Royal Air Force Yacht Club

We went down to the boat to attempt to start our holiday on Thursday 7 May.  The next day we cast off to get fuel only to find that we had no drive from the engine. We drifted gently up river until we could grab another boat and investigate the problem.

 The next day the RAFYC launch pulled us back to our mooring and we left for home in a mixture of disgust and despair. Malo had clearly failed to tighten the bolts on the Aquadrive. Not good - but it must be said that this was the first significant problem with a new boat.

 A depressing Sunday, however on Monday we were called by the Aquadrive agent who in turn had been called by GKN in Sweden to say that they had a part for us and then immediately thereafter by Malo from Orust. Nordic Marine had chased everyone into action!  We collected the failed piece from Marine Power, drove to Aquadrive to collect a replacement.  Marine Power then took their launch to the boat and fitted the part that afternoon. For those of you based on the Hamble, I cannot speak highly enough of Marine Power's competence and service.

So back on board on Tuesday to leave at 0300 on the ebb on Wednesday 13^th with a fair NE breeze following a hard blow.  We had a good sail until around midday when the wind died and we had to plug on with the engine in hazy visibility. We were joined at that stage by a blackcap determined to keep out of the cold.

 The midnight forecast and earlier grib files indicated that a blow was coming in on Thursday or Friday so the key decision was whether to put into Trebeurden or push on for Brest. Careful tidal sums seemed to show that if we pushed hard we would make the tide down Le Four and into Brest by drinks time on Thursday, so it was a case of motoring hard - and indeed the 0400 forecast was giving strong wind warnings.

  The wind remained light and astern for the night, so we had to motor until nearly into Le Four channel at 1130 when we were finally able to sail with a fair tide, passing Pointe St Matthieu at 1400.  We then found that we were dragging a large piece of fishing net.  Heaving at this had no effect, but astern then ahead got the rope cutter working and finally freed us to get into Brest at 1615.

 There is now a new marina - Du Chateau - much nearer the centre than the Moulin Blanc, owned by the same company. Facilities are still limited - loos next month! - but more central.

 On Friday 15^th we were joined by Ruth Widdrington. One of our objectives in making Brest rather than Trebeurden was to make it easier to meet Ruth. However the forecast blow had arrived so we spent the next days in harbour watching Breton wrestling in sawdust.

Monday finally saw us leave with a stiff beat down to Camaret where we found space in the inner marina. This is so much more comfortable and central than the outer marina, but (thank goodness) most Brits seem to stay outside. An idle Tuesday enjoying Camaret - it is a place we could (and have) stay in for a lot longer.

On Wednesday, a week from home, the front had passed so we made passage south through the Raz.   Very attractive in the sun and a photo opportunity as we met the Malo 40 Permandia on her way north. Several circles were made with the cameras out.

 From the Raz it was a mixture of sailing then motoring as the wind died past Penmarch until approaching the Glenans where we drifted over supper awaiting low water and a rising tide before entering past La Pie. We had hoped to find the place nearly empty at this time of year but there were many boats in - later we discovered that it was French half term - however we found a mooring in La Chambre.

Despite the crowds the Glenans remain a magic spot and we spent Thursday ambling around Ile St Nicolas rounding the day with a crab supper at Le Vivier - still amazing value.

Yesterday brought a very gentle sail under chute into Lorient. Unfortunately Port Louis is closed for development, so we had to come straight up into Lorient centre so that Ruth can get the train to Rennes tomorrow.

And onwards.  Possible Etel tomorrow under the direction of Mlle Josephine - La Pilote - the Belle Ile. Then ???? 

We know not where we are going

For the ocean will decide

It's not the destination

It's the glory of the ride

Best wishes to all

Sarah & Tony