On the quays of the Old Port the village of the Semaine du Nautisme welcomes various and varied stands. But what attracts the general public is the possibility of boarding a boat for a sea trip off La Rochelle. On the Village's Welcome stand, volunteers welcome those who wish to enjoy a free water baptism. To choose, the motor boat, sailing, jet-ski... So I take the opportunity to play the tourist and enjoy a moment at sea with my family. The ideal opportunity to introduce my children to the boat!
The queue is divided in two, on the right for the sail and on the left for the motor boat. Even if my heart is focused on the first one, the hour and a half of waiting will overwhelm my choices.
The boys are directed to the reception to be equipped with vests, which are mandatory to be able to access the boat. Volunteers are welcoming and reassuring, while explaining the benefits of wearing this protection. A sign at the entrance to the wharf reminds us of what to do during the baptisms. Because let us remember that it is private individuals - members of a rochelaise association - who make their boats available, happy to share their pleasure and passion with the public.
We are 6 to join the pontoons of the Old Port, where Nouchka, a Merry Fisher 8 equipped with a 200 HP engine, awaits us. Alain and Monique, the owners (Members of the Association des amis maritimes de La Rochelle) are delighted to welcome us on board. In the cockpit, we put on our vests, large foam rolls lent to the owners by the organization. Not ideal for mobility, but safety is paramount!
We sit in the back seat of the cockpit and get to know each other. Alain joins the cockpit in the wheelhouse and off we go! Passage between the two towers of the Old Port down the channel towards the lighthouse at the end of the world. The bay is crowded, between the various boats dedicated to water baptisms, windsurfing, jet-skis or oars... A short visit from the inside is essential: in front of the cabin, to starboard the toilets and in the wheelhouse a saloon, a co-pilot bench on the port side, the cockpit on the starboard side and the galley after that.
We then pass in front of the lighthouse at the end of the world (at the exit of the La Rochelle channel, at the tip of Les Minimes) for a short cruise around La Rochelle. Everyone has given themselves the word, the lake is full of boats of all kinds! I would like to take this opportunity to learn more about our guests. Alain and Monique are passionate about sailing and former sailors, first on monohulls, then on multihulls. They have even completed a 4-year cruise and several Atlantic crossings. Now retired, they have switched to the engine "because of age" and Alain fishes in his Merry Fisher 8.
After a half-hour walk, it's time to turn back. The channel is brought up and the many boats follow one another to reach the pontoons. Then we moor Nushka and the time is already up...
The idea of organizing these sea trips is really well thought out and the public who rush along the quays proves the interest of the concept! The organization is well established, security is assured and volunteers are welcoming. Not to mention the incredible weather, everything was there to spend a great time on the water!
As soon as we landed on the pontoons, another group took our place and here we go again for Alain and Monique! It is not easy to organize sea trips...
