From Jersey in the Channel Islands we cross to Brittany, a nice long day of sailing with a late arrival. By evening, we sail into the beautiful estuary at sunset to Lezardieux where there is a small marina. The next day starts with fresh croissants from the bakery and then we sail a short distance to the fairytale Ile de Brehat to anchor. Here we go ashore for a stunning walk. Ile de Brehat is a unique car-free island with beautiful flowers and exotic plants. Due to the warm Gulf Stream, palm trees even grow here.
The decline (difference between low and high tide) is huge here. This is one of the charms of boating in this area, strong tidal currents and a large decline of up to 9 metres with spring tides. ‘Not for the faint hearted’ as the British nicely put it. Due to the large tidal range (decline), the landscape changes constantly and, with the many unusual rock formations, it is a beautiful sight. Since most ports are falling dry, we have to calculate well with the tide.
We also call at some very atmospheric medieval ports such as Paimpol and Trequier. Via pretty estuaries (called Abers here), we hop further along the coast around Cape Finisterre, to the picturesque little port of Camaret sur Mer. Apart from a beautiful beach, there is also a ship graveyard here where old discarded wooden fishing cutters lie slowly decaying. We finish in Brest where we go out for dinner on the last evening.
Daily distances vary between 8 and 30 miles. The above schedule depends on weather, wind and tide, we will deviate from it if necessary.
Category B/C: Combination of longer sailing days and also shorter day distances with time for sightseeing.
