2020 Dart To Locmiquelic Via Mylor And Return

On this page

On this page

A straightforward, day to day account of what we have done during the current year's cruise. What we found may help others. I hope that anyone interested in the area will cherry pick rather than trying to read from start to finish.

Our boat is a Hallberg Rassy 34, Anhinga. This year it is crewed by Frank and Jennifer Singleton, Home port is Darthaven, Kingswear opposite Dartmouth

Plans for 2020

Covid 19 was a bad start for most sailors and we are no exception. Added to that, When we finally go down to the boat in early July, our life raft had not been returned following its servicing. Staff were on furlough. Luckily, Manos, i/c the Darthaven Chandlers spun a convincing yarn and, hey presto.

Winds look good to go west to Mylor Harbour, Falmouth on thr 11/12th to see elder son, Ralph and Katy. Winds look good to head for Roscoff on the 17th

Ports of call.

Cawsand anchorage
Mulor
Roscoff
L’Aber Wrac’h
Anse de Bertheaume
Audierne
Loctudy
Locmiquélic
Port le Foret
Audierne
L’Aber Wrac’h
Roscoff
Darthaven

To Cawsand anchorage 11 July, 29 miles.

With the light winds, as expected, this was a motoring job. Pleasant, nonetheless. We arrived at about 2030 to find more boats than we had ever seen there. All fugitives from the virus, no doubt.

To Mylor 12 July, 36 miles.

Another motoring job. Few yachts until we were near Falmouth. The Marina answered our call on Ch 80 promptly. All very friendly and helpful. Grand-daughter Sophie met us on arrival, the rest of the family later.

At Mylor

Our Digital Yachts AIT 1000 had not worked at all on passage – making thoughts of a cross-Channel out of the question. We were not sure whether it was the hardware or the iSailor software. Luckily, BT (Marine) were very helpful, first checking that the DY AIT 1000 was functioning correctly, then finding some wiring faults dating back to our initial installation. It still did not work but deleting and reinstalling the iSailor software did the trick. Daughter Jayne is to join us for the crossing to Roscoff. Her problem is the return to the UK. Brittany Ferries are not taking foot passengers – Covid strikes again. So, train Roscoff to Brest, Flights Brest – Paris – Bristol arriving Sinday 2330, then understanding husband meeting with car. She wants to come and we are more than happy, but what a fandangle.

To Roscoff 16 July, 96 miles.

Fir stood the wind for France. Well, yes, it was, NW 3-5, almost dead astern most of the way. Too light at first, then several hours under boomed out genoa, then spinnaker until it got a little to variable, back to genoa boomed out. Many dolphins. About 25 miles off Roscoff, the domestic battery had got very low so had to motor. The AIS had been very difficult most of the way across with iSailor crashing and had to be re-set up. Finally, we had to use the cell phone for navigation but without the AIS facility. We arrived just before it became dark. Some problems to sort out.

At Roscoff.

Arranged for electrician to visit to check battery. Also Digital Yachts who said the problem was almost certainly the rather ancient Wireless interface with the AIT 1000. They agreed to despatch a new device today. DY were very helpful.

Jayne met the boat opposite only to find they were from Paignton but had kept their boat on a Kingswear berth, just up river from Darthaven. Michael and Betty on a Weatherly Falcon – Falchun apparently, Irish for Falcon.

Our new bit of kit, The Digital Yacht NMEA to WiFi converter, WLN 10 is due to arrive Tuesday, DHL delivering from Bristol, via Leipsig and Nantes!

On Monday morning we took the gratibus to the rather basic Casino supermarket. Our bit of kitt arrived on Monday, early afternoon. Fitting was straightforward, it worked! Full marks to Digital Yachts for good advice, efficient service and a device that works. You can ask no more.

Winds look right to move on the L’Aber wrac’h on Wednesday.

To L’Aber Wrac’h. 22 July. 24 miles

The log was probably under reading. We left Roscoff at 0800 at HW, motored through the Chenal de Batz, then had a broad reach/near run. Probably we should have flown the spinnaker but have come to the conclusion that it is really a three person job in our advancing years – unless really necessary. The boat boys were as helpful as always. Despite the sun, the weather is still remarkably cold for July.

At L’Aber Wrac’h.

