21st July: Jersey to St. Cast *** FRANCE ***
We woke up at around 8.30ish (Rob & I), had a quick breakfast and then we prepared Hoopla for a sail to St. Cast, FRANCE! We were sad to say goodbye to Jersey and the UK at 10am, but SO SO SO excited to be continuing on our travels. Rob went and checked us out at the office (€31 per night) and we made sure to fill up our diesel tank to the brim (making full use of the cheap fuel! 60p a litre!!) Jack and Henry surfaced soon after we left, and had their breakfast. The boys popped up to the cockpit every now and then but we didn’t see any dolphins this time 🙁 It was mainly a motor journey, but we did have a 1.5 hour sail. We arrived in St. Cast at around 6pm and we all met up with Little Albatross. After dinner, we all walked into town for an ice-cream and a pint! The weather was lovely, sunny and hot! A fabulous welcome to France!
22nd July: St. Cast
We woke up at around 10am and Rob went and bought a baguette from the marina office. Rob had to do some work today and I wanted to write out some postcards (but I didn’t have any stamps). Jack went with Henry, Ben, Britta and Thorsten to the beach and we joined them later. We then all had lunch on board, followed by some more time at the beach. It is Henry’s last night aboard Hoopla and, after dinner, we all walked into town for ice-creams, etc. It is really nice and warm (28) but forecasted 38 tomorrow!
23rd July: St. Cast to St. Quay
We all woke up at about 8am. Rob went for a shower while I walked to the post office for some stamps. I had to walk for miles! But I eventually found the post office and so the postcards were posted! Yay! I decided to buy 5 extra stamps! I was back on board by 9.30am and by 10am, we were on our way. We were continuing Sailing South (!) but our Little Albatross friends had to return back to the UK and so we said our (very sad) goodbyes and parted ways. We had a motor sail to the anchorage in St. Quay. It was very hot, though, and we decided it was time to put up the bimini! It was such a relief to have some shade! After dinner, we moved to another anchorage as this one was quite rolly. We had a pleasant evening – but a late one, as It was gone midnight!
24th July: St. Quay to Treguier
We woke up at about 8.30/9am to see one other boat in this anchorage. It was a good, peaceful night but it started to get quite rolly in the morning – but I guess we were outside a marina, after all! We left at about 12pm and motor/sailed to Treguier – with bright sunshine and calm seas. At 5pm, we switched the engine off and sailed all the way to the marina. It was lovely. We seemed to go up the river for ages, but we didn’t’ mind as it was very pretty. We moored up at around 7pm, when we then all had showers before walking into the town, at about 10pm. We thought it was quite late, but there were lots and lots of people! We had walked into a carnival of some sort! There was traditional dancing in the main square and lots of market stalls selling craft items and food. Jack bought himself a little shark figure and we bought him a “medium” candyfloss, which ended up being HUGE! Back on-board and bed around midnight.
25th to 31st July: Treguier *** 27th Rob's Birthday ***
We woke up at around 8.30am and it was already quite warm! Rob and I went up to the office to pay and, as we decided to celebrate his birthday here, we planned to be moving on on the 28th. Treguier has extremely high and extremely low tides! The gangplank is almost 45 degrees on the low tide! I would like a chair to sit in at the half way mark please! The tide also races in and out so fast! It is unbelievable to watch! The mooring fee’s were €31 per night, which was very reasonable. We were given the wifi code and so spent the next few hours catching up hahaha! Rob and I walked into town and had a takeaway drink in the park. Very nice. Rob fitted one of our Sirocco fans in the main cabin, and it looks amazing! It is very powerful and very quiet! It also has a timer and this will be very handy! Whilst here, Rob did some work (we had to pay €10 for wifi in the end, as the marina wifi wasn’t very strong). I sorted, cleaned and tidied up our bathroom. Jack and I also walked to the local launderette (€7 to wash and dry). While Rob walked to Lidls for our main shop. We had an extremely lazy day on the 27th! Presents and cards in bed and breakfast at 11am. Rob loved his hand-bearing compass and his clock spitfire. We walked into town at around 8pm and we found a pizzeria for dinner in the cathedral square. All in all, a lovely, lovely day! We went to pay our dues on the 28th and we was told that a “low” was due. He recommended leaving on Wednesday (31st), if possible. We decided to do just that! We all walked into town for postcards and we had a hot chocolate in a café! Back on board and Rob fixed our outboard bracket (the one that we bought back in Gosport with Matt and Lizz!). I spent the next few days cleaning the cabin ceiling (which came up a treat!) and continued to sort out our clothes. Rob fitted our new hatch (yay!) and also fixed the air filter on the engine. On the 30th, we walked into town and the “Bears” had their first photo! Rob prepared our passage plan for tomorrow and informed us that we need to be leaving at 8am (ouch!). This could be very painful, as we had been getting up at 10/11am! We stocked up on supplies and spent more than planned – €86 worth!
