After a wet morning in Fecamp we were pleased to set off in the hope of brighter weather up the coast at St Valery (in the chalk). The short passage was timed to arrive for the 5.30pm and 6.00pm bridge lifts, at HW-1 and HW-1/2. We opted for the latter and cruised close to the cliffs to try and avoid the wash of passing boats. Despite this we were surprised to find four boats whizz past either side of us on a photo shoot. We approached the harbour a little early for the later bridge, but were honoured with our own bridge opening in order to access the marina.

After the final pontoon party of the trip we were joined on-board for a barbeque by Nigel and Rosemary from Nymphea of Newark, as well as Roger and Hellen from Samain.

The following day we were pleased to have a lay day to see some of the sights of St Valery. A stainless steel billboard celebrates the passing of this point by Costes & Bellonte, en route to New York from Paris on the first successful cross-Atlantic flight.

Our visit also coincided with the anniversary of a notable battle in June 1940 when German units converged on the town and surrounded the 9th French army and the 51st Highland Division. A monument on the cliff remembers the loss, and 424 French and British soldiers are buried in the Commonwealth cemetery in the town.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 17 nm

Total to date: 749 nm

Avg Speed: 9 knots

Duration: 1:50 hours

Wind: W 4

Diesel: 50 litres

Mooring: €25

Electricity: Included

Charts

AC2451