Sat, 29 May 2010, Ouistreham

Almost a week was needed to prepare Ecotroll before sailing in waves. Supported by friends captains of tug boats or pilots in Le Havre, transition from rivers to open ocean went in the best conditions: thank you Cédric, Marc, Quentin, Alice and Vincent! When leaving the harbour this morning, a good facing wind was already making some waves, perfect to check if everything was ready and correctly packed. Ecotroll is now at Ouistreham, waiting for winds pushing us... The weather station is now running, you can follow our track here.

Posted May 2010 29 at 23:40 [en - fr]

Thu, 27 May 2010, Cerf-volant

First trip at sea Tuesday afternoon, to try the 60 m2 kite from Omega Sails, with its designer Vincent Leblond. Happy results!

Posted May 2010 27 at 00:48 [en - fr]

Mon, 24 May 2010, Le Havre

Ecotroll met tides in Rouen! When leaving the town yesterday, our boat was looking pretty small along the Belem or the Jeanne d'Arc... Sometimes going at more 18 km per hour with the current, sometimes following at low speed the last curves of the river Seine, Ecotroll met again salty water last night. Few days stop at Le Havre to get ready before sailing offshore.

Posted May 2010 24 at 16:56 [en - fr]

Sat, 22 May 2010, Port de l'Ilon

Nice green place, at 120 km from Paris following the long turns of the river Seine... It is here that Vagabond was built, in the 70's.

Posted May 2010 22 at 03:10 [en - fr]

Thu, 13 May 2010, Port de plaisance de Paris-Arsenal

Ecotroll entered Paris yesterday evening, she was welcomed at Paris-Arsenal harbour, near Bastille. Coming to the capital by the river Seine is giving an unusual view on the built-up area! In the harbour until 20th May, before sailing further to Le Havre, it is time to check equipment on board after a major water entry, on 11th night. Time to get ready to sail offshore... A presentation and a press conference, by Ecotroll's team, will be organized on 18th May at 19:00.

Posted May 2010 13 at 14:51 [en - fr]

Tue, 11 May 2010, Saint-Mammès

At Saint-Mammès, Ecotroll left the canal du Loing to meet river Seine, her barges and her stream. Since river Saône, we did more than 400 km of canal, and 150 locks! Wednesday, we will arrive in Paris, where we will stay for 8 days.

Posted May 2010 11 at 00:56 [en - fr]

Fri, 07 May 2010, VNF

See the map of Voies Navigables de France

Posted May 2010 07 at 23:36 [en - fr]

Fri, 07 May 2010, Châtillon

From Châtillon-sur-Loire to Châtillon-Coligny, Ecotroll flew above the river Loire thanks to the beautiful Briare's aqueduct. We left behind the canal latéral à la Loire, we are now following the canal de Briare to reach the river Seine in a few days.

Posted May 2010 07 at 23:11 [en - fr]

Wed, 05 May 2010, Saint-Satur (Sancerre)

Long sailing days, yesterday and today, under the rain... Countryside is very green! A bit less than forty kilometres have been done with diesel engines during these two days, because no sun, no electricity to charge batteries.

For France's birthday last night, Céline was the unexpected guest! Candles, wood fire, champagne and cake!

Posted May 2010 05 at 23:23 [en - fr]

Mon, 03 May 2010, Beaulon

Ecotroll left canal du Centre, then crossed the river Loire to reach canal latéral à la Loire. Tonight, we are in the country side, not far from the little village of Beaulon (Auvergne).

Posted May 2010 03 at 22:26 [en - fr]

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