1st August: Treguier to Roscoff
Our alarm went off at 7am (ouch!) and we got up at 7.30. We said goodbye to the American chaps next door and eased out of our mooring at 8.15am. It was a motor down the river to the sea and it was beautiful. We went through the first tide race – which left me feeling a tad green and the second large tide race (waves approx. 6ft) made myself and Jack poorly. We finally arrived at Roscoff at 2.30/3pm. We had lunch and then we explored the marina. We found the chandlery and bar! (no surprise there then!). We finally fell into bed around midnight.
2nd August: Roscoff
After breakfast, at about 10am, we decided to hire bikes that morning. We collected them at about 11am from the marina office, and then we cycled into Roscoff town. It had very pretty shops and houses. We decided to have lunch in a café and then we walked around the old harbour, before returning to the marina. We packed up our beach wear and cycled to the beach for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, the sea was VERY cold. We returned at around 5.30pm and rob offered to cycle to the shops while I unpacked and put away our beach items. Rob made a nice meal for dinner. We later planned to leave at 10.30 tomorrow for L’Aber Wrac. It was a very warm and sunny day. 🙂
3rd August: Roscoff to L'Aber-Wrac'h
We woke up to grey clouds at about 9.30 and we made Hoopa ship-shape. We slipped our lines and left Roscoff at 11am. We had nice, flat and calm seas. The sky looked thundery, but was ok, thank goodness. We saw the French customs vessel, but they were not interested in us, and we saw a seagull eat a fish! Makes a change from junk food! We arrived at approx. 3.30. Rob had read that Tom Cunliff advised to take the inside of the visitor pontoon, and there was a space. Yay! We moored up and later saw the boats on the outside bouncing all over the place! Good call! We all walked into town and saw some boating races for children going on. An English chap Paul came alongside us, who is going back to the UK. He came over after dinner with maps and suggestions of marinas and anchorages. How kind.
4th to 6th August: L'Aber-Wrac'h
On our first morning, we had breakfast at about 9.30 and Rob found out that the supermarket closes at midday so we had to go this morning! We left Hoopla at about 10.30am and we made our way uphill (steep) for about 20 minutes! We got some supplies, but I still need some ingredients for my scones. We arrived back on Hoopla and I translated what I need for our next “shop”. At about 6pm, we went geocaching and we found our 1st one! Yay! We celebrated with a drink in a pub(!) and we met Paul, who joined us. Rob made a nice curry for dinner, which was followed by a game of cards and then bed. The following day, after a nice relaxed morning, Rob & I walked back to the supermarket for my scone ingredients. Back on board, I “jiffed” the cabin ceiling while Rob worked on the aerial for our TV. Rob worked and I had a go at baking the scones, in our tiny galley and tiny calor gas oven. I am amazed at how well they turned out. Rob and Jack walked to the supermarket for more milk while I finished the ceiling. It looks so much better! When they returned, we all had showers and then dinner. We plan to leave at 8am tomorrow for the Chanel de Four and the Raz de Spain.
7th August: L'Aber-Wrac'h to Camaret
The alarm went off at 7.30am. We all had our breakfast and started getting Hoopla ready. We left the marina at 8.15am. The one hour forecasted for us going against the tide ended up being 2.5! Then the tide changed two hours early! These made our going through the Raz impossible. We changed our route to stay in Cameret. There was quite a swell for most of the journey and so it was another motor (no sailing). Rob and I walked up to the marina office to check in and we look forward to exploring the fort (with a moat) tomorrow.
8th to 11th August: Camaret
Rain was forecasted and arrived, so Rob put up our cockpit tent (blue canvas) which really helped. The Rain eventually eased off and we all walked into the town. We saw a dophin in the harbour! Amazing! We had tea and cake but Rob sadly lost his Tilly hat! We think he left it on the counter in the local chandlery but it wasn’t there when we checked. The next day was very windy with heavy rain – but very cosy in the cabin. Later, the sun had come out so we went to the beach. Jack surfed and Rob swam. C-C-Cold sea, though. After, we went back into town, hoping to see his hat, but no luck. We did find a laundarette though. The wind picked up and Rob doubled up our lines ready for the F9 due! The next day was still very windy – but no rain. After our make-shift lunch, Jack & I went to the launderette. Rob painted the wooden blocks and sealed the tiny hold in the cabin. I still have half a bag of heavy washing to do – hopefully tomorrow. Rob popped to the supermarket and did us a lovely meal. Sharon and Dave from the yacht behind us, came over for tea and coffee. They suggested some islands for us to see. It was a very nice evening! Next morning, after breakfast, I went to the launderette with our jeans and fleeces – as I’m not sure when we will see another launderette! It was warm and sunny and so we went to the beach. The CI Bears decided to have a go at rock stacking too! Rob said that we need to be leaving at 11am tomorrow, so nice and social hahaha.
