Burela, the unexpected stopover, 5-7 September 2022

Belisama in Burela harbour

One could most probably only end-up in Burela to escape some sort of storm as we tried to escape when we ended-up in this fishing boat harbour. Zero place for visiting ships, and only a rough outside jetty to moor on. But most welcome in any case given the weather forecast in the aftermath of the Danielle tropical hurricane!

Gulf of Biscaye, faithful to its reputation, 3-6 September 2022

The Gulf of Biscaye has a reputation and is intimidating for any sailor who considers going through. Rochefort to A Coruña is a 370 nautical miles ride. In early September in 2022, the weather has switched already to autumn, with depressions emerging from south-west Atlantic and heading north-east through the Atlantic. "Danielle" its on her way, as is named the tropical hurricane announced. We had just left Rochefort when we heard about her...

Rising sun in the Biscaye Gulf

Rochefort, preparing for the Mediterranean, 29/08 - 3/09/2022

After two months in Croatia following the start of the season in Southern Brittany and having dropped Belisama in Rochefort for the summer, I made it back to Rochefort to prepare for the conveying of Belisama to the Mediterranean. Rochefort is a place to be visited by any sailor as it used to be the centre of sailing activities for centuries in France. And it shows in the city!

This painting is located in the Corderie of Rochefort, but was it painted by a sailor?

 I could not figure out where the wind is supposed to be coming in relation with the position of the sails on the various boats...