Following a windy and wet night alongside at Brest, having completed the standard Happy Hour of cleaning the ship, we departed the harbour at about 1100 accompanied by a pilot. Despite the rain, about 30 Brest citizens watched our departure. Brest had looked after us well and had provided a welcome haven from the storm, but we were pleased to be again underway.
Unlike our arrival, visibility was sufficiently clear to afford excellent views of the fortifications, some constructed in defence of the Royal Navy's 19th century blockades of French ports and others by the Germans during their Second World War occupation. The French Naval Academy and nearby submarine pens were interesting.
Winds were initially relatively light with a 3 metre swell, perhaps a legacy of the previous day's storm. Winds were generally westerly to south westerly.
For part of the afternoon staysails were hoisted to supplement the engine and we continued our passage south south west across the Bay of Biscay.
During the evening the wind increased accompanied by squally showers. The wind touched 45 knots.
Forward Port Watch
Seagull!
Sandy Blackett