The process of finding and buying a French boat.
It all began with an idea. Maybe some inland cruising would be fun. And we might really enjoy stress-free sailing after years of ocean passage-making. This France-based “Peniche” appeared to be the answer. But NOT SO FAST ……
First, to buy a French vessel, the law says it has to be perfect, with rigorous government-ordered inspections. Two years later they are still attempting to make it so! See next adventure section for what it takes to rebuild a 100-year-old boat, and watch the movie below.
The repair of a 100-year-old boat.
They say that if you fall off your boat in a French canal-—don’t panic. Just stand up!
The water is protected and shallow, so why are there such strict controls over boat inspections? Maybe because they’re French ?—
Regardless, We think it is better to have a new old boat than have a old new boat- and glad we now have the former rather than the latter.