We had planned to head for the tiny port of Binic today, taking advantage of the spring tides which would enable access to the lock. However, when the girls found out about the nearby marina at Saint Quay Portrieux with its bars, nightclubs and sandy beaches there was a slight change of plan. The all tide access also meant for a more straightforward passage, with no constraints on arrival time. We left Paimpol on the morning tide, locking out prior to the free flow period. As we crossed the drying banks we again fell foul of the myriad of fishing markers, placed right in the channel and almost impossible to see as we headed into the sun. There was even a tiny fishing boat in the process of unloading markers who stopped right in front of us, and almost surrounded us with his nets. However, we do enjoy the fruits of their labours so we can't really complain.

As we turned south we took a course close inshore, sheltering from the south westerly breeze and using a small tide to assist at a slow, economic speed. It was a straightforward entrance into the marina at Saint Quay and the number 7 visitors pontoon was clearly marked. It was a treat to have alongside berths available, rather than the usual minimalist finger pontoons. There were few yachts visiting at the time, but we were assured that it got "very busy at the weekend" by the rather brusque pontoon attendant.

As usual we were caught out by French shop hours and by the time we had made our way into town to look around, only the bars and restuarants were doing business. In the afternoon we took a walk into the Centre Ville, on the other side of the headland to the marina. There was building work going on all around and we had the feeling of being in a resort which wasn't quite finished. And many of the traditional businesses seemed to be on their annual vacation, earlier than we would have expected, perhaps in order to be back in business for the main tourist season.

There is a stunning cliff top walk which connects the town to the marina, passing Saint Quay's semaphore station and picking its way around the cliffs to end up back on the beach by the marina.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 14 nm

Total to date: 1128 nm

Avg Speed: 7 knots

Duration: 2 hours

Diesel: 76 litres (est)

Wind: WSW 2-4

Mooring: €28/night

Electricity:Free

Waypoints
(European datum)

Paimpol Jetee de Kernoa 48 47.18N 03 02.34W

El Bras SH Beacon
48 47.26N 03 01.28W

La Jument PHM
48 47.55N 02 58.19W

Chenal de la Jument
48 47.58N 02 56.52W

Rade de Portrieux
48 38.88N 02 48.36W

Saint Quay Marina
48 38.88N 02 48.84W

Charts

AC 3673

SHOM 7128

AC 2669