Cherbourg 1997

Everyone met up at Poole harbour to catch the ferry on Thursday evening. As usual we were last on, so we had to wait half an hour before we boarded, but time passed quickly and we soon found ourselves on the other side of the channel. Having taken picnic boxes galore on to the ferry (and booze too!), we had already eaten when we arrived in Cherbourg, so we made our way to the hotel. Being only five minutes from the ferry port, everyone settled down (the parents in the bar as usual) ready for the day ahead.

On Friday morning the Brits all trooped into town to grab a bite to eat. With the frogs wondering what had hit them, we took refuge in a small café in the centre of Cherbourg. Talk rested around the not too promising wind strength, and whether or not Tom had had three, or four pieces of chocolate! After stuffing ourselves with 'croissants' and 'pain au chocolat', we set off to the sailing club to unload and rig the boats. Measurement was quick, and the French, being even more laid back than we had ever expected, meant that we were ready about an hour early. Everyone signed on, and launched quickly, (despite the big fishing boat that had decided to dry out slap bang in the middle of the slipway!). With just one race in the afternoon, (an especially good one for the Brits - a 2^nd and a 3^rd for Johnny and Laurie!), we were in quite quickly. Everyone de-rigged, changed, signed off, and returned to the hotel (the parents back to the bar!) which was just five minutes walk from the sailing club. A race for the shower followed, before we were off again to the opening welcome (the parents only arriving for the drinks afterwards I may add). We had a meal at the yacht club, and 'rentre a l'hotel' (need I say, the parents back to the bar!)

Saturday morning, not quite as laid back as Friday, meant munching a croissant in the hand as we set off to the sailing club for another days racing. Cheered by the British training yacht that was there, the Brits (all nine of them) were first to launch for the second day running. A steady breeze (4-5) awaited us at the racecourse that was a mile and a half and two breakwaters from the slip. Another good days racing followed, and then in for tea (after Dominic's protest hearing). Once everyone was de-rigged and changed (and the parents had had their 'aperitif') we set off for dinner in a restaurant in Cherbourg.

Sunday morning proved the same as Saturday, only with slightly less wind, and slightly more frantic, as bags had to be packed, and racing was an hour earlier. In less wind, both more good results, and lessons on tide (not mentioning any names, but a certain member of the worlds team!….) were achieved, as well as some water side wine-tasting for the booze exporting, binocular brigade! With everything packed up, and the prize giving over, we set off for the ferry, to return to sunny England, with trophies in hand for Johnny, Laurie and Will.

An excellent event, with good sailing for us, good drinking for the adults, and good fun had by all!!

Amy Morgan GBR4507

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Last modified: May 12, 2002