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In the end, it took us very little time to get into the rhythm of the Magdalen Islands. Originally scheduled for 8:30 a.m., our departure was pushed back to 9:30 a.m., then 10:30 a.m., and then 11 a.m. Finally, at 11:21, we cast off, Captain Roger performing a superb maneuver to counter the wind that was pushing us back to port. Boaters and onlookers of all kinds at the marina gave him a round of applause. (In the same vein, I’d also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank myself for the excellent banana muesli everyone enjoyed for breakfast this morning; it was almost as good as my banana custard from three days ago, I’m told).
The reputation of the Gulf archipelago is not overrated… A strong wind churned up the sea as we set sail. Two-metre waves loomed in front of us. The boat pitched and pitched again with a bang. The bow sank into the waves, and they splashed against us. You’d think you were at La Ronde, on a ride that’s a cross between La Pitoune, a pirate ship and bumper cars (yes, I know, I know… but it’s been a long time since I’ve been back to La Ronde…). The situation is such that it sometimes takes three attempts to take a single step forward. The medical team consulted… Even though we were moored, we had to devise a strategy to limit the seasickness. Ginger extracts and Gravol were the order of the day. Lunch is also served early, to keep stomachs full and therefore less prone to you-know-what. It’s a winning formula. Nobody got sick! It has to be said that as the hours went by, the sea gradually became calmer…
Our goal is to reach Summerside Bay on the southwest coast of Prince Edward Island by the end of Monday, a journey of around 180 nautical miles, or just over 330 kilometres. Once again, the young sailors on the Roter Sand have been forced to work in shifts for around thirty hours in order to make continuous progress; dogs, romantics and bears are back in action. Meanwhile, some people take a nap while others work: Jasmin polishes the bell, Jyoti cooks, Alexandre N sweeps the deck, Tomas and Ryan repair the splices.
We sailed without a hitch and for a long time without seeing the coast. We can even see the curvature of the earth. Before we knew it, it was already time for the evening meal. At supper, the older kids sang Renaud’s “Dès que le vent soufflera”. The younger sailors are like fish out of water… (Get it? They’re stunned, like fish out of water… We’re on the sea… The sea, fish… Anyway… Remember that we’re a bit sleep deprived… Thank you for your understanding).