The fleet have reached the Brittany coast of France and to the new marina at St Cast. A MBM first.
It was another sunny start to the day at St Helier Marina. A radio briefing at 1pm meant a leisurely morning for crews, time for a lazy lie-in or a last quick shopping trip in town. Already stationed outside the harbour, MBM support RIB Time Flies departed St Helier 11:30 to assess the conditions ready for the 30 mile passage. An hour later they reported back some residual slop from the previous windy days and a gentle rolling atlantic swell from the west. The conditions were better than expected and soon after 1pm the fleet were filing out over the sill and were on their way to France.
On passage Princess V45 Elinor B reported they were having engine problems, owner Richard thought they may have snagged a pot marker but said that they were able to carry on and were making good speed. On arrival the problem was clear, the boat was missing one of the two duo props on the starboard side. A replacement prop has been arranged and will be sent out from the UK.
The fleet are now assembled on the outer breakwater of the new marina at St Cast, its our first ever visit and the English-speaking staff have been very helpful so far, the fleet have been having difficulty with the electricity supply. On arrival all 21 boat kettles were turned on at once and popped the pontoon.
It has been a very pleasant evening. St Cast looks like a beautiful beach town and the MBM boats have a fantastic view over towards the town. MBM staffer Ryan took the opportunity to take a quick dip – he said it was warm but we think not. Tonight there is a music festival on in the town and the sound of bagpipes and irish music has been drifting across the marina. As I write a huge bonfire has been lit on the beach and we are told that there will be fireworks later.
Images – Cleopatra Camargue 46 Time Lost and Aquador 32 Gîte on passage to St Cast, Fairline Targa 47’s Fizz and Haylu on the outer pontoon at St Cast Marina
Motor Boats Monthly – Cruising in good company with the support of Ancasta International Boat Sales and RIB supplier Ribeye
Subscribe to the print issue of MBM
Subscribe to the digital version of MBM
