit.
Thursday midday saw us lock out over the sill early afternoon to head for France. Absolutely zero wind so what with our motoring from mid-channel to Alderney then onward to Jersey – we topped up the fuel tank before we exited the harbour mouth. Took on 70 litres – cost £45.
Mirror like sea with black complex cloud shapes all around – but spookily empty as we rolled over at 7.5 knots to cover the 48 miles in a dead straight line to St Quay. St Quay Portrieux is one of only two 24/7 entry ports on the N. Brittany coast so we fully expected to find it crowded on arrival. Not so. Only half a dozen visitors tied up in the huge complex which also holds hundreds of local smaller boats.
Trevor (English Harbourmaster) chatted on about how bad trade has been so far and how worried he is about this coming season. But he mentioned that the next few days should see them busy as the Tour de France a la Voile race fleet of Mumm 30’s is due to arrive later Friday. This is sure to create a good party atmosphere ashore for the evenings.
This round France race is a big event and at each port the construct a canvas ‘village’ which we watched them erecting as we enjoyed our first lunch of Moule Frite midday today. Bit skinny but sweet as. For sure first of many. Suns out. Hot as. Lovely.
Cheers
Sue and John