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9 August 2000 Camaret-Sur-Mer, France


When I arrived at Camaret-sur-Mer in France, from where I was to cross the Bay of Biscay, I decided to wait as long as necessary. I wanted the perfect five day weather forecast. According to various books, the worst storms are registered from mid-August to late September. I arrived on August 9 and stayed until August 16. Every day started with me going to pick up the weather forecast,.for which they charge 10 francs. Then a walk back to the boat to translate it (available in French only). The first few days in French waters, I didn't think too highly of the French weather forecasters, which later turned out to be unfair. When they had been forecasting east winds and I went out, I always ended up having to turn to windward in west winds. I thought that ouest means east, but in fact it means west!!!
The same books also tell you not to cross in southwest winds, since there is a risk of getting too far into the Bay of Biscay. But that was where the winds were - day in, day out.
 

Finally, on August 16: Northeast winds of Beaufort Force 3-4 the next five days. I quickly paid and unmoored, only to go around the corner to find out that it is a southwest wind. I was hoping for and counting on a weather change.
On Day 1, I travelled quite far. Around 100 miles. On Day 2 the wind eased. Still southwest though, but now only about Beaufort Force 2 to calm. After 48 hours I was drifting (around) in the middle of the Bay of Biscay.
Damn, I don't think the fog will clear.


Drifting around in France
Drifting around in France

An easy day's sailing in France
An easy day's sailing in France


This was also where I heard the weather report. I hate it when forecasts begin with storm warnings. Even if you are not in the particular area where storm is forecasted, you're somewhat impatient until they get to your area to hear if it's going to have any consequences (for you). But on this particular day, they started by forecasting storm in the Bay of Biscay. Winds of Beaufort Force 10-11 (25-32 m/sec or 48-63 knots). By then I had already heard enough.


According to a passing coaster, I had a little less than 24 hours before the storm was to hit the centre of the Bay of Biscay. They were heading for shore, full speed ahead. They advised me to get out of the area, wished me "a good trip" and told me to be careful. I decided to use all the remaining gas, hoping to get out of its path. With the sea as calm as it was, I went by engine while preparing the boat for the storm, which didn't take very long. The rest of the time I spent eating, sleeping and wondering how it would turn out. I had never tried more than a strong breeze and actually thought that that would be enough (experience).
The wind started blowing so I set sail and turned to windward on course 210 degrees, which would take me to A Coruña. Soon I had to reef for the first time, and before too long I was going, at minimum sail area, course 210 degrees.
An hour later I was considering running with the wind. The sea had risen to an extent where the boat was actually at a standstill when it hit a wave.
My boat is reinforced and water-proof. And I'm convinced that if I ever get in a situation where I can't go on - either because of the weather, damages or simply due to my limited skills - I will just go downstairs, close the door and wait until it is all over.

To Page 13

From Esbjerg, Denmark to Tahiti aboard a Junker 22