Friday 23th August
Departure for l’Herbaudière
Our second day at sea is about 60 miles, the destination being the port of l’Herbaudière, northwest of the Noirmoutier peninsula.
Under an uncertain sky and on a rough sea, we leave the port of Bourgenay. Despite the crew’s apparent calm, Christian, our apprentice cabin boy, cannot help but emit a few anxious “houla… houlala…” as he steers Paradox into the big swell that greets us as we leave the breakwaters.
Under sail on our way to l’Herbaudière
But once on our course, we quickly take advantage of a favorable wind to sail between 6 and 8 knots. We will arrive at 6:30 p.m., 9 hours after a rather late morning departure.
The marina of l’Herbaudière being congested, we moor Paradox alongside Halcyon II, a very pretty sailboat flying the Dutch flag.
HALCYON II
It is so clean that we are ashamed to walk on its immaculate foredeck to go to town.
Part of the evening is spent looking for somewhere to eat, in vain. A round of beers, which we find exaggeratedly expensive, finally convinces us to return to the boat, our chicken wings and potatoes ensuring a more convivial evening!