A massive river system that opens into the sea, the Gironde Estuary and River Garonne experience tidal flows of up to 5 knots. The strong currents, in tandem with nearby rocks and sandbars mean that in winds of 20+ knots this becomes a dangerous area and entering/exiting is a no go zone. Entering this waterway […]

Departing the Azores on the 13th June, as trips went this was the gentlest with very little sailing undertaken at all. With a high centred over the Azores, there was either no wind, or a gentle Zephyr upon the nose. A one week sail became two of constant motoring. Excitement???? Some days out, stealthily creeping […]

Midnight tonight, we depart for Pouliac just inside the Gironde Estuary.

As towns go, La Rochelle was a holiday destination for the French, it proved quite expensive, so for those people on a budget it was not a long term port of call.  

After a 12 day sail from Flores, the Azores, we have arrived safely in La Rochelle, France. Click the link below to the page for our travels of 2015. http://www.gratisaustralis.com/?page_id=2676  

With a high probability that the weather would continue in its current form of refusing to perform as predicted, refuelling was a must if we were to arrive in La Rochelle, France, on time to meet with our friends Anne and Cliff. Winds and sea conditions having significantly abated over – night, after the first […]

The Isle of Flowers, the western most island of the Azores, arose out of the grey enshrouding mist. A welcoming haven from the on the nose 25 – 35 knot easterly. The wind strength and sea conditions were such, that the approach to the marina would have been treacherous, so we anchored in the protected […]

Guadeloupe Marina Departure for France took place on the 19th May and what a slow, monotonous sail it was! Seas flat calm upon departure, was the name of the game of that first week. The winds wouldn’t play and light as they were insisted on pushing us ever westward. With a tight time line, Big Bertha was […]

Our departure didn’t go quite as planned. Wind from the NE – practically on the nose: there was no way we intended commencing the journey with winds on the nose and an uncomfortable passage between the islands. Instead, we continued northward under the protection of the islands until day break. Due to the islands making their own weather, […]

Gratis is ready to depart for La Rochelle

The window for departing the Caribbean prior to the incoming Hurricane season becoming ever smaller, Barbados no good, a check of the weather and on to Martinique we headed. Winds light, it was more of an overnight motor than a sail. All one had to do was be aware of sudden wind gusts when travelling […]

Big G is afloat once more. We depart La Marin for La Rochelle tomorrow morning. At this stage, the Azores will wait until our return trip: only a fuel top up if required. The sail will take 3 weeks, give or take – the speed is all up to the weather.   [map style=”width: auto; […]

The parts arrive today. Almost ready to head out to Lamentin in order to collect them. Gratis goes up on the hard tomorrow morning.       Image: Bob at the top of Jacob’s Ladder, St Helena.

Our replacement parts have departed France and should land this arvo – not bad for departing Adelaide last Friday. It looks like we shall depart for France this weekend.

All spots for this year’s Canal Trip have been filled. Don’t worry, for we shall be continuing our exploration of Europe’s canals over the coming years. Next year heading to Germany.

We arrived in Martinique a couple of days ago and have been racing around sorting out various issues.   We are now awaiting for the alternator to arrive from Australia – thank you so much Damian – and Bob is still working on the issue of the cutlass bearing. The remaining spiels and images are gradually […]

We have arrived in Barbados and spent the last few days racing around replenishing supplies, having the laundry done and attempting to find where we can purchase worn parts that must be replaced – to no avail. Tomorrow afternoon, we depart for Martinique – a 1 day sail – where the boat facilities are reputed to be […]

Arrival in Barbados took place just after dawn this morning. Check in at customs at the main port, then around to the anchorage to anchor just off of Bridgetown. With massive liners arriving, one was required to exit ASAP. But for the need to replace the cutlass bearing this stop over would not have been on […]

Departing Saint Helena for Barbados on April 1st, as ocean crossings go, this leg was a breeze! 28 days, a slow average of 5 knots due to extremely light winds: what a change. Where light winds had prevailed on previous legs, slight adjustments had been made to the course in an attempt to keep with the stronger winds […]

Arriving: Ship: RMS St Helena comes to the island once a month and brings with her passengers and the island’s food supplies. This will end with the opening of the airport. Cruising Yacht: Moorings are available, thereby providing security against the anchor dragging in that is deep water and rolling conditions wherein the boat is […]