25th June – Wednesday - Les Sables D’Olonne

10.30 start for the 37 miles sail from La Rochelle which took eight and a half hours as we were sailing against the tide for two thirds of the journey.  It was very sunny but windy, so no sunshade required, but we had had enough of the constant wind by the time we arrived at 19.00.  We got a good berth on ‘H’ pontoon and had a good view of the racing yachts.  (Previously we were on ‘B’ pontoon a little near to the football bar – they were in fine voice until 2.00am – the perils of travelling during the World Cup – I love my earplugs).

26th June – Thursday

Big shop at SuperU in the morning, small incident as one of the wheels came off the trolley, so roadside repairs were required. 

Part of the marina had been given over to the ‘La Solitaire du Figaro’ which is a yacht race for ‘Le Figaro Beneteau 2’ yachts which are 10.10 metre, 1 design, mono-hull’s.  The race is in its 45th year and is considered a precursor race for yachtsmen and women hoping to compete in the Vendee Globe.  The route is from Deauville, Plymouth, Roscoff, Les Sables D’Olonne and finishes in Cherbourg.  Many previous winners of the Vendee Globe have competed in this tough race.

The yachts made quite a spectacle and the public were able to look up and down the pontoon and observe the preparations for the next leg.  A sideshow of journalists, stalls and pop-up bars were following the race so lots to look at.

We had a walk to the main town and shopping streets and along the promenade.

27th June – Friday

Took the opportunity to dye my hair as the showers are free with no time limit.

Walked to the Flea Market which was a little disappointing, but signs appeared to promise more during the ‘Season’.

Took the solar bus to Le Chaume, the older part of town at the other side of the river, Mick observed the solar bus also had a large re-charging plug. (its not Mick in the picture)

Continued with a walk around the headland to the large lighthouse ‘L’Armandche’ and found a nice footpath which passed an open air public swimming pool filled by the sea, an old church with an Art Exhibition and old gents playing boules.  All very pleasant.

Mick also enjoyed watching a large new expensive (probably more than half a million pounds) Catamaran being launched.  It was simply towed like a small boat by a tractor and launched down the public slip with little ceremony.  The traffic was stopped, people stood and stared and there was not a yellow jacket or method statement in site. (observe the man stood on top on his phone)

We really enjoyed Les Sables D’Olonne, as previously stated it is the best operated marina we have so far encountered.