Biscay

We topped up the fuel tanks in Camaret. Only the portside tank which took 109ltrs at 1.31 euro p/l. We went for a beer and Will checked the weather for the trip over Biscay. It seemed ok so we are setting off again in tha afternoon. Camaret is a beautiful small fishing town. Extremely quaint with a well protected harbour, although our berth was on the outside of the breakwater which would not have been comfortable in a blow.

We left Camaret at 1600 and once clear of the Avant Goulet de Brest we took a course of 220 dgs out into Biscay. Tom made a fabulous rissotto for evening meal and we had a busy 2100-000 watch due to the shipping activity.

Day 5 Sat 5th June

Pretty unremarkable except for an instrument alarm going off and we could not understand which instrument it was. Switched them all off then rebooted and it was cured....for now.

At 1515hrs our position on the chart showed a depth of 4330 metres. Now that is DEEP !!

The sea was just a big rolling atlantic swell with light winds. Long may it last I diaried.

Life aboard had now developed a routine of simply watch, eat, sleep interspersed with chats normally in late afternoon or early evening.

We picked up some hitch hikers on the way.......yes, three homing pigeons landed on Curly for a rest, then flew on after a few minutes.

Day 6 June 6th.

We began watch at midnight. It was extremely busy with shipping to watch for. At one point we had 13 targets ( ships ) on AIS ( automatic identification system....it tells you what speed and heading the ship is on and sometimes it name ).

We were heading for Northern Spain of course and so Will asked for the Spanish courtesy flag. We looked at each in disbelief as we had forgotten to get one. Susans sewing kit to the rescue. She made one out of our Q flag and the red strips from the Italian flag. Will and Tom were well impressed.

We saw lots of dolphins and it was so pleasant we all did a bit of polishing on deck. However that was about to change.

Day 7 June 7th

The wind swung between south and SW and increased to F5/6. This caused the swell to increase and made life uncomfortable aboard. We ploughed on motor sailing. It seemed never ending at this point. We arrived at Camarinas at 1750 in dark grey skies and hoizontal rain. Will called in on the VHF and as he predicted got no reply, but a man appeared on the pontoon and whistled very loudly then pointed where we were to berth. Alongside at last and across the dreaded Bay of Biscay. The last day had been far from pleasant but we had got across. Hurrah !!

We went out that night in downtown Camarinas, had a meal and a good few drinks to celebrate.

Little did we know what was to come.