Boulogne's Fortressed City and Cathedral
EMMA made her maiden voyage across the English Channel in May, visiting Boulogne via Ramsgate in fine weather and fair winds.
“I met up with Simon Sunday night at Woolverstone Marina on the Orwell River. After getting my gear on board and going through the safety procedures we headed for the marina pub/restaurant for a well deserved meal and local bitter. The sun was setting in front of us as we looked over the Orwell River… what a delight!
Fishing boats in Boulogne Harbour
We got underway after an early breakfast of bacon rolls, orange juice and coffee. The weather was still glorious and would remain so through out our passage to Ramsgate and then onto Boulogne. Ramsgate has a lovely scenic seafront; its still an active sea port with a fleet of fishing vessels, maintenance vessels for the offshore wind turbines and a ferry that dominates the harbour as it’s steams in to moor up.
We motored across the Channel and entered the busy port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. The marina is right next to the fishing fleet with the hustle and bustle that accompanies their activity. The old town of Boulogne with its ramparts, cathedral and medieval castle are certainly worth the visit and if you like moule frite or steak frite the choice is vast.
After two nights in Boulogne we headed off early on Thursday to take advantage of tides and currents; on Friday morning we again sailed out early for the same reasons. Off Clacton-on-Sea with raised our cruising chute to take advantage of winds from amidships and sailed quickly towards Felixstowe. The final sail home along the Orwell was pleasant with winds slightly astern of amidships. We were lucky with the weather and the winds and this made for great five days! Thanks Simon.”
Paul, Saffron Walden
The White Cliffs of Dover
