Breskens
To Breskens: delay...
but a humpback whale!
Thursday evening, court martial on Elise. Everything is ready to accompany a family from France on Saturday for a two-day charter to Breskens. Been following the weather reports with suspicion for the past few days… A zone of high winds lingers over the weekend. Just under 6 beaufort, a weather that experienced sailors do not shy away from, but with a family that has never gone to sea before?
We tie the knot: propose a postponement! In our best French, we explain the problem and discuss the choice: adjourn or go to Breskens in bad weather anyway. In passing, we mention – it was on the news – that in exchange they might be able to spot a humpback whale patrolling off the coast of Cadzand. Immediately we set a new date, not waiting too long, because procrastination breeds procrastination.
A week later, the family arrives! Packed for a trip around the world, with an incredible supply of fine bites, custom wines and even kitchen appliances….
Things click immediately, we have a congenial group that wants nothing more than to enjoy the experience. Miraculously, they are able to embark in record time and just before 11am we cast off.
It is a flat sea with a lovely westerly breeze, at 13h00 we pass Zeebrugges. The snacks and aperitifs come up. On such a calm course on a flat sea – with a trained party – we make an exception to the alcohol policy.
Just past Cadzand, Hans remarks: “I see a fish and it’s a big one…” darn the humpback whale! Everyone excited as we see the mighty animal tumble some 30 metres off the bow! The Frenchwoman has the presence of mind to film, even though the whale has moved on a long way by now.
The rest of the trip is about nothing but that unique experience and the detail that we kept our promise.
At 5pm we dock in Breskens, just in time for… another aperitif!
Reservations were made at a cosy restaurant 10 minutes’ walk from the port. Some oysters, a fish dish and dessert, nothing should be missing for these bon vivants! Back on board for a little after-dinner chat with…
The next morning – after the sumptuous French breakfast – we set off at 10.40 am for the return trip. This time virtually no wind and what there is – west – on the nose, a motor trip in other words.
Unfortunately, our whale is not on the appointment. At 2pm we are at Zeebrugge, time to… unfurl the sails, so that we are 8 knots sailing into Ostend.
This French family will often reminisce about the two-day sailing trip with Elise and those 2 Belgians who provided the promised humpback whale.
Our guests enjoy the lock manoeuvre.