At Laast.....St. Vaast!

For you geographers: from Amsterdam we sailed to Schreveningen; then Ostende  in Belgium; and into France at Dunkirk, Boulogne, Dieppe, Fecamp; and today (18 July) we were going to Deauville: but the favorable and rare Easterly wind easily persuaded us to ride it some 50 miles further westward to St Vaast.

Dunkirk, now that was a happy stop! At the Yacht Club Marina we were greeted by Isabelle, the harbourmaster, and her helper Penny. They were waiting to take our lines on the visitors’ pontoon. Later they were literally running around the docks to help other visiting boats. Then, at check in, we were greeted by a happy sign: “Order here for delivery tomorrow morning your fresh baguettes and croissants!”  Now it must be said that ashore Dunkirk is no Harlingen: but the warm greeting made up for the lack of charm.

Dieppe is one of our favorites, because it is an efficient “all states of the tide” harbour, with a helper on the dock to tell you where to go and to take your lines: and the marina sits in the old harbour surrounded by a charming town scene with restaurants, bakers, butchers, greengrocers and typical French cafés.  And the small supermarket is only a couple hundred yards away.

From Dieppe a quick four hours away westward is Fecamp:  but no help there to find a spot or to tie your lines: and though we had a super lunch at La Matelotte (“The Lady Sailor” - had to take Nancy there!) we found the town otherwise to be unappealing.

So here we are in St Vaast, our favorite French port so far.  Here’s why:

 On the way downwind to St. Vaast:  main and jib at wind angle 145.

We arrived in good time to celebrate Nancy "Bedhead"'s birthday!  Thanks to Zahava at Hideaway for the ideas and the wrapping!

Don't want that fishing boat falling over into the mud, do we?

But here is something falling down a throat: a tasty plump Number Two Royal oyster!

The Bike rides in St. Vaast take you along the seaside, but also into the countryside.

Aha! What have we here?  An expert seamstress repairs some stitching on our Cutter Staysail. Great work, Nancy!

Sunday morning tradition in Normandy: the farmers come into town and set up wood-burning racks and barbecue chickens, lamb and pork.  What a treat!

St Vaast has everything, including an active fishing fleet and a pretty harbour front....

...and even dresses up the town and the spotless marina with joyous flowers.

Adventuress in a lovely spot on B pontoon.

Best to all,
Nancy and John