La Citadelle, Dunkerque

Bonjour, Dunkerque! On our maiden voyage on Star Mist, we woke up with the seagulls in Swanwick, England, broad reaching ahead of seven-foot swell and 15- to 25-knot winds to Eastbourne, 11 hours east.

Everything was new to us. But with a warm sun, despite the swell, we enjoyed the downhill sailing. Ecstatic fans cheering on England in the Euro Cup squeezed us into the bar en route to victory against Serbia. (We needed it!) In every watering hole, fans are riveted by the Euros.

And who is not a fan?

Day 2 brought us through azure skies and gentle waters to Dover. Who knew the English Channel could be so relaxed? Well, until our halyard snapped and our mainsail tumbled down like a waterfall! What to do? Sail on with the genoa?

Watching the weather forecast for later this week, and despite the need for repairs, we jumped into a calm weather window to cross the English Channel today.

Negotiating our way through the busy tankers requires nerves, but ships like 300-meter, Liberian-flagged LNG tanker Kool Boreas politely waved us through after we radioed. Tomorrow to Nieupoort to try to get our halyard replaced, but tonight it’s pastis and relief to have reached the Continent! After all, the definition of “cruising” is repairing your boat in exotic places!🤣🤣🍾🥂⚓️❤️