4th July 2019.
Early departure from Camaret heading for the south at last! After passing through the inner rocky passage out to open water, we set course for the Raz de Sein, the gateway to Southern Brittany. This is a narrow stretch of water between the Isle de Sein and the mainland, through which there can be very strong tidal flows and rough water when wind blows against tide. Fortunately, all was quiet today, and we sailed gently through in the sunshine. From there, we set a south easterly course to Point de Penmarch,
where dolphins appear, the temperature rises, and the sun always shines… well ok maybe not always. Today we had a full hour of dolphins sun and warmth. We stopped in Sainte Marine in the Ausi de Benodet which is a quiet little village at the entrance to the river Odet opposite the lively resort of Benodet. All sandy beaches clear blue water and a very attractive river which you can motor up in your boat for 9 miles or so and anchor in complete peace and quiet, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bendodet. This time we stayed in Sainte Marine and feasted off freshly landed Langoustines, a speciality of the area.
Next day a short trip across the bay to Loctudy, which being a fishing port – has a greater choice of fresh fish.
As it was now getting really hot, we decided to head to the Isles Glennon, a small group of islands laying some 10 miles offshore. What can I say about the Glennons? White sand crystal clear water and idyllic anchorages, looks like the Caribbean ( until you jump in the water), and lots and lots of boats….
It is also home to the famous Glennon sailing school, and whole armadas of dinghies, catamarans, wind surfers and all types of watercraft. These hurtle about in all directions – this can be disconcerting when you a feeling your way into the main anchorage with not much water under your keel…
Because of the local sealand breeze patterns, there is usually a cooling breeze out here, and it can get quite uncomfortable at night if the local breeze pipes up. It is a great pleasure to explore by dinghy the shallows and small tropical style islets – truly a test of paradise when the winds are light and the sun is shining.
on the first night Erik got out the BBQ and we had a pleasant evening of great food whilst watching the the sun set.
During the second day with the temperature at 27.c the wind blew from the east, south, west and finally finishing north east at about 14 kts, this caused Escapade’s anchor to drag just before night fall. She got her rudder caught in a mooring bouy, the only way to free her was with the 15 horse power outboard and her tender, which managed to push the bow around 180 degree, untangling the mooring line,this was pretty impressive considering Escapades 46 ft long.
We finally sailed to Port Louis, in preparation for the arrival of Suzanne.
Cruising to Brittany 