Arthur's initial objective was to cross the Atlantic by the north, passing by Iceland and Greenland. The wintering was planned in the French overseas department of St Pierre et Miquelon. Unfortunately, two unforeseen events forced us to revise this project.
A program change on the horizon
Following a severe ankle sprain, our captain is recovering. Regaining normal mobility takes several weeks - months. However, Arthur can't risk in very demanding navigations without each person on board being at his best!
In addition, an oil leakage problem at the propeller shaft forces us to look for a solution to repair, before venturing into areas not conducive to technical alasâeuros¦
Unfortunately, the sailing period is relatively short in the north, so we are missing the window to cross the Atlantic by this route this year. We could choose to go down and take the trade winds route. This is a transatlantic race that we have already done, and that we enjoyed a lot.
However, this is not in our plans. We are therefore looking for a fallback solution for a wintering on board our sailboat on this side of the Atlantic, before trying our luck again next season.
Specifications for an ideal wintering on board
We have many criteria for the ideal wintering site. The search is not easy and we still haven't found the perfect place. Our ideal wintering place answers the following points.
A wintering at the pontoon
We are more used to anchoring in fairgrounds than in ports. However, transfers in dinghy with children are always long, and sometimes dangerous. Moreover, when the wind blows or when it rains, going ashore becomes very constraining. So, imagine the atmosphere on board when we stay cloistered several days in a row with the land nearbyâ?¦
The ideal wintering place has a well-sheltered pontoon.
For a reasonable budget
Who says pontoon, generally says shipping costs. The travel budget not being extensible, the expenses must remain very moderate.
The ideal wintering place is a port that charges reasonable rates, especially in the low season.
A school nearby
Family education is good when traveling. On Arthur, school goes pretty well or at least not too badly. But as much as schooling while sailing makes sense, school on the pontoon is much less fun.
It is also important to consider that the school occupies a good part of the parents' time. This is not negligible.
The ideal wintering place therefore offers a kindergarten and elementary school in the immediate vicinity, or connected by public transport.
In the absence of a school, crews in the same situation
In the absence of an accessible school, for example in case of wintering in a country other than France, being close to other boats sharing the same concerns would be judicious. Organizing the school with two or more families is much less restrictive than alone.
On the other hand, children also need interactions with other children, and other people in general, and adults too!
A construction site nearby
A second phase of work on Arthur was planned from the beginning during the winter period. Many improvement projects are still on the drawing board to do list .
There is also the problem of oil leakage to solve, which means taking the boat out of the water for a while. A good refit would not be too bad either. Our boat is almost 15 meters long and 18-20 tons, so we can't just grind it anywhere.
It is therefore necessary to find a place large enough to put Arthur dry for a few days, and where to carry out work.
A place not too cold and not too far away
Life on a boat in the cold is often more complicated than in the heat. Even in a well insulated boat, condensation and humidity problems make daily life difficult. Moreover, if the heating works well on board, the consumption of diesel during a whole winter is not negligible.
The ideal wintering place is in a temperate area where the thermometer does not go below zero or rarely. It should also allow us to move north easily after the winter.
Enough to supply
A family of 5 people, after all, consumes. We can store a lot of food on Arthur, but we still need to buy fresh products regularly.
The ideal overwintering site should therefore allow for food shopping to be done on foot.
Accessible transportation
While sailing, opportunities to see family and friends are often rare and complicated. Wintering can therefore be a good time to welcome aboard or to return to the family for a few weeks.
The ideal wintering place should therefore be located near means of transportation that allow travel. In France, this means near a train station. Abroad, near an airport or within a bus ride from an airport. With several young children, it is necessary to keep the trips relatively simple to be realistic.
What to work with
Last but not least, as life on land involves countless expenses, the ideal wintering place will allow you to work. This already means a good internet connection and why not professional opportunities.
So, does this ideal wintering place exist? We are working on it and all good ideas are welcome!