We could have moved on but prefer to stay a while in most ports. L’Aber Wrac’h is a favourite in any case with it sailing school activity and the rather wild surroundings – “sauvage” to quote a French lady. The weather did not look too good and it would have been a miserable motor-sail. Winds do not look favourable until Tuesday for the passage through the Chenal du Four. First job was to move to a berth where the owner would be away for a few days. The engine gave that dry sound that suggest that the impeller was not working – although it was. As a precaution, decided to change it as a precaution. Second job was to grease the headsail furling gear. It had seemed rather stiff. Tomorrow we will take the bust to Landeda.

It was our lucky day. First, in the boulangerie, the lady broke on of her tarte au pommes – we were buying two – and gave it to us as a cadeau! Then at the supermarket checkout, we were contemplating a 3 hour wait for the bus back to :’Aber Wraxc’h, when the next customer asked if we were going to the marina, he would take us in his car! A French sailor showing solidarity.

Weather is very mixed. Saturday was wet, Sunday looks better. Forecasts are still good for going south on Tuesday. Tide times are not easy but we will probably anchor over night in Anse de Berteaune and go on to Audi erne on Wednesday. <?

To Anse de Bertaume. 28 July. 26 miles.

Tides were not favourable to go straight to Audierne and not wanting to divert to Camaret, this was a good overnight stop. Winds were expected to be light and rre not quite string enough to sail the whole way. Otherwise, a pleasant passage. We used the buoys in this bay many years ago. They are still free. There are no pick-up lines and the ring on top is very small so it was difficult to hold the buoy on the boatbhook and thread the mooring line. We dropped the line over the buoy but still had a struggle getting our admittedly rather stout lines through. We rolled most of the night – something we did not remember but it most have been over 25 years ago.

To Audi erne 29 July. 28 miles.

We knew this was going to be a boring motoring job although, it was nearly sailable, just annoyingly not quite. A call on Ch 9 coming up harbour got a reply and a berth. There are now red and green bupys all the way up the river. It takes all the excitement out of the approach using stern and bow transits. It is still one of if not our favourite port in France.

At Audierne

Always a pleasant place to be. The Saturday market was very good. As so often in France, one stall had nothing else apart from tomatoes of many colours and sizes. They did have some pepper and enormous branches of Bay leaves. All shops are within a few metres of the pontoons so a good place to stock up on heavies such as beer, wine and tonic. All it lacks is a good creperies pour emporter. There was one some 20 years ago.

To Loctudy 2 July. 28 miles

A good sail, mainly broad reach. Fine except for an odd looking long band of cloud, barely a mile across, that gave a short, few minutes, shower kust off the Pointe de Penmarc’h.

Arriving at Loctudy was not easy as the only berth pn offer was down both wind and tide, and on the wrong side for our stern kick in astern. The finger had no middle cleat. Luckily, Ross had already arrived – a planned meeting. He was a great help in handling lines.

We have had a quiet time here, after Ross left we have met no British yachts. The French have it all to themselves for the first time in living memory. After a couple of hot days, winds look good for Lorient, Locmiquélic tomorrow, Saturday.

We have had a quiet time here, after Ross left we have met no British yachts. The French have it all to themselves for the first time in living memory. After a couple of hot days, winds look good for Lorient, Locmiquélic tomorrow, Saturday.

To Locmiquélic 8 August. 31 miles

Our best sail of the year so far. Fairky fine reaching initially, becoming broader, a good F4 much of the time, touching 5 then down to 3-4. Motored upriver, No reply on VHF from the marina – probably tea break time. Nobody got a reply.

We were given a berth on D pontoon, a new experience - and welcome – the nearest to the capitainerie.

At Locmiquélic

Did the usual shopping. The Cocci supermarket was taken over a couple of years ago by a lady determined to change round what had been a disaster. Sh was doing that last year and it it is no well stocked with some good items. The rillette de canard is especially good.

Sharp-eyed Jennifer realised that another British yacht had arrived – making two of us. Furthermore, it had a CA burgee at the masthead. Almost certainly that could only mean Wizard of Paget with Judith (ex CS President) and Mark.

To Port le Foret 14 August. 30 miles.

As expected, this was mainly a motor sailing job. Earlier forecasts had held out promise of better. But, waiting for better was not a real option. We did sail down river and across to Ile de Groix and the last 8 miles or so, the latter with a fast reach, exhilarating. No reply on Ch 9 but we found a slot on the visitors pontoon. Michael and Sue met us. Michael looked remarkably well after what had been a horrible winter. We celebrated with a bottle of Champagne on Jinn. We had more drinks with Michael and Sue before, regretfully having to leave. A windy and wet day or two are on the way.

Back to Audierne !8 August. 24 miles.

