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 31st July 2010
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Sailing in BrittanyNorth West Brittany and its Sailing Waters
The magnificent coast of North West Brittany is very rugged, has at times, very large tides and currents and as far as navigation goes can be very challenging so good planning is essential but well worth the effort. A good base for sailing the waters is the central port is Camaret-sur –mer. It is situated on the most western point of the Presqu’ile de Crozon but is ideally protected from the Atlantic weather as it is tucked round Point de Penhir and faces east. There is a long breakwater that has a delightful church at the end together with the magnificent old fort which used to protect the town from invaders (including the Brits!). There are two marinas - Notic, the inside marina which is reserved for local boats but has a few visitors berths and the outside marina - Vauban which takes most of the visiting boats in the summer. Camaret is beautifully positioned for sailing as it is only about half an hour from the entrance to the Rade De Brest and is central for cruising north or south along the Breton coast.
The Breton Coast - North of Camaret Within an easy day's sail of Camaret there are five excellent ports to visit plus many anchorages. Close at hand Le Conquet (which is a fishing port), L'Aber-ldut (which is always a joy to visit), beautiful L'Aber Benoit and & Portsall (which has a little fishing harbour). Each port has its own individual charm and being situated on the Breton coast makes entering and leaving an interesting exercise! Further on round on the north coast is the famous port of L'Aber Wrac'h. Breton Coast - South of Camaret
The Breton Islands Ile de Ouessant - Only 25 miles from Camaret is the island of Ushant. This island is always worth visiting if the weather will allow but being stuck out in the Atlantic with no shelter and very strong tides it is not always possible. Ushant has a harsh and windswept landscape, well dotted with houses but is practically treeless. There are some dramatic coastal views. Bicycles can be hired, which are the best form of transport around the lanes. The island is a fascinating repository of a way of life that is fast disappearing in Brittany. The 1062 inhabitants now turn to tourism rather than traditional livelihoods like seafaring and farming. Ile de Molene - Is situated between Ile de Ouessant and the Brittany coast amongst a mass of rocks, but on a large-scale chart it shows that a safe approach can be made, preferably at neap tides. The tiny island, with its small population, and has a character all of its own and is less rigorous than Ouessant. In the spring there seems to be a large population of cuckoos! Ile de Sein - This charming little island is situated 8 kms off the notorious Point De Raz. If the tides are used to advantage the approach to the little harbour is not too difficult. The village has a considerable population; the houses are clustered together in a small area providing shelter from the winds in narrow alleyways. The island has had a varied history from one of the last refuges of the Druids to the home of the wreckers in the days of sail. Iles de Glenan - ( South of the Ras de Sein) This delightful island group consists of some nine islets ranged around a lagoon of calm blue water and golden sand, called La Chambre. There is one small shop and one restaurant. It is famous for the bird life of terns, cormorants and the like. The Glenans are definitely worth a visit if time permits, in calm weather. ©Richard Curtis BRITTANY SAILING for RYA Practical Sailing Courses and Sail & Stay Holidays. Tourism, Holidays & Leisure Home Page Looking for a property in France? Use FrenchEntrée's Property Finders to help you find your property and to help you through the buying process 
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