17.09.16 – 23.09.16

Outline plans had been to perhaps get down to Ile de Noirmoutier, but due to rising saline levels in the Vilaine, over 50% of locks were cancelled over September and October, with none at all Tuesdays to Thursdays.

17.09.16 – Left LRB at 1125 for a slow run down to Arzal, with a leisurely lunch on the visitors pontoon before taking the 1630 lock out. Left lock at 1640, and exited the Varlingue passage at 1800 into a lumpy sea with a NW4 over a falling tide. Berthed Piriac at 1900 at speed after a rollercoaster of an entrance in and over the cill. Berthed C pontoon next to a Gravelines yacht with another chocolate lab called ‘Fastnet’ Monty very excited! Log reading 14.88 (from Arzal) Cumulative 3174.7+ Engine hours 5.

Visitor’s pontoon Arzal

Piriac entrance at LW

19.09.16 – Piriac to Pornichet.

LW given as 1330 for Le Croisic so planned to get to Pornichet by 1230 as entrance channel shallow. Left Piriac 0835 with 4.0m over cill (HW 0650 – 5.7m). Sailed outside Le Bayonelles cardinal – Base Castoulet – Croisic Sw – Batz, then headed for the entrance channel for 1200. Berthed Pornichet F hammerhead at 1240. At 1hr BHW there was only 2.9 in entrance channel and 2.6 at the entrance itself. Note: the pontoon access ramps are very steep even at high water and dangerous at LW. Not suitable for trollies!. The pilot book describes Pornichet as a ”yacht parking lot” – very apt! log reading 20.64 Nm

La Baule

ApproachingPornichet entrance

20.09.16 – Pornichet to La Turballe (Piriac)

One night enough, Pornichet is fine for a stop over, but not a stay of any length, so escape to La Turballe. Plan: 14Nm, leave 0900, ETA 1200 with est 2.9m in entrance channel. Slipped 0850 for fuel pontoon. 120 litres added so only 30 litres left, and gauge still showing just under full. Needs rectification! Telecon wit La Turballe, entrance not LW +/- 1.5 hrs. LW 1420, therefore not 1250-1550. Depth ok in marina, but rafting only (not good for a dog!). 1215 anchored off large beach just S of La Turballe ent in 5m for lazy lunch under bimini. Revised plan to Piriac. 1505 off anchor, 1640 berthed Piriac D2. Note: Long pontoon C good, Also fingers D2, 4, 6, 8. Rest of D has narrow and bouncy fingers. Log reading 21.65.

Relaxing at sea

22.09.16+23.09.16 Piriac to LRB

22.09.16 – Departed Piriac 0920, 1020 ent E. Varlingue passage, 1050 turn east at end of passage. 1200 berthed waiting pontoon below Arzal lock (no locks today) 23.09.16 – Locked into river 0800. Destiny lifted ashore 1100. 18.23 Nm Cum 3231.7+

Waiting pontoon below Arzal lock

Party tent!

Wedding Anniversary 22.09.16

-END OF 2016 SEASON-