Sailing on
Lake Biscarrosse – France August 2015
Early in August I flew back to
Spain to collect Tra Bhui as we had left her there in the care of the Capo Da
Cruz Marina after sailing down the west coast of Spain earlier in the summer.
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| Overnight stop just after Spanish border |
My plan was to trail Tra Bhui home to Scotland but also to meet up with the
rest of the family for a holiday in Biscarrosse,
France where we had rented a beach house on the shores of Lake Biscarrosse for a week.
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| Our rented house on the lakeside |
Lake Biscarrosse
which covers 5600 hectares and is the 2nd largest lake in France, after Lake
Hourtin. A natural freshwater lake, formed approximately 4000 years ago it is bordered by fine sandy beaches. It’s waters can
reach 28° in the summer and would we hoped be an ideal place for the three S’s – Sun, Sand and Sailing.
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| Tra Bhui anchored in front of the house |
Tuesday 18th August
Launch Tra Bhui at a nearby
Marina – pay 15 Euros for a month’s boating permit. Use of the slipway is free
of charge.
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| Eilidh, Scarlett and Nick |
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| Evening sail |
Evening sail on the Lake with
Kathleen, Scott and Nick – Scott on helm.
Mileage 5.5 miles
Friday 21st August.
Motor down the Lake to see what
is at the other end. 30 plus degrees. Ice creams at un named marina at north
end. Motor back – Everyone had turns on the helm
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| Exploring the Lake |
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| Eilidh |
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| Scott |
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| Scarlett (Granddaughter) enjoys her first sail with Nick |
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| A good book while motoring! |
Mileage 10 miles
Sunday 23rd August
Sail with Scott back to marina at
north end of lake – 5 miles there with the wind, 8 miles back against the wind.
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| Sailing at last |
Weather mixed – heavy rain shower
just before arrival at Marina. With Tra Bhui at anchor we wade ashore for lunch
at a small restaurant, followed by a walk around the surrounding area.
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| Tra Bhui at anchor while we dine ashore |
After
sailing back to the marina where we originally launched Tra Bhui we recovered
her on to her trailer twice. The first time we recovered her, the new winch
strap which I had bought and fitted at the Gulf De Morbihan earlier in the year
snapped just as Tra Bhui was at the point of balance on her trailer. This
resulted in a spectacular re launch matched only by a spectacular running jump
by Scott from an adjacent jetty to get on board her as she sped away from the
slipway on her own. The second time was less dramatic.
Mileage 13 miles
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| Last night in France |
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| Waiting in the rain for ferry home |
Total 28.5 miles
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