St. Vaast

Upon returning from Paris, we spent a day relaxing and re-provisioning the boat. There is a good grocery store a short walk from the marina. As I sat in the cockpit in the morning with my coffee and looked around, for a moment I thought I was going crazy. Across the dock was a power post, and another further down the dock. I knew they were not there when we checked in. I pointed them out to Alan "you're right" and he headed out to talk to the boat across the dock. "Yes they work. They were installed a couple of days ago" while we were in Paris. While not essential, it was a nice surprise as it meant we had hot water without running the engine.


All organized, we set off the next morning as the current turned in our favour. Another gorgeous day, and another motorboat ride into the prevailing wind. This would be our longest trip in a while of 50 miles. It was important to time it correctly as St.Vaast is a tidal harbour that will only permit entrance at close to high tide. Even with planning and due diligence it is always nerve wracking to enter a harbour for the first time. Once inside I often wonder what the problem was. As we approached, there were a number of boats headed in the opposite direction. The tide had let them out to play. We speculated about what a club racing  schedule would look like. Certainly it couldn't be as simple as every Wednesday evening. Visitors pontoons are usually clearly marked here. They often specify which docks can be used by which length of boat. We easily found a spot and tied up to relax. The harbourmaster would not be in until the next morning to check in.



We woke up to another sunny but cool day. It was great for exploring. Of course, the first stop was the boat yard to see what kind of boats "live" here.


Walking through the rental dinghies brought us to a barbeque and spit set up to sell chicken and ribs.


 It looked tasty but it was early for lunch and definitely pricey. Being Sunday many of the shops that did not cater to tourists were closed, but enough was open to keep us occupied as we wandered through the older part of this small town. One fascinating shop was set up like an old time general store. Obviously for tourists but fun just the same. Outside there was an old but restored car. The name of the store will be familiar to Montreal sailors.

Inside was everything you could want for your home. Food, sweets, cleaning product, and many knick knack you just have to have. :)




As we headed to the waterfront we came to a boat yard that specialized in restoring traditional boats.


As with all French cities there were war memorials dedicated to local sons lost in battle. There is a tiny church in the background that would seat maybe a dozen parishioners.


One of the major attractions of this area is Ile Tatahou. With a fort and maritime museum. It is reached by an amphibious bus so the trips can be at all states of tide. Unfortunately there were enough tourists in the are that there was not a convenient reservation to be had. Instead, we chose to walk out to another fort along the causeway.


The trail takes you around the outside of the fort with a view of the fortifications and the dried moat.

A few couples discovered that this was not a good place for strollers.

As we headed back to the boat, it was definitely low tide. This is what the entrance to the harbour looks like.


The water is held in the marina by lock type gates.