12th August: Camaret to Audierne
Rob was up at 8.30 and he headed to the supermarket. I got up at 9am(!) and had breakfast with Jack. Jack and I then prepared Hoppla for today’s passage. Rob returned at 10am and so we left the marina at 11am, on track. The timings were perfect! We hit the Sein and it was smooth! We sailed all the way – which = a very happy Rob. We all took half hour turns on the helm and Jack did well. The sea was quite choppy but fine, but there was quite a big swell. We arrived at Audierne at about 5pm and we managed to pick up a bouy (€10) and we settled for the night. Rob made a very nice roast pork for tea. Rob has ordered a breakfast delivery for himself and Jack from the harbour master for tomorrow! Hahaha! Amazing!
13th August: Audierne to Iles de Glenan
We had a fairly comfy night last night. There was a bit of a roll, but it was ok. Rob and Jack’s breakfast was delivered at 8.30am: a fresh French stick and pain au chocolate (we were just getting out of bed!). After breakfast, we prepared Hoopla for her onward journey, and we left the bouy at 11.30am. It was a very good sail (yay!) to the Ile de Glenan and we arrived there at 6.30pm. We couldn’t see the anchorage and so we picked up a bouy. Rob & Jack went for a quick (and I mean quick!) swim off the boat. We are all feeling quite tired – a combination of late nights and today’s journey, I guess. Rob turned in at 9pm with Jack & I following at 10.30pm.
14th August: Iles de Glenan
We had a fairly comfy night last night. There was a bit of a roll, but it was ok. Rob and Jack’s breakfast was delivered at 8.30am: a fresh French stick and pain au chocolate (we were just getting out of bed!). After breakfast, we prepared Hoopla for her onward journey, and we slipped our lines at 11.30am. It was a very good sail (yay!) to the Ile de Glenan and we arrived a 6.30pm. We couldn’t see the anchorage and so we picked up a bouy. Rob & Jack went for a quick (and I mean quick!) swim off the boat. We are all feeling quite tired – a combination of late nights and today’s journey, I guess. Rob turned in at 9pm with Jack & I following at 10.30pm.
15th August: Iles de Glenan to Lorient
Rob & I decided during the night to leave this morning. The high tide slop was quite bad and so it was a good decision. We had our breakfast, made Hoopla sea ready and we left at 11am. We saw a French Customs boat but they were not interested in us. I am looking forward to actually being boarded! hahaha! We sailed all the way – Rob even got the spinnaker up! AND we saw dolphins swim past! Amazing! We arrived in the marina at 5pm. After a well deserved cuppa, we went for a look around. There doesn’t seem to be much here but we will have a proper explore tomorrow. The wifi is non-existent (no surprise there). We had a lovely ham salad for dinner. We are here until Sunday or Monday and Pete is due here Sunday! Yay!
16th to 19th August: Lorient
What a lovely town Lorient is! We all slept very well, Hoopla is so comfy! Unfortunately, we don’t have any wifi – but there is at the nearby cafe…! We found a big supermarket only a short bus ride away and we saw a chandlery from the bus! The marina showers are mixed! This was ok, just a little odd! LOL! Rob saw some bits he wanted in the chandlery (no surprise there!) which we picked up after our supermarket shop. It was a huge supermarket! We only bought 3 days worth of food which totaled €130! Food is expensive in France. We managed to dodge the showers but it rained all day. Pete is in Nantes and has had a good journey so far. He will be in Lorient tomorrow! The following day, Rob adjusted our solar panels which enabled the rain to slope of, rather than cause a puddle on them. He also put up some ruck-sack hooks in our cabin plus holders for his compass & binoculars by the chart table. I prepared Pete’s cabin for his stay. We all caught the 1.15 bus to the station and we met Pete in the café. Back on board, Pete distributed our items: Jack’s leavers fleece and SATS results (he did very well!). We then popped to the café for a beer or 2. I also spoke to Matt and Lizz, which was lovely. We have to go shopping tomorrow as we plan to leave on the 20th. The next day, we popped into town by bus and Jack bought a switch game from Fnac. We had a nice lunch out (thanks Pete) and then a wander around. We went to the supermarket on the way back for supplies. Rob made us all a lovely roast pork dinner. After, Jack and I went to the café for the wifi, so he could download his new game. It is really nice and sunny and it is looking like the sun is here to stay for a bit. Fab!
20th August: Lorient to Port Haliguan
We were all up at 8am so we could get Hoopla ready but at 9am, Rob said that we are not leaving untill 10.30, as there isn’t any wind! At least we could now take our time over breakfast etc, and then prepare Hoopla. We slipped our lines at 10.30 and we mostly motored to Port Haliguan. We had very calm seas and it was warm and sunny! Hurrah! We arrived in Port Haliguan at 3.30 and we promptly went to the beach (which was just next door!). Rob, Jack & Pete went swimming – sea still bldy cold – but I had my kindle. Rob made us a lovely dinner at around 8.30. During the sail today, I burnt the tops of my arms but it was not too bad, thank goodness. This was a good reminder to apply sun-cream more than once! I spoke to Mum, Dad and Martin in the evening, which was nice.