NEED TO KNOW GETTING THERE
Morbihan
SEASONS
The main season runs from May to September. However, the best months for avoiding the crowds and higher marina prices are May, June and September.
WEATHER
The prevailing winds are westerly in the Gulf of Morbihan. Quiberon Bay is renowned for its fresh sea breezes in the afternoon. Equally a land breeze, known in France as a brise de terre, is a common phenomenon in coastal areas during the night. It blows from the mainland out to sea.
TIDES AND SWELL
The tides are a major planning factor when deciding passages. Swell is generated by Atlantic storms and winds of Force 6 and above and can be a factor when choosing anchorages on the west and south side of the islands.
EXPERIENCE
RYA Day Skipper with tidal knowledge and some experience is necessary for chartering yachts in southern Brittany. Some companies will accept a sailing CV outlining the skipper’s experience.
By air to Lorient, Rennes or Nantes depending on the available flights in the season. Nantes airport is the most popular and usually the cheapest route. From Nantes take the train to Auray and then bus or taxi to La Trinité. Ferries from Plymouth go to Roscoff (Brittany Ferries, www. brittany-ferries.co.uk) with a service from either Poole (Condor Ferries via Guernsey or Jersey www.condorferries. co.uk) or Portsmouth (Brittany Ferries) heading to St Malo. See www.rome2rio.com and www.breizhgo.bzh for planning bus travel in Brittany.
BOOKS AND CHARTS
Atlantic France (Ouessant to the Spanish Border) by Nick Chavasse, 2nd edition (Imray, £42.50).
Imray C38 & C39, which are also available on the Imray Navigator app.
More detailed charts are produced by SHOM. SHOM 7032, 7137, 7143.
CHARTERING ALTERNATIVE SAILING www.alternative-sailing.com CFC LOCATION www.voilier-location.com YACHTICO www.yachtico.com CROUESTY LOCATION www.crouesty-location.com MARINAS
Most of the marinas in the Morbihan region are part of the Compagnie des Ports du Morbihan (www. passeportescales.com) and use that organisation for their website portal.
PORT DE LA TRINITÉ-SUR-MER
Major yachting centre with all facilities expected of a large marina. Excellent bars, shops and restaurants. www.passeportescales. com/fr/port-la-trinitesur-mer
+33 2 97 55 71 49
PORT DU CROUESTY
Large six basin marina with all facilities. Call ahead on VHF Channel 9 to alert them to your arrival. Tie up at the visitors’ pontoon and report to the capitainerie to be given a berth. Plenty of visitors’ berths, a good range of marina shops, restaurants and an excellent supermarket. www.passeportescales.com/fr/ port-du-crouesty
+33 2 97 53 73 33
VANNES MARINA
Marina in locked-in basin alongside the old town. Attractive with wide promenades and open-air cafés. Entry/exit when gate and swing bridge open (HW +/-2 hrs). Most facilities available in marina or in town. www.passeportescales.com/fr/ port-vannes
+33 2 97 01 55 20
PORT HALIGUEN
Large and recently improved marina with all facilities. Main shops in town at 15 mins walk. www.passeportescales.com/fr/ port-haliguen-quiberon
+33 2 97 50 20 56