Edging Cooler

At 05:20 on Friday 11th August we lifted our anchor from Ile de Re and passed under the spectacular bridge to the mainland.


The wind was never strong enough for us to be able to sail without motor assistance, if we were going to make adequate progress.  So we motor-sailed for the next 12 hours, all the way to the anchorage just outside Joinville on Ile d'Yeu, a distance of 60 miles.  This was quite annoying but we were determined to move out of the heat and weak winds further South.

Next day, we set off after breakfast, headed North - not quite sure where the available winds would take us.  We chose to sail after so much motoring yesterday, albeit close-hauled and the wind first sent us on a heading towards Ireland, then as it gradually veered, we were able to make a more useful course towards the French coast.  So it was that, after 10 hours of nice and gentle sailing, we ended up anchored off the lovely Belle Ile just as the sun was setting.

Belle Ile anchorage

Doug (hopefully) entertaining the neighbours at Belle Ile

Onwards again next day, we had a good sail to Port Louis, just inside the entrance to Lorient where we enjoyed the luxury of a shower and the shops ashore.

Passing the fort on the way out of Lorient harbour

Setting off early to catch the ebb tide, we had a lovely close-reach sail across the 35 miles to Loctudy.  Here, we would stay to wait out NW winds the following day and catch up on our boat chores as well as having a ride round the area on the free bikes offered by the marina.

Port de Plaisance - Loctudy

Tomorrow, we would set off NW to anchor in Saint Evette overnight, ready for the careful passage through the sometimes troublesome Raz de Seine.

We noticed that coming North had brought more wind and even some rain showers as well as a more blustery appearance to the clouds.  It was cooler at sea and on walks ashore, as we began to move away from the reliable heat of more southerly climes.

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