This was a good, fast sail apart from an hour and a half of light wind that became a head wind. Calling up, we were told that we would have to raft out. Not surprising as bad weather is coming.

I took the opportunity to meet up with Nick and his wife on the Morgan Giles 30 footer. Nick is a YBW forum sparring partner so it was good to put a face to the name. Like many, he uses a pseudonym. They are on their way to the Canary Isles. Good luck!

At Audierne

As expected, it blew a hoolie for much of the night. We finished up with all our 8 long fenders and both spherical one between us and the boat inside. Then, in the morning we had a blockage in the heads intake. Seaweed. Surprisingly. Maybe, it does not happen more often.

The strong winds are set to continue but we think that Saturday might see us heading for Camaret with the following Monday in our sights for L’Aber Wrac’h.

We met and a drinks session with Simon and Jennifer on their Nauticat, Fenicia. Although they have sailed further afield than we have, we had much in common by way of approach to life. They are on the way to Lisbon to see grandchildren, well, how elese other than by tacht. Briefly, we met Tim and Manazza on their Island Packet, Kiah. Heading off, hopefullly, round the world. Both boats are CA members.

Back to L’Aber Wrac’h. 24 August. 55 miles

Left Audierne about ½ hour too late plus some lost time getting off the pontoon with a strong flood tide. As a result, the tide turned before we got to the Raz de Sein and wer crawled past La Vieille light house painfully slowly. In a way, we lost little as the dead run to the Chenal du Four was quite fast in a F4 touching 5. We did not have to slow down and were on a little early for the tide. It was still a dead run right up to Le Four lighthouse. The final reach along the north coast to L’Aber Wrac’h was fast, hitting 8.5 over the ground and it was far smoother than we have encountered.

Due to the forecast F7 tomorrow, the marina was fairly full so we could not get a finger pontoon and had to raft outside a Swiss Naiad 39 – last seen in Audierne.

Needing provisions and bus times to/from Landdeda not being good for a browsing type shop, we took the bus to the Lanyllis market. Past experience suggested it would be good. It was although maybe not the best – on this trip that was Audierne.

To our last port in France Roscoff 28 August. 30 miles.

Ahttp://www.plaisancebaiedemorlaix.com/en/introduction-to-the-port-of-roscoffdifficult decision as the forecast was a W4-5 with q possibility of 6. (In fact it was more 5/6.) The following day seemed likely to be stronger with the direction going to NE – maybe motor sailing in a strong wind. Subsequent days were not promising, so we bit the bullet.

It was a rolly, quite fast sail in a fairly big sea – 2 metre swell bot not unpleasant under genoa alpine. There were a few showers but no thunder as Météo France had suggested. I put faith in the CAPE parameter. Inconveniently, entring the channel south of Ile de Batz, we had a heavy shower taking visibility right down but, as with all the other showers today, it was short-lived.

The boatman was busy doing a tow but he said to rake any free berth on Bravo South, Starboard side to. No problem. Checked in – leaving date uncertain, possibly a week hence.

As ever, the capitainerie staff were helpful and friendly. The drawbacks here is that it is a fair hike to get bread in the town where otherwise there are only restaurants and a small but good alimentation. Serious foor shopping is a bus ride away. The second drawback is that there is only one restaurant on site or nearby, the “C’est Ici” which is good but not open every evenings even at busy times Nowhere otherwise for a coffee or a beer.

Back to Our home port – Darthaven 2 September. 90 miles.

We had intended crossing a day later with a promise of a good SW 4/5 but later GRIB forecasts were upping the speeds. MET Office and Meteo Fence seemed to agree and were also mentioning poor visibility. Forecasts having been rather variable recently, a sign of uncertainty, we decided to play safe and go knowing that we would have at least half the passage under engine. A close call. A minus was missing market day at Roscoff.

With full moon and clear skies, a 0130 start made departure easy at slack water and gave us a quiet few hours before the shipping lanes. The east going lane was kind to us and all ships any where near to us passed astern. The west going was almost as friendly, we had to make a slight course change for one vessel only.

After 60 miles, we had enough wind for (another) nearly dead down wind leg with enough wind to sail fast enough. On the inshore shilling lane we were on a close call with a ship. We were on his post side but sailing so I called him on Vh 16 and offered to take avoiding action as he was a commercial vessel. He came back and said to hold my course and that he would pass astern of us. He thanked me for my cooperation and we parted good friends.

Arrived Darthaven about 18 hours after leaving Roscoff. A successful and not uninteresting passage.

