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Last day of the trip between Amsterdam and Cancale (Brittany) aboard the bisquine "La Cancalaise".
After two days in Cherbourg, we finally could leave for the last part of the trip.
In this area of the Channel (top of the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy), the Channel width is reduced between France and England, creating high water currents, famous among sailors.

At the north-west point of Cotentin, particularly, waters get caught between French coast and British Channel Island (mostly Alderney). When wind and currents are in opposition direction, it creates impressive waves, and there is no need trying to go through this passage (called "Raz Blanchard") when weather conditions or water current are not favorable. Thus, the "Cap de la Hague" is known as the Little Cape Horn in this area! :^)

Since the wind was against us, the departure from Cherbourg was carefully calculated to arrive in the Raz Blanchard when the current (and the waves!) is lower. Thus, we went through without too much problem, but still the lean of the boat and the waves entering the deck were quite impressive. Everybody was all geared up, and we all had safety jacket and a harness to tie us to the boat.

The picture was taken with a disposable camera, which can explain the lack of sharpness.

MiguelP, mlopes, kdien, efigesta, mortijo, perryhooter has marked this note useful

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Additional Photos by Sophie Lo (SophieL) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1096 W: 219 N: 1258] (6038)
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