2 & 3 September - A passage "en trombe" along the Belgium coast

"En trombe" in French is an idiomatic way to mean as fast as a waterspout. Given the accumulated delays, we decided to go from Dunkerque to Den Helder in the Netherlands.

A view at the coast around Ostende

 Apartment buildings along the shore are competing with cathedrals nowadays to become the "sole moutains" that Jacques Brel sings in the flat land.

30 August - A tide in Granville

Stuck in Cherbourg for replacing the cooling unit of the fridge, we spend the time of a tide in Granville, with my family.

The grand pavois in the church of the enclosed city.

27 August - Passing Raz Blanchard

One hundred and fifty-six nautical miles to bring Belisama from Lanidult to Cherbourg. Back winds, Beaufort 4, great sensations, great pleasure. Clear night with almost full moon. 

Setting sun on the way to Guernesey

24/25 August - A gale in Audierne

Gale warning over Finistère, not a good time to pass through the Raz de Sein. We are therefore stuck in Audierne for 48 hours. Once a prominent fishing harbour for lobster, today, Audierne economy is mainly based on tourism.

26 August - A passage through Raz de Sein

Raz de Sein is a mythical place for French sailors. "He who sees Sein, sees his end!"

We approach the Raz from the south east, on port tack with heavy west winds. The gale warning is over and the wind straight has decreased to 10 m/s. However, the swell is still around four to five metres amplitude, giving Belisama an air of roller coaster. 

Semaphore of the pointe du Raz.

25 August 2015 - One hundred litres of water in the holds

On the way to Audierne, we experience our first long windy starboard tack. Belisama reacts very nicely, keeping us at a good 7 knots. Until an alarm blows off on the electrical panel, indicating a "leakage" in the battery pack. Switching off breakers one at a time indicates that the fridge is the faulty equipment. With the fridge off, we reach Audierne without further problems.

Then comes the investigations...