La Rochelle  — La Rochelle 

Boarding in: La Rochelle 
Boarding on: 14.10.2018 16:00
Departure: 15.10.2018 10:00
Port of destination: La Rochelle 
Arrival: 19.10.2018 14:00
Debarkation before: 20.10.2018 10:00
Days on board: 7
Participation fee: 490€

It is not often that our voyages start and finish in the same port, basing on the fact that so many ports and festivals wait for Shtandart in different parts of Europe. 

However precisely those circular legs give a great possibility to choose an optimal route according to the weather and dedicate maximum time for sail trainings, unforgettable voyages, relaxation and strolls through beautiful port towns. 


Possible itineraries:

The region around La Rochelle - the north-east corner of Biscay - offer us a lot of different options. In case of unpleasant weather there is a wide bay protected from waves to the south of La Rochelle. It was created by the mainland and island Oleron. 

By the way, exactly this bay is the place where you can find the famous Fort Boyard. Shall we say ‘Hi’ with the cannon salute?


To the north of La Rochelle we will be protected by the island Île de Ré. It is connected to the mainland by the 30 meters bridge. The height of Shtandart’s main-mast is 33 meters. Nevertheless we passed under that bridge easily and not once without pulling down the topgallant masts. Come and puzzle out with us how this is possible.

If we are not stopped by waves, we will leave defined water areas to Biscay. And from there we can sail to Morbian bay or drop the anchor near to the island Belle-Île-en-Mer.

Programm:

As we are not depending on exact route we can avoid the necessity to go boringly by engine - up-wind or with no wind. If the weather is warm and windless we will enjoy sunbathing on the deck and swimming in open sea. If there is cool wind in Biscay bay we will set the sails and have a lurch fly along french islands. 
Without any rush we will learn the rig of ships from XVIII century, comparing it to those on modern yachts. Practice gybing (foredewind) and tacking (overshtag) turns 

Tack - turn of the ship with which it crosses windline with the bow, that means for some time it sails windward. Especially difficult to accomplish on square rigged ships and demands for orchestrated actions of the whole crew to cross the yards.

Gybing - is a turn when the ship crosses the wind line with stern. It is much simpler to accomplish on square rigged ships, than tacking. 


And, of course, no sea voyage can be as beautiful and eventful as a voyage with well deserved rest. After quite enough of waving in Biscay and mastering marine wisdom it is nice to spend time among friends in saloon and the next evening in the port to go with the whole crew to win over that quite province française.

How to get to La Rochelle:

By TGV train from Paris (around 3 hours)