Return to Home Page

 account of what we have done during the current year's cruise. What we found may help others. I hope that anyone interested in the area will cherry pick rather than trying to read from start to finish. ''' 

Our boat is a Hallberg Rassy 34, Anhinga. This year it is crewed by Frank and Jennifer Singleton, Home port is Darthaven, Kingswear opposite Dartmouth

Plans for 2020

Covid 19 was a bad start for most sailors and we are no exception. Added to that, When we finally go down to the boat in early July, our life raft had not been returned following its servicing. Staff were on furlough. Luckily, Manos, i/c the Darthaven Chandlers spun a convincing yarn and, hey presto.

Winds look good to go west to Mylor Harbour, Falmouth on thr 11/12th to see elder son, Ralph and Katy. Winds look good to head for Roscoff on the 17th

Ports of call.

Cawsand anchorage
Mulor
Roscoff
L’Aber Wrac’h
Anse de Bertheaume
Audierne
Loctudy
Locmiquélic
Port le Foret
Audierne
L’Aber Wrac’h
Roscoff
[[#dart| Darthaven]

To Cawsand anchorage 11 July, 29 miles.

With the light winds, as expected, this was a motoring job. Pleasant, nonetheless. We arrived at about 2030 to find more boats than we had ever seen there. All fugitives from the virus, no doubt.

To Mylor 12 July, 36 miles.

Another motoring job. Few yachts until we were near Falmouth. The Marina answered our call on Ch 80 promptly. All very friendly and helpful. Grand-daughter Sophie met us on arrival, the rest of the family later.

At Mylor

Our Digital Yachts AIT 1000 had not worked at all on passage – making thoughts of a cross-Channel out of the question. We were not sure whether it was the hardware or the iSailor software. Luckily, BT (Marine) were very helpful, first checking that the DY AIT 1000 was functioning correctly, then finding some wiring faults dating back to our initial installation. It still did not work but deleting and reinstalling the iSailor software did the trick. Daughter Jayne is to join us for the crossing to Roscoff. Her problem is the return to the UK. Brittany Ferries are not taking foot passengers – Covid strikes again. So, train Roscoff to Brest, Flights Brest – Paris – Bristol arriving Sinday 2330, then understanding husband meeting with car. She wants to come and we are more than happy, but what a fandangle.

To Roscoff 16 July, 96 miles.

Fir stood the wind for France. Well, yes, it was, NW 3-5, almost dead astern most of the way. Too light at first, then several hours under boomed out genoa, then spinnaker until it got a little to variable, back to genoa boomed out. Many dolphins. About 25 miles off Roscoff, the domestic battery had got very low so had to motor. The AIS had been very difficult most of the way across with iSailor crashing and had to be re-set up. Finally, we had to use the cell phone for navigation but without the AIS facility. We arrived just before it became dark. Some problems to sort out.

At Roscoff.

Arranged for electrician to visit to check battery. Also Digital Yachts who said the problem was almost certainly the rather ancient Wireless interface with the AIT 1000. They agreed to despatch a new device today. DY were very helpful.

Jayne met the boat opposite only to find they were from Paignton but had kept their boat on a Kingswear berth, just up river from Darthaven. Michael and Betty on a Weatherly Falcon – Falchun apparently, Irish for Falcon.

Our new bit of kit, The Digital Yacht NMEA to WiFi converter, WLN 10 is due to arrive Tuesday, DHL delivering from Bristol, via Leipsig and Nantes!

On Monday morning we took the gratibus to the rather basic Casino supermarket. Our bit of kitt arrived on Monday, early afternoon. Fitting was straightforward, it worked! Full marks to Digital Yachts for good advice, efficient service and a device that works. You can ask no more.

Winds look right to move on the L’Aber wrac’h on Wednesday.

To L’Aber Wrac’h. 22 July. 24 miles

The log was probably under reading. We left Roscoff at 0800 at HW, motored through the Chenal de Batz, then had a broad reach/near run. Probably we should have flown the spinnaker but have come to the conclusion that it is really a three person job in our advancing years – unless really necessary. The boat boys were as helpful as always. Despite the sun, the weather is still remarkably cold for July.

At L’Aber Wrac’h.

