The fleet reach Paris
Paris here we come!
As the boats departed Ile de France Yacht Club at 0700 they were thankful that this would be the last early start for a few days. The fleet were bound of course, for our final destination, the icing on the cake, Paris and the four-night stay in the Paris Arsenal Marina.
It was none-the-less another long day at the helm in baking sunshine. With 51 miles and four locks to traverse at slow speeds.
Once through the first lock, Andresy, the scenery changed from countryside to suburban and industrial. In areas banks were lined with residential houseboats and barges. There were also more bridges to negotiate.
As the sight of the Eiffel Tower came into view and air of achievement and excitement swept over the fleet. The goal was in sight and for participants it was time for a bottle of champagne to go in the fridge, for a celebratory drink in the evening.
Locking into the Paris Arsenal proved to be a long and tedious process. The lock is small and will only take three boats at a time. Crews from boats already in the basin assisted the MBM team in taking lines in the lock. Special thanks those who helped. It was exhausting work in temperatures of over 30 degrees.
By 2000 all boats were locked in and safely tied up, leaving the evening to explore the diverse city.
Photos
The MBM fleet in Andresy Lock
Claire aboard Time Flies (Red Bay Stormforce 650)
Leading the way – Blue Fin and the fleet passing Notre Dame region in the centre of Paris
