Dufour 34 Performance (2006)

Hello,

High-sea cruising sailboat, "Bar à Ô" is a Dufour 34 (over 10 meters long) maintained in top condition, as it takes part in races and regattas constantly in La Rochelle as well as regular family cruises to Portugal(2027), Spain(2025), Cornwall(2021), Ireland(2024), Scotland(2023), Madeira(2026), The Canaries(2017), the Cape Verde archipelago(2018), the Caribbean(2019), the Azores archipelago(2025), etc.

It is suitable for family outings or with friends.
It is well suited for welcoming young children: hot water, heating, toilet, and a deep and secure cockpit.


It is available for day trips.
The La Rochelle waterway is one of the richest in France: Ré Island, Oléron, for day trips, anchorages at Saumonards, Aix Island, or in Fier d'Ars, upstream of the Charente to Rochefort.


THE BOAT ALWAYS SAILS IN CO-NAVIGATION. WHICH MEANS I AM ALWAYS ON BOARD.

To fully enjoy your stay on Bar À Ô:

Transport of your belongings:
Prefer sports bags to suitcases or wheeled bags that are difficult to store in the somewhat limited space of a sailboat.

Clothing:
It is always colder at sea than on land. Even for a short outing in good weather, bring a thick sweater, pants, a windbreaker, and light-soled shoes.
(Indeed, one never walks barefoot while sailing). Complement with a set like a "Kway".

There are sailing gloves on board.

Hygiene:
There are toilets on board that offer the same comfort as at home.

Health:
Have sunscreen with SPF 50 even in winter!
After 60 years of sailing, I know that only cinnarizine (75mg) is effective against seasickness (commercially known as "Stugeron" sold over the counter in Belgium and Spain).
A pair of sunglasses is essential in summer and winter. If possible, get a strap to put on the arms to avoid losing your glasses in the water when you lean over.
If you have back problems, do not forget your support belt.
Hats protect the eyes, but their lifespan in the wind is short if they are not secured by a chin strap!
There is a basic pharmacy on board (minor cuts, common analgesics, basic antipyretics, and greasy gauze for burns).

Food:
If you are not used to the sea, prefer easily digestible foods: cooked ham, fresh bread, cookies, mashed potatoes, bananas, tea, candies

Do not worry about drinks: the water on board is drinkable.
There are salt, spices, oil, vinegar, a little freeze-dried coffee, and powdered sugar on board.

Avoid greasy and/or hard-to-digest foods: butter cakes, pastries, chocolate bars, pitches, and in general, industrial pastries, fresh fish, Belgian chocolates, sausages, pate, tripe, apples, etc.

Think about butter, vegetables for salads, and stock up on foods you like, it will be more enjoyable for you. Personally, I enjoy eating everything.

Phone and internet connections:
GSM phone networks do not work at sea. Inform your acquaintances that you can only communicate with them in the evening. Store your phone and never put it in a pocket. It is the safest way to prevent it from falling into the water when you maneuver!

Various:
The boat is non-smoking.

Maneuvers:
The sea is a challenging, humid, and cold environment... but how charming it is, which all sailors love.
Sailing is demanding, often excluding idleness in favor of individual and collective effort.

I will always be happy to explain all the maneuvers of the boat from the simplest to the most complicated, and let you carry them out.
Never hesitate to ask me for explanations about the boat, its equipment, its operation, etc.

Get involved in driving Bar À Ô, it will be one of the pleasures of your stay on board. The more you practice, the more you will be able to do things autonomously.

However, never attempt a maneuver that you do not know. Ask me, I will explain it to you with joy.

There are two constraints on board:
The elements that dictate our routes and schedules (Tides, winds and waves, coastlines, etc.)
The safety instructions that are non-negotiable!

Itineraries and stops:
We will see this on the day of departure based on available weather forecasts, your knowledge of sailing, and your desires.
The richness of the La Rochelle basin has always been satisfactory.
However, do not hesitate to let me know your "ideal" wishes right away.

I will answer all your questions via THIS WEBSITE and then, after mutual rental agreement through my internet account and especially by phone.