We could have moved on but prefer to stay a while in most ports. L’Aber Wrac’h is a favourite in any case with it sailing school activity and the rather wild surroundings – “sauvage” to quote a French lady. The weather did not look too good and it would have been a miserable motor-sail. Winds do not look favourable until Tuesday for the passage through the Chenal du Four. First job was to move to a berth where the owner would be away for a few days. The engine gave that dry sound that suggest that the impeller was not working – although it was. As a precaution, decided to change it as a precaution. Second job was to grease the headsail furling gear. It had seemed rather stiff. Tomorrow we will take the bust to Landeda.

It was our lucky day. First, in the boulangerie, the lady broke on of her tarte au pommes – we were buying two – and gave it to us as a cadeau! Then at the supermarket checkout, we were contemplating a 3 hour wait for the bus back to :’Aber Wraxc’h, when the next customer asked if we were going to the marina, he would take us in his car! A French sailor showing solidarity.

Weather is very mixed. Saturday was wet, Sunday looks better. Forecasts are still good for going south on Tuesday. Tide times are not easy but we will probably anchor over night in Anse de Berteaune and go on to Audi erne on Wednesday. <?

To Anse de Bertaume. 28 July. 26 miles.

Tides were not favourable to go straight to Audierne and not wanting to divert to Camaret, this was a good overnight stop. Winds were expected to be light and rre not quite string enough to sail the whole way. Otherwise, a pleasant passage. We used the buoys in this bay many years ago. They are still free. There are no pick-up lines and the ring on top is very small so it was difficult to hold the buoy on the boatbhook and thread the mooring line. We dropped the line over the buoy but still had a struggle getting our admittedly rather stout lines through. We rolled most of the night – something we did not remember but it most have been over 25 years ago.

To Audi erne 29 July. 28 miles.

We knew this was going to be a boring motoring job although, it was nearly sailable, just annoyingly not quite. A call on Ch 9 coming up harbour got a reply and a berth. There are now red and green bupys all the way up the river. It takes all the excitement out of the approach using stern and bow transits. It is still one of if not our favourite port in France.

At Audierne

Always a pleasant place to be. The Saturday market was very good. As so often in France, one stall had nothing else apart from tomatoes of many colours and sizes. They did have some pepper and enormous branches of Bay leaves. All shops are within a few metres of the pontoons so a good place to stock up on heavies such as beer, wine and tonic. All it lacks is a good creperies pour emporter. There was one some 20 years ago.

To Loctudy 2 July. 28 miles

A good sail, mainly broad reach. Fine except for an odd looking long band of cloud, barely a mile across, that gave a short, few minutes, shower kust off the Pointe de Penmarc’h.

Arriving at Loctudy was not easy as the only berth pn offer was down both wind and tide, and on the wrong side for our stern kick in astern. The finger had no middle cleat. Luckily, Ross had already arrived – a planned meeting. He was a great help in handling lines.

We have had a quiet time here, after Ross left we have met no British yachts. The French have it all to themselves for the first time in living memory. After a couple of hot days, winds look good for Lorient, Locmiquélic tomorrow, Saturday.

We have had a quiet time here, after Ross left we have met no British yachts. The French have it all to themselves for the first time in living memory. After a couple of hot days, winds look good for Lorient, Locmiquélic tomorrow, Saturday.

To Locmiquélic 8 August. 31 miles

Our best sail of the year so far. Fairky fine reaching initially, becoming broader, a good F4 much of the time, touching 5 then down to 3-4. Motored upriver, No reply on VHF from the marina – probably tea break time. Nobody got a reply.

We were given a berth on D pontoon, a new experience - and welcome – the nearest to the capitainerie.

At Locmiquélic

Did the usual shopping. The Cocci supermarket was taken over a couple of years ago by a lady determined to change round what had been a disaster. Sh was doing that last year and it it is no well stocked with some good items. The rillette de canard is especially good.

Sharp-eyed Jennifer realised that another British yacht had arrived – making two of us. Furthermore, it had a CA burgee at the masthead. Almost certainly that could only mean Wizard of Paget with Judith (ex CS President) and Mark.

To Port le Foret 14 August. 30 miles.

As expected, this was mainly a motor sailing job. Earlier forecasts had held out promise of better. But, waiting for better was not a real option. We did sail down river and across to Ile de Groix and the last 8 miles or so, the latter with a fast reach, exhilarating. No reply on Ch 9 but we found a slot on the visitors pontoon. Michael and Sue met us. Michael looked remarkably well after what had been a horrible winter. We celebrated with a bottle of Champagne on Jinn. We had more drinks with Michael and Sue before, regretfully having to leave. A windy and wet day or two are on the way.

Back to Audierne !8 August. 24 miles.

