The fleet split to Venables and Vernon
Do the Lock-a-motion
The fleet awoke to damp morning in Rouen. Today the boats would navigate their way up the Seine, with half the fleet going to Port de Venables and the rest going to Vernon, a passage of 50 miles. By 0800 all boats had departed Rouen.
A misty morning soon gave way to brilliant sunshine and temperatures in excess of 30 degrees. The day was spent lazily meandering through spectacular scenery at low speeds. The first lock at Amfreville marked the end of the tidal section of the Seine and for many it was their first experience of locks. All 25 boats assembled inside the deep lock which also marked the switchover point to ATIS.
Port de Venables is a very tranquil place. It’s a small-secluded marina situated off the river on a large boating lake. Everyone seemed delighted to be spending a hot sunny afternoon in such an idyllic place. An impromptu pontoon party was organised for 1600 and everyone mingled sharing stories of today’s passage.
A warm welcome awaited Blue Fin, and the other group of 12 boats at Vernon Yacht Club. The commodore, in his Hardy motorboat came out to greet the boats as they approached with a photographer on board. All boats were assembled by 1900 and participants still had time to sample the delights and delicacies of the new town.
The Ile de France Yacht Club is on the agenda for tomorrow. Unfortunately it means another early start for the Venables boats – they will departing at 0730 (that’s 0630 BST). The Vernon boats will be leaving at the slightly later time of 1000.
Photos
Atlantic 42 Amethyst and the fleet underway
Everybody in! 25 MBM boats assembled in Amfreville Lock
Pontoon party at Port Venables
