Day 16 France 13th November 2021

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

This morning we back tracked along the peaceful canals of Sensee and turned onto the canal Du Nord so we could avoid the algae bloom up steam on the Sensee

We were making great progress until we came to our first canal of the Nord. We noticed two dozen cargo vessels tied to the banks of the canal. When we switched Chanel on the VHF radio it was chaos.

The afternoon shift lock keeper had missed his shift and a replacement had just been found, the lock had technical CCTV issues, and the lock upstream was also backed up.

We informed the lock keeper of our readiness to transit the lock, we were informed there would be a delay so tied to the canal bank and took a stroll along the canal.

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games and doing puzzles. I took the opportunity to do some work, pay bills and reply to emails, while Emilie kept a close ear on the VHF so we didn’t miss our spot in the que.

This evening we are still secured to the bank of the canal. We have been informed that we will be in the 0930 lock tomorrow so we can continue down the Norde to Paris.

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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.

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