This was a good, fast sail apart from an hour and a half of light wind that became a head wind. Calling up, we were told that we would have to raft out. Not surprising as bad weather is coming.

I took the opportunity to meet up with Nick and his wife on the Morgan Giles 30 footer. Nick is a YBW forum sparring partner so it was good to put a face to the name. Like many, he uses a pseudonym. They are on their way to the Canary Isles. Good luck!

At Audierne

As expected, it blew a hoolie for much of the night. We finished up with all our 8 long fenders and both spherical one between us and the boat inside. Then, in the morning we had a blockage in the heads intake. Seaweed. Surprisingly. Maybe, it does not happen more often.

The strong winds are set to continue but we think that Saturday might see us heading for Camaret with the following Monday in our sights for L’Aber Wrac’h.

We met and a drinks session with Simon and Jennifer on their Nauticat, Fenicia. Although they have sailed further afield than we have, we had much in common by way of approach to life. They are on the way to Lisbon to see grandchildren, well, how elese other than by tacht. Briefly, we met Tim and Manazza on their Island Packet, Kiah. Heading off, hopefullly, round the world. Both boats are CA members.

Back to L’Aber Wrac’h. 24 August. 55 miles

Left Audierne about ½ hour too late plus some lost time getting off the pontoon with a strong flood tide. As a result, the tide turned before we got to the Raz de Sein and wer crawled past La Vieille light house painfully slowly. In a way, we lost little as the dead run to the Chenal du Four was quite fast in a F4 touching 5. We did not have to slow down and were on a little early for the tide. It was still a dead run right up to Le Four lighthouse. The final reach along the north coast to L’Aber Wrac’h was fast, hitting 8.5 over the ground and it was far smoother than we have encountered.

Due to the forecast F7 tomorrow, the marina was fairly full so we could not get a finger pontoon and had to raft outside a Swiss Naiad 39 – last seen in Audierne.

Needing provisions and bus times to/from Landdeda not being good for a browsing type shop, we took the bus to the Lanyllis market. Past experience suggested it would be good. It was although maybe not the best – on this trip that was Audierne.

To our last port in France Roscoff 28 August. 30 miles.

Ahttp://www.plaisancebaiedemorlaix.com/en/introduction-to-the-port-of-roscoffdifficult decision as the forecast was a W4-5 with q possibility of 6. (In fact it was more 5/6.) The following day seemed likely to be stronger with the direction going to NE – maybe motor sailing in a strong wind. Subsequent days were not promising, so we bit the bullet.

It was a rolly, quite fast sail in a fairly big sea – 2 metre swell bot not unpleasant under genoa alpine. There were a few showers but no thunder as Météo France had suggested. I put faith in the CAPE parameter. Inconveniently, entring the channel south of Ile de Batz, we had a heavy shower taking visibility right down but, as with all the other showers today, it was short-lived.

The boatman was busy doing a tow but he said to rake any free berth on Bravo South, Starboard side to. No problem. Checked in – leaving date uncertain, possibly a week hence.

As ever, the capitainerie staff were helpful and friendly. The drawbacks here is that it is a fair hike to get bread in the town where otherwise there are only restaurants and a small but good alimentation. Serious foor shopping is a bus ride away. The second drawback is that there is only one restaurant on site or nearby, the “C’est Ici” which is good but not open every evenings even at busy times Nowhere otherwise for a coffee or a beer.

Back Home – Darthaven 2 September. 90 miles.

We had intended crossing a day later with a promise of a good SW 4/5 but later GRIB forecasts were upping the speeds. MET Office and Meteo Fence seemed to agree and were also mentioning poor visibility. Forecasts having been rather variable recently, a sign of uncertainty, we decided to play safe and go knowing that we would have at least half the passage under engine. A close call. A minus was missing market day at Roscoff.

With full moon and clear skies, a 0130 start made departure easy at slack water and gave us a quiet few hours before the shipping lanes. The east going lane was kind to us and all ships any where near to us passed astern. The west going was almost as friendly, we had to make a slight course change for one vessel only.

After 60 miles, we had enough wind for (another) nearly dead down wind leg with enough wind to sail fast enough. On the inshore shilling lane we were on a close call with a ship. We were on his post side but sailing so I called him on Vh 16 and offered to take avoiding action as he was a commercial vessel. He came back and said to hold my course and that he would pass astern of us. He thanked me for my cooperation and we parted good friends.

Arrived Darthaven about 18 hours after leaving Roscoff. A successful and not uninteresting passage.

Return to Home Page