Morning of the 26th of June: it's time for Hulda to leave Brest and to head for Belle-Ile, the biggest breton island located southern Brittany, that Hulda will reach the next morning at dawn. Its name literally means "Lovely Island", a statement that the Hulda crew, discovering these ragged costs under the golden light of the rising sun, will not refute.








Captain Korhan's plan is simple: to moor the boat in the charming little port of Palais,  dominated by a citadel whose construction had started in 1550 and later on modified by the famous military architect Vauban in the 17th century.


The Port of Palais


The Citadel Vauban

But things are never easy which such a big boat as Hulda, and the Hulda crew, alerted by the port authorities that Hulda doesn't fit in, quickly has to turn around.


Port authorities in action.


Korhan manoeuvring.


Exit!


The port is too small for Hulda? So be it! She will moor offshore. The occasion to drop the anchor for the first time since the beginning of her long journey. But as I told you before, things are never as easy as they look. And to drop Hulda's one tone anchor, well, it's not a piece of fish cake (yummie I wish it was!). Of course, everybody is ready to immortalize this historical moment.




1...


2...


3... Are you all ready?



Splash!!! Me who were trying to get as close as possible to the scene, to see better, I got all wet!


Once the anchor is in the water, you still have to sent it down at the bottom of the sea...


Korhan and Lin manipulating the machine that unrolls the heavy chain holding the anchor.

... and to lift this strange sign to indicate to other boats that Hulda is anchored and therefore stationary.



No Tobias, this is not some kind of funny masks...







The crew has now some hours ahead to explore further the city and the citadel...


(Photo: Martin Csatlos)


(Photo: Martin Csatlos)

... to take unforgettable pictures that will undoubtedly make a hit with future grandchildren...


(Photo: Martin Csatlos)

... to discover the beauties of local nature...


A gorgeous young lady that I've met in Belle-Ile


A jellyfish swimming around. I'm not very partial to them (it's like chewing a plastic ball), but I cannot deny that it had a quite fascinating appearance.

... to try to find out the origin of a new leak (there are always new leaks waiting to be fixed on ancient vessels, this is fact)




Finally comes the moment to lift the anchor (which requires strenghts, efforts and skills)...









... and to set the course towards Ile de Ré, next stop of Hulda....

Kaowkaow!






Mission accomplished!