A lay day at Cherbourg on Sunday was spent meeting with friends old and new as the MBM fleet joined us at Port Chantereyne. The evening's pontoon party was the usual convivial affair, ending with the pontoon submerged and the wine supplies depleted. A meal in the Yacht Club rounded off a sociable day and got the Normandy cruise off to a rousing start.

Hangovers at the ready, we were up at 5.30am this morning to hear the morning weather report from Tom, confirming that the day's passage to St Vaast was to go ahead, and reporting the conditions "flat as a pancake" as far as Pointe de Barfleur.

We followed our usual course along the north coast of the Cotentin peninsula taking us north of the three cardinal marks at La Pierre Noire, Basse du Renier and Les Equets before turning south round the Pointe de Barfleur. We were aided on our passage by another following tide, and with smooth seas and very little wind it was a perfect morning's cruise.

Outside St Vaast was the usual plethora of small fishing boats and pot markers but we could easily dodge them in the calm conditions. The passage was timed for us to arrive at high water when the entrance gate would be open and most of the departing boats would be already clear. It was the usual tight squeeze fitting all the boats into the marina, with the fuel berth called into service for the larger boats. With a two night stop scheduled here we could look forward to a short break from navigational duties and have time to enjoy the facilities of this boat-friendly town.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 28nm

Total to date: 618 nm

Avg Speed: 13 knots

Duration: 2 hours

Wind: S/SW 1-2

Diesel: 189 litres, €0.91/l

Mooring: €31

Electricity: Included

Charts

AC2613

AC2135

AC1349