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The Gathering of Douarnenez 96, a celebration of boats, a celebration of sailors
The port excitedly awaits the colourfull arrivals
These great moments are also available in print between 17 and 20 July.
Perching on the top of a mast at 82 years old !!!
How about that, 82 and at the top of big mast. André de Rocklinge
still laughs about it. With his cheaky grin, shaggy beard, and a hair-style
from hell, this man looks slightly out of place when you take a look at his
bermuda shorts and his deck shoes. We forgive him, however, for everything.
70 years ago, he made his first crossing on the Lehmkuhl  as an apprentice.Since then, the three large Norwegian sails have not left his side. "I simply
cannot be kept away from the ocean. I need this dream."
Being deprived of the air of the open sea would be absolutely suffocating.
It doesn't matter if bitter, long winter mornings in the misty North cause
the boat to keel, the sea gives you back your youth. He only needs to step
onto the deck, and he is a young sailor all over again.
Glancing at the port, white or red, the sails keep everything hidden.
From the heavy stems of sardine fishing boats to the elegant outlines of
schooners, it is true that everything that sails past has tasted the sea.
"It's an incredibility really, and when I think that the festival is going
to continue over there in Douarnenez, well.....". Travelling at five knots, the boat sails comfortably along, sails akimbo.
In a few minutes the Lehmkuhl will be crossing the "tas de pois" closing
Brest's harbour.
The sun begins to heat up on the bridge. Above our heads, the sea sways
in the yard. A song begins among the top-sails : "Car faut pas tomber du
mat d'artimon."
Whether a beginner or a professional everyone here goes to sea for the
sheer pleasure of it, taking in their stride the two extremes : raging storms
or burning Breton sun! People are spotted sleeping in hamacs on the bridge."As I used to do." |
AND they're on their way!!!
| More than 2000 boats left Brest and reached Douarnenez in perfect time. |  |
| With its' three norwegian masts, The Lehmkuhl plays host every year to young
people interested in sailing, who hoister the sails and sleep in hamacs. |  |
| The wind and sun followed the sailors all the way to the old port of
Douarnenez from Brest. |  |
| Heavy stems or elegant outlines : every type of sailing boat participated
in the trip from Brest to Douarnenez. The sails are hoisted - Britanny
rejoices. |  |
| Between Brest and Douarnenez, an old sailing boat prepares itself after
Lehmkuhl for the trip to Douarnenez. |  |
| With its' three, square norwegian masts, the Christian Radich arrives in
Douarnenez in full sail to continue the celebration of the old sailing boats. |  |
| A chinese junk, called La Dame de Canton sits under the breton sun. This
boat originates in China, but today she resides along the Seine, acting as
restaurant and concert hall. |  |
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