Day 13 Belgium into France 10th November 2021

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

What a chilly morning it was this morning! It was so cold last night we left the diesel heater running. In the morning the thermometer outside read -2*C and the mooring lines were frozen stiff. The trusty Perkins engine didn’t miss a beat when we started it up and motored slowly out of Peruwelz yacht haven.

We motored down steam to Peronnes lock, dropped 10m and then turned briefly to the north to collect fuel and water. It is amazing how much more simple life becomes when locks are emptying out as opposed to filling at the rate of knots.

At Peronnes we took on 117L of diesel to fill up the tank, and a full tank of water. We then started motoring up stream (yes going up hill again) towards France

The sun came out and the kids joined us on deck, making a pretend aeroplane and I was the pilot!

Just after midday we crossed the boarder into France. This presented a slight problem because the VNF pass for France that we were meant to complete online was not working. We proceeded to our first French lock Ecluse De Fresnes where the lock keeper was very helpful and gave us a temporary pass until we could reach an official VNF office.

After passing two more locks and rising up another 20m we reached Port De Plaisance Valescaut. This is our first paid yacht haven of the trip so we took full advantages of washing machines, water and 240V power.

Discover more from SALUS MARITIME

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Published by Richard Hewson

Richard Hewson is a Tasmania-based ships captain, marine surveyor, and experienced sailor with a lifelong connection to the sea. With experience in project management and vessel commissioning, he has operated and raced a wide range of vessels—from dinghies and Maxi yachts to tankers, icebreakers and research vessels. Richard has competed in major offshore events including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet, Middle Sea, and Transatlantic races including the Mini Transat. In 2012, he skippered the winning yacht in the Clipper Round the World Race. He has sailed to every continent and explored all corners of the world from Antarctica to south pacific atols and recently completed a three-year family voyage from the Netherlands to Tasmania. Richard holds a Master Class 1 (unrestricted), RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Engineering (1200kw) and commercial diving certifications, and is an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor. He is also affiliated with the Australasian Institutes of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about all things that float.

3 thoughts on “Day 13 Belgium into France 10th November 2021”

  1. Thank you Richard for your daily updates. We love reading them and especially seeing photos of the children. Aren’t they resourceful at finding things to do! I loved today’s one with all the soft animals. Boats are in their blood!
    I am also forwarding them onto Diana and Cathy.
    I do hope you get some warmer sunny days.
    Love Trish

    Like

    Reply

  2. Hi mate, Loving your blogs thank you and living my life on dreams at the moment. Lyn went to London yesterday but I’m not heading to Europe until April. I stuffed up my WordPress log on after I had written a large comment to you. Hence the email! All good in Brisvegas and hope to head to Tasmania in February/ March before the trip back to Europe. Love to meet your family at some stage. Cheers

    John Mclean

    +61 419 861 844

    >

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment