Tara casts off for Roscoff



Tara is about to leave Lorient after mooring here for a month. This time was spent taking care of the schooner and doing a multitude of tasks, not urgent, but that will facilitate daily life on board. Among them was the revision of the modified electrical installation which had become a real headache for the sailors.



A layman eyeing the completed "checklist" on the captain's desk would immediately be  impressed by the technical jargon:

- Heller restoration: understand, microphone on bridge

- Replacement of Goïot panels: understand, replace windows

- Reinstall GES: understand, reinstall the spare generator, etc.
 

After this technical work, preparations are made for departure. Everything must be put away or tied down to anticipate wave movements. This is the opportunity to sort things out and make some unexpected finds at the bottom of the hold.


Loïc, Vincent and François, who have each sailed several months on Tara, welcome with a smile the last visitors and the new crew members. Among them is Justine, who will be the  cook until Le Havre. It's a first for this young woman, and she knows how important her role is. Damien, the mechanic, set foot on the "whale" a week ago. Accustomed to fishing vessels, he's getting acquainted with Tara and eager to see her in action.



On the deck are some surprising things: first, a pile of wooden beams on the starboard side. These will provide support for a delicate operation: taking down the schooner's two masts. Because Tara has impressive measurements!  36 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 27-meter masts that can not pass under the bridges of the Seine when we go up river in a couple of weeks, after a 10-day stopover in London (September 17-27).



People following the adventures of the boat will surely notice the absence on board of scientific equipment. So, what is Tara's current mission?



To bear witness. To tell about our world tour, exploring the invisible -- and especially plankton -- fundamental to the equilibrium of the Ocean's ecosystem. The field work was a success and the Tara Oceans adventure is being pursued in laboratories. Researchers and sailors continue the work of diffusing information and public awareness. Our main goal is to offer everyone, young and old, the opportunity to access this knowledge, because it really should concern everyone.



10pm. Loïc gives a briefing in the impressive mess room. Night watches are assigned. The schooner takes to sea towards Roscoff where expedition scientists are waiting for us. 



Laëtitia Maltese