Getting weather information via SSB radio

Whilst anchored in Boyardville we had no internet access so we played around with the equipment we had brought for getting weather faxes transmitted on the SSB frequencies.  We were successful, but the images were not very good, probably down to the aerial being an ordinary telescopic one extended by a loing piece of wire hung on a shroud and blowing around in the wind.

Equipment we used laid out on the chart table

In action in the cockpit

We also found that it is critical to keep the aerial away from all electrionic devices, in particular computers. The set up also requires patience as you have to ensure that it is all turned on at the right time and careful manual tuning was needed at the start of and during the broadcast.  We are hoping that if we get a good quality external SSB aerial to plug in to the radio it will improve the picture quality sufficiently otherwise it will be a matter of abandoning it or getting a replacement radio with better tuning facilities.

Cycle out to Bonne Anse

After a rather frustrating Saturday morning and early afternoon when
everything seemed to take longer than expected, not helped by having to
empty the port forward locker when we found that some water had got into
it, we were finally ready to go for the ride we had planned to Bonne
Anse for the afternoon.

Bonne Anse is the lagoon at the entrance to the Gironde behind Point de
Coubre. It is a drying lagoon with a harbour which we thought might
make a pleasant alternative to the marinas further down the channel.
Once again we experienced the wonderful cycle paths of the Poitou -
Charente region: clearly marked, segregated from cars and pedestrians
and clear of glass and debris. The route we followed initially took us
through the towns along the coast and then into the woodland that runs
between the beaches and marshes leading up to Bonne Anse harbour.

The beaches are delightful but busy, and I would think heaving in
August. Bonne Anse itself lived up to our hopes, shallow water almost
fully enclosed by sandy bars and islets which looked particularly
picturesque in the late afternoon sunshine. Unfortunately the harbour
does not appear to take visitors so we would have the option of either
anchoring in the lagoon and drying out or anchoring near the entrance
and being ready to move if the weather changed. We treated ourselves to
an ice cream on the way back which rounded of a really good excursion
which would only have been improved if we had had time to stop for a
swim. If the weather permits we will sail up and have a look at Bonne
Anse on the ebb (it is not a good idea to attempt it at night so it was
not an option when we came in).

Today, Sunday 11th Sept, it is blowing old boots with some rain and a
big swell, as forecast, so we have stayed put and are hoping it will be
fit to move on tomorrow. As always our consolation is that the weather
is much worse in the UK.

The only downsides we have found to Royan are the loud live music at
night (at weekends at least), no WiFi in the marina and the long walk to
the sanitary block.

The french sailors have been very friendly and interested in Mango. We
have as a result picked up some tips on where to call in on our way up
the Gironde.

In the Gironde estuary

After several days of watching the forecasts whilst anchored off
Boyardville (an anchorage we have come to really appreciate) we decided
to head for the Gironde on Thursday 8th Sept as the swell was forecast
to be under 2m and it looked like some nasty weather was heading across
the Atlantic for Friday/Saturday.
The forecast 3-4 with occasional rain turned into a overcast skies with
steady drizzle at the outset, a nasty 2m swell and a force 5 which
slowly moderated. However, we were still sailing in shorts (albeit with
waterproof jackets) as the water and air temperature is such that
getting wet is not the nasty shock it is in the Channel and we would
steam under full waterproofs.
We got to the Gironde entrance early and so hove to to await low water.
The passage in was in the dark but it is very well lit and as the wind
had eased the seas were OK; however, the wind was dead astern so we
ended up motoring which meant a slow journey to Royan where we are now.
Of course today started grey but has turned into a beautiful sunny day
with a light breeze and clear blue skies.
Looking back at the weather information we had we made the correct
decision, we suspect that the cold front which was passing went lower
than expected. We have also come to the conclusion that it is very hard
to predict the weather down here, or at least the way we are using to
interpreting weather information does not work as well.
Royan is an attractive well to do holiday town with lovely beaches. We
will be here a couple of days and are debating whether to spend a bit
more time exploring the Gironde estuary or to hot foot it for Bordeaux
and the canal.

Boyardville

We initially anchored in Boyardville because it was going to be a long
and wet beat to Saint Denis, the optimum place on ile d'Oleron to wait
for good weather to sail down to the Gironde estuary. Once anchored
there we realised that it was miuch more protected than we thought,
especially on higher low waters of neap tides which allowed us to get
closer in to the beach.
The beach is the first we have come across where we would be happy to
dry out. As it is September the beach is not as busy which also helps.
There is a longish walk in to the town which is small with limited
facilities, but there is a very pleasant restraunt / cafe on the beach
and behind the beach is a lot of pleasant woodlands with paths and the
municipal camp site.

Boyardville beach looking towards harbour entrance

What makes the biggest difference here is the weather: blue skies,
strong sun, warm water and wind means that buildings that would look
dreary in Britain (stained by rain and algae) look at worst OK here.
Our only problem whilst on the anchor was getting weather predictions as
we could not get a decent mobile phone connection. What we found is
that it is essential to carry something like an iPhone around with you
as there are cafes and restaurants (such as the one on the beach) which
have Wifi but do not advertise the fact. Going in to the marina at
Boyardville was not really an option as it is small, full and access
restricted to close to high water and we would be wanting to leave
closer to low water.

Left Rochefort

We left Rochefort on Saturday 3rd Sept hoping for good weather to get us in to the Gironde. Below are some pictures we took on the way

One of L'Hermione's boats passing the Cordierie Royale

Waiting pontoon in front of the end of the Cordiere Royale

 
Unfortunately, a low pressure system is going through which has meant strong winds and a biggish swell; so, as we have not been in to the Gironde before we decided to anchor off Boyardville (Fort Boyard is in sight) and awaiting more settled weather.
The coast of ile d'Oleron on this, the Northern, side is sandy with lots of trees so looks very appealing. It does have the inevitable mussel and oyster farms, including two in the channel, which means one has to be
circumspect about going close inshore. There is also the inevitable sailing school, which has provided us with some entertainment.
Today is Monday and we are monitoring the weather forecast to see if
tomorrow will be settled enough for us to leave.

Views of Rochefort

Below are some more photos we took in Rochefort.

Starboard side of L'Hermione

Mango at other end of visitors pontoon facing 17th century naval warehouses

Rochefort harbour lock gates near high water on a big spring tide

View from the suspension bridge at Tonnay Charente

Ship passing whilst we are on waiting pontoon

Latest

Still in Rochefort but aiming to leave soon.  We now have a decent size awning made from a white tarp and have refitted the tillerpilot to give us electronic self steering to complement the wind vane steering.  The linkage for the tillerpilot is a recycled 49er tiller extension (thanks Matt) so is light but it is quite long so there is some play and we will need to do some trials to see how well it works. Below is a photo of Mango with the new awning up.

Moored in Rochefort harbour with awning

 

 

We have been in Rochefort longer than expected, but have had a side trip to Cognac to visit friends of friends who live there which was great.  We have also both passed the CEVNI tests, though have not found somewhere to print of the certificates yet!