La Rochelle — Where the wind takes us! 5 days on board. Sail training.

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

However precisely those circular trips give us a great opportunity to choose an optimal route according to the weather and dedicate maximum time for sail training, relaxation and sightseeing in beautiful port towns.

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 formed by the mainland and Oleron island. 

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 Île de Ré. It is an island connected to the mainland by a 30-meter tall bridge. The height of Shtandart’s main-mast is 33 meters. Nevertheless we passed under that bridge easily and not once without hoisting down the topgallant masts. Come and figure out with us how this is possible.

If we are not hindered by excessive swell, we will leave sheltered waters and enter the Bay of Biscay. And from there we can sail to Morbihan bay, visit Concarneau, or drop the anchor by the Belle-Île-en-Mer island.

As we are not limited to an exact route we can avoid the necessity of travelling under power - upwind or in a doldrum. If the weather is calm and warm we will enjoy sunbathing on the deck and swimming in the open sea. If there is good wind we will set sails and zip along French islands. 

With no rush we will explore the 18th century rig and compare it to that of modern yachts. We'll also practice gybing and tacking.

A tack is a turn when the ship crosses the line of the wind with her bow. It implies heading into the wind for a while, therefore it is difficult for square rigged ships and demands well-coordinated actions of the whole crew bracing the yards.

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

And, of course, every sea voyage is strenuous. Every rest afterwards is a well deserved one. After angry Biscay swell and mastering maritime lore it is nice to spend some time among friends in the mess-room and the next evening in the port to plunder with the whole crew that quiet province française.