Our destination for today was the fishing port of Paimpol, with its drying approaches across the Anse de Paimpol. An early high water meant a 0730 start - not too popular with our new crew members. Although only a short passage, the narrow channel between the Ile de Brehat and the mainland gave us plenty to think about.

The weather was forecast to be up to a force 6, normally too lively for us, but as we would be keeping within the estuary and sheltered by the island, we considered it safe to venture out.

We had plotted a course through the rocks of Le Ferlas passage in the Rade de Brehat, south and west of the island, and in the fast flowing cross tides, we were glad to be sheltered from the worst of the fresh northwesterly breeze. As we turned south we picked our way though more rocky outcrops through the Chenal de Denone and were pleased to see other vessels moving about in the entrance to harbour.

Unfortunately most of these were fishing boats and we came upon a maze of fishing markers lurking among the waves in the approach to the port, just pulling back the throttles in time to drift over them in neutral. Buoys mark the final approach channel, which at low tide becomes a trickle, surrounding by acres of mud and stranded markers.

As we arrived we were directed to a finger berth on pontoon A, and settled down to a late breakfast and a chance to explore.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 12 nm

Total to date: 1114 nm

Avg Speed: 6 knots

Duration: 2 hours

Diesel: 50 litres (est)

Wind: WNW 4-5

Mooring: €20/night

Electricity:Free

Waypoints
(European datum)

Lezardrieux Marina
48 47.44N 03 05.80W

Pointe de Coatmer
48 48.36N 03 05.43W

Olenoyere PHM
48 48.76N 03 05.13W

Roch Levret PHM
48 49.53N 03 04.21W

Rampa IDM
48 49.58N 03 02.71W

La Chambre SCM
48 50.07N 02 59.21W

Ar Bonn Krenv ECM
48 49.27N 02 57.42W

La Jument PHM
48 47.55N 02 58.19W

El Bras SH Beacon
48 47.26N 03 01.28W

Paimpol Jetee de Kernoa 48 47.18N 03 02.34W

Charts

AC 3673