Cherbourg June 24
Cherbourg Solstice | 20 - 23 Jun 24
Cherbourgers 2024 - Bands and Bromptons
I was one of nine from Castle Cove who crossed to Cherbourg on June 20th 2024 in three boats - Boni (Nicky and Bob Footer), Quetzal (Nigel Jaggard, Pat Betteridge and I), and Edelweiss (Rob Murley, Pippa and Clive Fowler and Paul 'Baldrick' Cherry). Not forgetting a new record cargo of 4 Brompton bikes between us! Sadly Nick B and family had to pull out at the last minute - passport problems. We arrived around 1715 BST (started about 0515 BST). Nicky and Bob following (they had left a little later). We sailed all the way apart from engine assistance for the last part. On arrival Quetzal's crew had a very pleasant drink or 2 in a sunny square (Place de la Fontaine).
On Friday (21st) there was a mass bike ride - all 4 Bromptons plus several hired electric bikes. We headed west to the end of the (very long and interesting) Cherbourg Harbour and beyond. Some of us visited the old Cherbourg Maritime Hospital on the way back. Vast, fascinating, but now more or less deserted.
That evening was the Cherbourg Solstice music festival throughout the town. The acts varied from not very good to very good. They included a deafening massed drum band (very good though). There was a punk band with an unrepeatable name (beginning with C) - but great! A band with the audacity (or courage?) to play Beatles songs rather badly (with a French accent and slightly out of tune). But good for them(?) I personally became mesmerised by the playing of one Jimmy Bernard who I thought was seriously excellent (see photo - he's on the left). There were masses of very tasty long sausages (or saucisses!). The rain held off until the very end.
Saturday was a more relaxed day.. Edelweiss fixed their genoa furling gear. Others went shopping or watched football. That evening we all went to a restaurant called Pantagruel and had a really good evening.
There was little or no wind on the trip back to Weymouth on Sunday although we were helped by the genoa in the last quarter. Boni continued their cruise down the west side of the Cherbourg peninsula. We both (Edelweiss and Quetzal) arrived in good time for the 6 o'clock bridge. I rang Border Force as requested - "same crew that you left with? Any excess alcohol and cigarettes? No? Ok. Goodbye". Never asked who I was or my boat's name!
A great trip. Thanks to everyone - and Monica and Nick.
Penmanship: Guy Dickenson (Quetzal)
Pics & videos: Guy Dickenson, Clive Fowler, Paul Cherry