In two days’ time we hop on a boat in France to traverse several hundred miles and 87 locks with the owners. The owners are lovely, French and speak not a word of English. We are Australian, lovely (sometimes) and speak the odd French word (no, not swearing . . . I think!).
This will be some ‘test sail’. Once we arrive at our destination the boat will be hauled and surveyed and if all the boxes are ticked we will become the proud owners.
I am all at once terrified (crewing in French!) and excited (great boat and fun canals). Currently I am desperately learning as many French terms as possible and am receiving some great help from friends:
“La right, la left.”
“Le iceberg”
“le Pointy end”
“Merde” (that’ll be useful), plus a few German hints thrown in just to confuse me or them, or perhaps everyone!
At least we know the important words, Je voudrais vin blanc & biere!
Hoping we have internet along the way for pictures and laughs to share with you all. Tally Ho!
Jackie Parry - author 
June 4, 2014 at 1:09 am
I thought that the SSCA had put something on their FB site last year with 5 languages of boaty terms. I can see if I can find it. Buenas suerte!!
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June 4, 2014 at 4:56 am
Thanks for that – we are not doing badly now – just a couple of terms I had to double check, google translate didn’t get it quite right! If you find it though give us a pointer – will try and look myself too 🙂
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June 4, 2014 at 1:35 am
Get a copy of Kathy Parsons’ French fpr Cruisers. I have found her books very very helpful!
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June 4, 2014 at 1:35 am
Wonderful news and great adventure ahead. Bien sur!! Rolande ( that’s French too)
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June 4, 2014 at 4:57 am
Thanks Rolande – bien sur was one of my favourites when we went through the canal in France on Mariah – especially with the officials asking me if I was the captain!!
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June 4, 2014 at 9:06 pm
Wow – a new adventure……Sounds great, but don’t forget the “s’il vous plais” as in “Je voudrais du vin blanc s’il vous plais”. The French can be quite particular about that.
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June 4, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Bien sur! Thanks for the reminder Mike – it is very important – a big grin and courtesy goes a long way doesn’t it? By the by – we love your photo . . . so sad to hear about Vince . . . sounds like SMRA did him proud.
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June 4, 2014 at 9:56 pm
Yes, Vince’s passing was sad. He was not only a great asset to Marine Rescue, but also a wonderful bloke who had time to help anyone that asked. It was good to see so many blue uniforms at the funeral.
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June 4, 2014 at 10:22 pm
That’s nice to hear – we have found memories of time with Vince.
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June 5, 2014 at 5:56 pm
Great news for both of you. Here’s hoping the survey goes well. Oh, and all the locks are passed through without drama. Have fun guys.
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June 5, 2014 at 6:18 pm
Thanks for that Michael – lost of pics to follow as we go (hopefully!)
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