“You start out with luck and no experience and hope to get the experience before the luck runs out” – popular sailing proverb
With first year drawing to a close, I felt its time for a little summary of the journey to date. And yes, since everybody from the Arabs to the Catholics have come to enjoy their own calendar, this year shall henceforth be known as year 0 of the age of the Republic.<br/ >
Journey facts:
Months lived aboard: 9
Distance covered: 265 nm
Countries: 3
Ports: 5
Crew members: 5
Uniforms on board: 4
Incidents of sea sickness: 2
Worst hangover: Blankenberge
Best party: Brighton
Belgian waffles consumed: Lots and lots!
Engine failures: 2
MOBs: 0
Max wind: 6 bf
Min wind: 0 bf (duh!)
This photo was taken from Cherbourg castle when MS Queen Elizabeth visited Cherbourg the other day – monster is just visible in the Port de Plaisance below.
We’ve had a rather soft landing in Cherbourg; the winter rates are comparatively affordable, and I soon found myself some party friends in the form of a crew of international English teachers on Couchsurfing. Not that helpful for immersing self with the Frenchies of course.
Cherbourg facts
Boat projects started: 3 (macerator (shit) pump, bilge pump #2, pressurised water sys)
Boat projects completed: 0
Local friends: 5
French skills: Still pathetic
Parties thrown: 1
Parties attended: 2
Oysters to date: 42
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Have a good winter solstice and a happy new year! 🙂