We managed to get the books containing the information we needed on the canal system, especially the height and width of all the bridges on the way though. The narrowest and lowest height bridge (therefore the key one for us) is on the Canal du Midi, and whilst we will be OK on height at the centre of the bridge, the complication comes as this bridge is an arch, and therefore width reduces the higher you are vertically i.e air draft. From the photo below you can see the situation with us having an air draft of around 3 mtrs in sea water, and a wee bit lower in fresh water and we need to consider the width of the wheelhouse at this height.

So that’s it – decision made, it’s through France via the Gironde River, down to Bordeaux, and onwards to join the two canals (Lateral & Midi) to the Med.

We decided to drop the mast here in Royan, and I also decided to remove the navigation light boxes from the sides of the wheelhouse to aid our transit under the bridges. Dropping the mast is straightforward enough, but I needed to ensure that the radar and deck light fitted between the wheelhouse windscreen and the “tabernacle” that the mast sits into. The boatyard guys weren’t interested in helping, but thankfully a couple of French guys on the visitors pontoon gave us assistance, and I was so pleased when we had the mast properly aligned and secured.

Once the mast was secured, a final measurement from the end of the mast to the waterline clarifies we are OK on air height, and I am confident we will be fine – tight under the lowest bridge as above – but fine. Could however be “interesting” when we get there………..

We are now waiting on the right weather forecast to head down the Gironde, which is a seriously big tidal river. With the mast down and no mainsail to steady her, Sun Dog would roll a bit in waves, and I want to avoid any chance of the mast moving. It’s properly tied lashed down, and as we are on holiday it doesn’t really matter too much how long we need to wait on the weather window, as we need to be sure, as it will take us three days to get to the canal entrance.

Our first stop is intended to be at Pouillac, next one at Begles close to Bordeaux, and then down to the first lock at Castets – en- Dorthe.

We are now over 1,000 sea miles since the start of our trip and we have loved almost all of them. Going through the canal system through France will add a further dynamic to the holiday and will be interesting in its own way – hope my calculations are right!

Love to all G n’ S.