St Vaast-la-Hogue - 26/27 June

Avocet · 13 June 2010, 15:05

Subject to getting yesterday's engine and GPS problems sorted (not believed major so should be manageable) we're now re-planning last year's cancelled trip to St Vaast for 26/27 June.

It's a little short notice but the long-range forecast (for what it's worth) is good, schools are still open (so no squeeze on accommodation at the French side) and the tides mean that the French lock gates are open from 07.33 to 12.53 BST (ie our real time). (Failure to get there within those (approximate) hours means a call in at Cherbourg or a wait outside until 19.39 (our time again)!)

We're based in Poole but are happy to RV off The Needles as a start point. Allowing for a three and a half hour crossing (probably less) the RV would be for, say, 08.00.

Anybody up for coming with us?

David

Brian · 13 June 2010, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avocet

Anybody up for coming with us?

David

Nope. But IF you havent been there before, beware of the forest of little black buoys right outside harbour entrance (to grow mussels on). They are a right PITA.

Avocet · 13 June 2010, 16:26

Thanks Brian. It's a long way from IoM but only ever been landside in St Vaast, so advice welcome.

There's no 'R' in the month, so won't be able to bring any back for you!

Trevor G · 14 June 2010, 22:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avocet

Anybody up for coming with us?

David

As discussed - Rick and I are hoping to be available to join you.
Trev

Maximus · 15 June 2010, 12:36

Hi Dave,thanks for your message...cant commit 100% just now, but will do my best! House held up by Acro's at the moment!!

Roy Smith · 15 June 2010, 21:44

We went last year with BIBOA
great place nice marina with Derv and petrol
i would allow plenty of time as the marina is on lock gate
and if it turns rough mid channel it will add a lot of time to the passage
i think i still have the waypoints if any body wants them

Trevor G · 20 June 2010, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avocet

Subject to getting yesterday's engine and GPS problems sorted (not believed major so should be manageable) we're now re-planning last year's cancelled trip to St Vaast for 26/27 June.

We're based in Poole but are happy to RV off The Needles as a start point. Allowing for a three and a half hour crossing (probably less) the RV would be for, say, 08.00.
David

Hi David
How did you get on with the VHF and engine issues?
As it stands the weather is looking perfect for St Vaast next weekend. Are you still planning on being up for this? We are chomping at the bit....
Trev

Avocet · 20 June 2010, 18:07

Repairs to the engine damage were authorised by the insurers on Friday and, with the parts already ordered and obtained, the work will be done in the early part of next week so I am pleased to say that we will be up and ready for the weekend! I aim to test the boat out on a Friday evening trip to the Wheatsheaf in Yarmouth.

In the meantime, the following are hopefuls for the trip:

Grimalkin (Avocet) 2 pers
Blue Ray (TrevorG) 2 pers
Mr Jingles (Maximus) 2 pers
Viking (non-Ribnet) 2 pers

Viking and Blue Ray's crews are intending to sleep on their boats; Mr Jingles and we are not!

Current plan is to leave the Poole Bar Buoy by 7.15 am on Saturday and lunch in St Vaast returning on Sunday when we are ready. Suggest dining at the Fuschias on Saturday evening.

Anyone else up for it?

David

Avocet · 22 June 2010, 16:13

Maximus cannot unfortunately make it but, subject to the weather remaining as currently forecast, the following are confirmed:

Grimalkin (Avocet) David and Ginny
Blue Ray (TrevorG) Trevor and Rick
Viking (non-Ribnet) David and Sheena (and possibly two more TBC)

Trevor G · 27 June 2010, 19:40

What a great weekend - soooo much better than the agony of the footy!
This is what the rest of you missed....
From left to Right.....
Avocet and Mrs A in Grimalkin - this was the rough bit!
Rick in charge of Blue Ray
Rick after hard hours helming (mid channel)
Entering St Vaast
Lunch - French Style - Moule, Crab, Salad Nicoise and Plat de Fromage!

Trevor G · 27 June 2010, 19:44

Home for the night - Blue Ray with Rick testing the fire escape!
St Vaast entrance this morning as we left the lock.
On the way back - Viking's crew mid channel taking a bath - I suppose they didn't want to pay for the showers in the Marina last night.

Roll on the Alderney trip - don't forget the swimming trunks.
Trev