it had been decided to have two more stops before entering Paris.
Paris was to be one of the highlights of the trip, Mike has always wanted to sail his own boat along the Seine, past the famous landmarks and underneath the stunning bridges. Our arrival should be such that we weren't to be stressed or hurried, this meant two more stops on the way.
At this stage we are using the Cruising Association guide and their App 'Captains Mate'. This gives us information as to where to moor, facilities and other tips such as depths and things to look out for which may affect our sailing.
Captains Mate is updated by other sailors who are travelling the route, and is therefore much more up to date than the river maps ,which went out of publication some years ago. I am really trying to update the locations we stop at as we pass through as it is so helpful to have this information when we travel.
This stop was such an occasion!
It was reported to be a good pontoon with access to water and electricity. Many of the communities along the way provide these fluvial halts, and charge limited fees for varying facilities. Some have water and electricity, some have also a laundry facility and bathrooms, some just a pontoon. The fees vary from nothing at all, to .... not very much!
We had planned an early start, but awoke to thick fog!!
There was not going to be any value in us setting off in this fog as this part of the river is still used by many commercial boats and we didn't fancy being mowed down. Sprocket and I walked along the river and Mike went in search of a boulangerie, his favourite task.
By now the fog had begun to lift, and Mike was happy with his AIS functionality , so we set off into the haze.
Automatic Identification System
Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a widely used technology in the maritime industry that enables ships to transmit and receive vital information about their identity, position, speed, and course. This system plays a crucial role in enhancing maritime safety and efficiency by allowing vessels to track each other's movements in real-time, thereby reducing the risk of collisions and improving navigation accuracy.
Implemented as a mandatory requirement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), AIS has become an integral part of modern maritime operations. It operates through VHF radio frequencies and provides continuous updates on ship positions, enabling maritime authorities, port operators, and other vessels to monitor and manage traffic effectively. By sharing essential data such as vessel type, dimensions, and destination, AIS helps in preventing accidents and facilitating search and rescue operations in case of emergencies.
Furthermore, AIS technology has evolved to offer advanced functionalities such as integration with radar systems, satellite communication, and automatic collision avoidance. This integration enhances situational awareness for ship operators and allows for more efficient route planning and traffic management. Additionally, AIS data is often used for maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, and maritime domain awareness, contributing to overall maritime security and protection of marine resources.
It was a lovely sail up a backwater from the Seine, passing many little plots of land on an island which had buildings within the plots - some mere sheds and others architect-designed structures. All of them needed access to the water to get to and from, as there were no other means of access. Along the opposite bank, which had land access, there were some very grand houses and a very 'well-to-do' feel about the location.
This abruptly changed as we approached our mooring location. It was in a park frequented by rough sleepers and alcoholics, and there was a large tree underneath the pontoon, whose water and electricity points had obviously not been functioning for some time. There was no possibility of us using this pontoon for the night, however it was also too late to press on to the next stop.
We managed to moor up a few metres further up from the pontoon, though we had by now run aground, not that this is anything to disturb Captain Grumpy as he is used to this occurrence!
Mike had a wander around town, definitely the less salubrious part, and I walked the towpath towards the nice mansions.
Dinner was onboard , it was getting decidedly chillier and there was rain in the forecast.
It was difficult to ignore the bodies who had slept in the park overnight, one of whom appeared to have absolutely nothing with him, and it really was rather chilly. I was about to offer him a cup of tea, but the Red Cross appeared and there was quite a gathering.
We said 'goodbye' to Meulan and its many fallen trees and headed out to the main traffic route of the Seine. The current was strong, and our destination was chosen before the final approach to Paris tomorrow.
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