EP 67 Sailing home to France from Rockall, Sula Sgeir and Ireland
Welcome aboard, Shipmates! Today, we’re diving into an exciting sailing adventure as Patrick Laine sets off from Rockall, with stops at Sula Sgeir and Ireland before finally heading home to France.
The Journey Begins
After an enjoyable stay in various ports, Patrick decides to sail directly to his hometown of La Rochelle in France. However, Mother Nature has other plans, as there’s no wind for the first 36 hours! The experienced sailor quickly adjusts his plans and stops at Cherbourg before continuing on his way.
Navigating the English Channel
With a strong understanding of tides, Patrick plans to navigate through Land’s End in Cornwall, tackling the challenging route parallel to the coast. The narrow channel and lack of wind make for a slow but rewarding journey.
Testing the New Gear
Patrick experiments with his sheet to tiller system, using it in calmer winds for better control over the sailboat. This innovation helps conserve energy and improve the sailing experience.
The Rodez Race
Absolutely essential for sailors navigating along the French coast is understanding the tide races. One such race, known as the Roda Race, takes place near Patrick’s hometown of La Rochelle. With an understanding of how to navigate these tricky waters safely and efficiently, any sailor can make their way through.
Misadventures
Navigating the seas often presents unexpected challenges. Patrick finds himself tangled with a large piece of plastic wrapping around his propeller during one of his voyages, resulting in a thrilling dive into the water to rectify the issue.
The Return Journey
After an exciting and successful voyage from Rockall, Sula Sgeir, Ireland, to France, Patrick reflects on the experience. Despite the challenges faced during the trip, he is thankful for another opportunity to learn, sail, and make new memories at sea.
The Final Thoughts
If you’re ever feeling unsure about taking on a solo sailing adventure, remember that it’s an opportunity for growth and learning. Whether you embark on this journey with a friend or by yourself, you’ll surely discover something new about the world of sailing.
Nothing too exciting in this passage: just basic sailing for 550 NM from Ireland to France to close out my "3 Body Problem" adventure. I demo putting a reef in, test a 'sheet to tiller' steerage system, explain crossing a tidal race, discuss entering a port at night, show the range of AIS receivers at sea, and dive to free my entangled propellor. I divert to Camaret Sur Mer due to lack of wind along the way, but all finishes well.
EP 67 Sailing home to France from Rockall, Sula Sgeir and Ireland Locations
- Rockall is an uninhabited granite outcrop located in the Atlantic Ocean, situated west of mainland Scotland and north of Ireland. (57.633333,-13.916667)
- Sula Sgeir is a small island lying off the northeast coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. (60.5666667,-1.1333333)
- Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland, located on the east coast of Ireland within the province of Leinster. (53.3497986,-6.2603139)
- La Rochelle is a French city located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region on the Bay of Biscay. (51.616667,-4.583333)
Patrick Laine
Initially sailing single-handed on a Bavaria 40 sailboat in the Atlantic. Based in La Rochelle, France. Sold the Bavaria in early 2021, and bought a Bongo 8.70 meter (28 foot) made in France in 2009 (much smaller and faster than the Bavaria, but also, much less comfortable). After a circuit of the Atlantic during the Spring/Summer of 2022, I sold the Bongo and bought a new RM 890+. Adventures in the North Atlantic will continue.
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