1/8 19
26.8 nm
Sainte Evette is in the perfect place to access the Raz de Seine, because of it’s 24 hrs access. According to reeds almanac, when heading north through the Raz de Seine be there H/W Brest +5 1/2 hrs, so after coffee and croissants, and calculating 1123hrs, we slipped our lines and knowing no wind was forecast for the whole day, motored all the way to Camaret passing through the Raz with ease. A two night stay was planned, so that we could all have a walk around, to stretch our legs after being on the boat so long.
The favourite walk is along the cliff to the beach at pen hat. So Suzanne & I ventured off and enjoyed the views, with the heather flowering and the sun shining.
The heat of the day took it’s toll, so a paddle was called for when we reached the beach.
After the beach, it was up the hill the Les ruined du manor de Saint-Pol-Roux, a few parts of the turrets are left to remind us of the sad story behind it.
Paul-Pierre Roux, called Saint-Pol-Roux born 15 January 1861, quartier de Saint-Henry, Marseille – died 18 October 1940, Brest) was a French Symbolist poet. He wanted a house overlooking the ocean, above the beach, on the road to point de Pen Hir, and transformed it into a manor in the Baroque style. He named it the ‘Manoir de Coecilian’, after his son’s name, or sometimes ‘Manoir des Boultous’. He wrote the poem “Facing the sea, man is closer to God” while in his manoir. He welcomed several artists and writers, notably Louis-Ferdinand Céline, who looked up to him as an ancestor, and even Jean Moulin. During the night of 22 to 23 June 1940, a drunken German soldier invaded the manor, killed the family’s faithful governess, raped Saint-Pol-Roux’s daughter Divine, and seriously injured her in the leg with a revolver bullet. Saint-Pol-Roux miraculously escaped death in the incident, but was later taken to hospital in Brest on October 14, where he died of a broken heart when he heard that the manor had burned down with his unpublished manuscripts inside.
finally ending up at the Menhirs, which are not in the place suggested on the map, but luckily Angela had messaged us earlier to say where they were.
On the last night Escapade decided to anchor just outside the marina, and the next morning when they lifted their anchor, they also lifted a lobster pot which had no bouy attached, it appears to have been lost by one of the local fisherman, they returned it to the marina, I’m not sure if the rightful owner will ever get it back, but you can only try.
3819
Camaret to L’aber Wrack
32.3nm
A quick little journey to L’aber Wrach kept up the progress on the journey home. We only spent one night here then continued on to Roscoff on the 4/8/19. which was 27.2 nm. During both of these journeys we tried to sail but alas the wind was not strong enough, so sadly the engines went one to make sure we arrived before the tide changed.
On 5/08/19 Suzanne’s friend Sarah arrived by bus at the ferry terminal in Roscoff, She arrived onboard and was welcomed to the group with a drink on Shades of Blue.
6/8/19
Roscoff to Treguier
35.1 nm
An early start for Sarah’s first sail, and quite a sail it was as well. we left Roscoff at 0630 hrs motored out to light winds, but noticed the boats ahead had launched their cruising chutes. Lily first, shortly followed by Shades of Blue, as we reached Les Sept lies, the wind had picked up enough to warrant dropping the chutes going through the narrow passage, but with the genoa replacing them we still made good progress especially with the strong currents below us. Arriving at the river for Treguier, a squall made a fast end to a fun sail.
Of course this was all timed for the wednesday night music in Treguier, and in the evening the girls had to have a go at the Breton Shuffle.
8/8/19
Treguier to St Peter’s Port
48.8nm
As with any tidal sailing after the fun in Treguier, another early morning start was called for. Casting off at 0640 hrs, waiting for a little bit of light to motor down the river. When out to sea with the south westerly 13/15 kts wind the chance of using the cruising chute couldn’t be resisted, both Shades of Blue and Lily launched theirs, Shades keeping it flying the whole journey, arriving in record time, Lily dropped her’s for a while when it got a bit gusty, and to make cooking lunch a bit easier, relaunching for the last hour and half.
Not only did we arrive at St Peter’s Port in time for the sill, but Lily even managed to refuel. After 3 days on Guernsey, the girls both flew back to Norwich on the sunday. A least I’ve got a bit of peace and quite now…
Where are we now?
After a challenging sail to Cherbourg 39nm, with the wind directly behind us, and a long sail from Cherbourg to Decamp 80.6nm. Escapade has forged ahead through some serious weather and is well on her way home. Lily and Shades of Blue are in Dieppe, waiting for a weather window for the last two sails home.
What Next?
Well the season isn’t over yet, we are looking forwards to a September in the east coast rivers. As for next year, the thought of leaving the boats in La Roche Bernard sounds appealing, Erik said he wants to eat some tapas!
Or maybe we might turn left at the end of the river Orwell.
Who knows !!!!
Cruising to Brittany 