A hardy crew assembled on the deck of Falmouth Sail Training Ship Hardiesse' to prepare for their two week voyage to France this month.

The forecast was grim and everything on board was stowed and lashed down for the rough passage ahead.

It wasn't until dawn the next day, when the weather abated slightly, that the ship was able to leave Falmouth.

The port of call was the Brest International Maritime Festival, held once every four years, followed by a day sail to Douanenez for the biennial maritime festival there.

The overnight channel crossing was uneventful but unfortunately the wind was against them most of the way so they had to motorsail until the French coast where the engine went off and the squaresail and raffees came out, ensuring that the Hardiesse arrived into the port of Brest in style.

Then followed five days of festival going, with a vast array of classic ships, local traditional craft and local music.

Highlights of the week included dinghy sailing in the harbour packed full of classic boats, firework displays, the daily moonlit parades of sail and, with many thanks to Hesper' a days sailing for the crew on a pilot cutter.

The parade of sail from Brest to Douanenez proved to be one of the most amazing sailing experiences most of the Falmouth crew will ever have.

The 1001 classic boats on the water, ranging from fully rigged ships to small dinghies, and with near perfect sailing conditions made a magnificent site. Hardiesse was in her element flying along with an eclectic mix of sails (14 in total), including watersails and a spritsail.

Schooners, ketches and local craft sailing through some narrow passages attracted hundreds of sightseers on the shore and much good humoured rivalry afloat.

The friendly atmosphere continued as the fleet anchored, rafted and berthed at Douanenez to be greeted with refreshments and shoreside entertainment in this beautiful town.

After two nights in Douanenez a shift in the wind direction dictated a change of anchorage and, after enjoying two days coast hopping around Morgat and le Trez-Hir, the vessel sailed back to Falmouth.

8:36am Tuesday 29th July 2008

Print

Email this