La Trinite to Pornichet

We left our berth in La Trinite after having determined our fuel level and proceeded to the fuel berth to fill up with diesel. There was quite a crush of boats all trying to leave at once and as we have discovered in France the Colregs ( collision regulations ) are not universally accepted. However common sense prevails most of the time and after fueling up we proceeded down the narrow channel and out into the bay of Quiberon.

It was a bit chilly so I was wearing my fluffy jumper.

The wind which had shown promise soon dropped to a 3 and although we were sailing we were only making four knots or so, this required another change of plan to head for Piriac sur Mer as it would take too long to reach Pornichet at our present speed and we didn't want to resort to using the engine.

The day was a little cloudy but the most surprising aspect to the day was the sheer number of sailing boats that were out in the bay. I literally couldn't count them and they mostly seemed to be heading for the south beach on the island of Houat.

As the wind continued to fall light we employed our secret weapon the gennaker. We now had another problem, we were going too fast! We could only enter the harbour at Piriac Sur Mer about three hours before local high water as the harbour has a cill to maintain water levels this meant we couldn't arrive much earlier than 6.30 that evening.

We dropped the gennaker, and then the wind decided to force another change of plan by increasing to a healthy force 4. Dark Tarn was doing over six knots so we quickly plotted a course towards the plateau de Four which was a collection of rocks with a distinctive lighthouse which if the wind held would lead us to Pornichet.

Lynne helped to helm as we fairly romped towards the passage between Le Four and Le croisic.

The wind held and we made good progress. The day was turning into a great sail!

Our course brought us close to shore as we passed the headland at Le Croisic and we were able to spot the low lying cliffs and many beaches that south Brittany is justly famed for.

At one point we were passed from ahead by a French 12 metre racing yacht, who only reluctantly gave way to us at the last minute, Colregs again! A very lovely boat however.

We got a phone call from Dave just as we were negotiating the channel into the Baie de Pouligen, Pornichet being located in the far corner after the wide sweep of beach and hotels that were the holiday resort of La Baule. The bay is protected by a reef of islands and rocks and there are only a few ways to safely enter. We dropped sails and motored towards the marina entrance. Lynne spoke to the marina staff who allocated us the last berth available after assuring us we would fit in as Lynne now questions this as a matter of course.

Well we did fit just.........although you couldn't really get much more than a hand between us and our neighbour. The marina was absolutely full and as we walked ashore to find a bar it was obvious that we hadn't had such a bad deal after all.

We had covered 36 nautical miles that day and were tired but happy to within striking distance of St Marc and visiting the beach where Jaques Tati filmed " Mr Hulots Holiday"