Thursday 22nd August
A nice departure on the Charente
On the morning of 22nd August, the tide being favourable, the port of Soubise tractor delicately places Paradox on the river Charente. The weather is radiant.
Some emotions when engaging reverse gear, as the reverser control is completely jammed. Minor incident, reported in the “Problems” section.
Approaching the Ré Island bridge
Under a magnificent sun, with a high morale and the current with us, we set course downstream, and an hour later we approach the ocean.
For this first day, we will do about fifty miles. This leg takes us 9h30, a mixture of navigation under sail and engine, the wind not being very cooperative.
Our first stopover must be the port of Bourgenay, where I want to stop… because I have a good memory of the restaurant “Le Vintage“, where I want to take the crew!