THE ROUGH AND THE SMOOTH ABOARD VILLANDRY & VALENCAY

They sailed no matter what the weather

By Derek Longly

The Villandry and Valencay proved to be exceptional work horses on the service to Dieppe.  They were tough, reliable, and were never daunted on even the worst days.

On occasion when visiting my parents at Seaford I would watch one or other of them fighting their way across Seaford Bay visible on top of a wave one moment and disappearing into an enormous trough the next.

I was also fortunate in being able to experience sailing on the two several times, Newhaven to Dieppe being my much preferred route across the Channel, and whilst they could not be accused of offering luxury with their fairly spartan and utilitarian fittings, plus the severe vibration aft that affected their cafeterias, they guaranteed a safe and usually on time arrival at either end.

The photos of the two taken on board and at sea depict the pair enjoying typical crossings in weather ranging from deep blue calm to storm force.