Sailing into the Rade de Brest (the large natural harbour/bay outside the port of Brest) was a special experience – not only because of the beauty of the scenery and the exceptional natural harbour (with the entrance, the “Goulet de Brest” less than a mile wide) butt also because of the naval history here, especially the English blockade of Brest for years on end from 1803 to 1815 during the Napoleonic wars. The blockade prevented the French warships getting out to sea greatly aiding England’s naval supremacy and strangling French supplies. The English ships had to patrol in all weathers in an area with strong tides and dangerous rocks – what wonderful sailors and tough seamen they must have been. We had a kindly wind, calm seas and no guns firing at us so really quite an easy entrance!

Now in Brest doing jobs – just like being at work, there are always problems to solve and jobs to do! (perhaps it’s best always to expect to have to deal with problems rather than expect a perfect world and be disheartened when problems arise!!) Currently, I need to resolve the chafing halyard I mentioned above, determine why the battery charger doesn’t always come on automatically, fix the electronic drain pump, find out what’s making a curious buzzing sound when the engine is on as well as the normal cleaning, polishing etc etc. I used to get paid to work this hard!! Also resting up after a tiring week and planning next stage of the journey from Brest to the south coast of Brittany. Will let you know next week how the next leg of our adventure goes.

Best wishes
Iain and Helen