The Bay of Biscay or The Gospel 2024
The vineyard is ready, the provisioning done, the boat in order. We're waiting for the start of the Transgascogne 'La Barquera' (Pornichet - Gijon). The weather window is not favourable, but we have to set off. March is wet, and the sea has already formed.
On our Muscadet, a 6.40 m cruising sailboat, a real corker despite its size, we know that it's going to Sec. Juliette and I look at each other, a little frightened; what will we Réserve this new vintage, this new crossing? We've seen others, it's true, in the Sea of CHine, in the Gulf of Bohai!
The first few nights put us right in the mood, and the sailing is tough, with one treatment and reefing after another. Why do the most difficult watches always fall on weekends? There's no autopilot on a Muscadet, everything's at the helm, and the team takes turns, determined. April, May and June are wet, making for a complicated flowering period, and coulure is just around the corner. Team spirit enabled us to stay the course, and for the moment there was no damage from mildew. The weather calmed down, July was cool and the sea became gentler. 10 knots with the boat wasn't bad, but we were drying out! August brings anticyclonic conditions favorable to agricultural tanning.
We start dreaming of a podium finish in our category? As we approach San Vicente de la Barquera, the squalls return, and we have to adjust our course. We're through, and our position is maintained! Exhausted but smiling, we arrive! It's been a colorful crossing, with lots to talk about, and lots to enjoy!
Let's set off again!
Harvest dates: September 18 to October 02, 2024
