Late May / Early Jun - Morbihan

This is just an initial post to create this event which was discussed at the AGM.

Full details will posted in this thread by the organiser soon.

If you want to declare your interest in this event you can go ahead now and post here.

2 Comments

Re: Late May / Early Jun - Morbihan

Here are the details for a fantastic trip to the Golfe du Morbihan in Britanny which has been a very popular location for the Association over a number of years.

The Golfe du Morbihan is an area of inland sea on the West coast of Brittany about midway between Quimper & La Rochelle. It is a spectacular sailing area comprising many islands and channels with the major towns of Vannes and Auray at its inner most ends. Off the coast are 3 very pleasant Islands that can be visited - weather permitting. It is ideally suited to the Mac with a mixture of coastal sailing and very shallow inland waters. The sea conditions are generally as one would expect and the Morbihan itself is very sheltered with many islands, anchorages, moorings. A strong tidal stream runs in various places especially at the entrance to the Morbihan which should normally only be tackled at the correct time relative to slack water. so if you are unsure about this do ask.

Proposed details:-

Probably travel out on Thursday 22 May - participants will probably return home on different dates eg 1 week or 2 weeks

To get there we cross the Channel on the ferry and then drive down to La Trinite sur Mer which is just outside and to the north of the Golfe.

Portsmouth to St Malo has been the usual choice in previous years but there are plenty of options for cheaper ferry with longer road trips. Normally an overnight stop is made at a French service area, although this depends on the ferry route chosen and the time of travel.

The slip at La Trinite is easiest to use at or around high water and there is space for parking cars and trailers.

The itinerary can be decided upon at the time, dependent upon weather, and can include:-

Ferry to France and overnight in service area en route
Arrive La Trinite, rig, launch and moor in Marina for the night.
Sauzon on Belle-Ile and stay overnight.
Ile D’Houat or Hoedic - BBQ on beach and stay for night.
Golfe Du Morbihan and either anchor off island for night or enter marina.
Sail up to Vannes and have day in Town – if desired with meal in Vannes in the evening. Overnight stay.
Sail up river to Auray for the night.
Depart Golfe for La Trinite and pull out to de-rig for trip home.
Depart with view to arrive in ferry port with some time to spare – with or without overnight stay in service area.– probably night or early morning ferry back.
Arrive back in UK refreshed and relaxed (we hope) to drive home.

You are responsible of course for all aspects of your own journey but here are a few pointers to consider:-

Because of the distance it is wise to ensure boat and all usual gear are well prepared for use
The same goes for the tow vehicle and trailer
For the trailer don't forget spare wheel (spare bearings may be a useful addition), tyre pump and jack, lock or wheel clamp for the trailer
Warning triangle & first aid kit and high vis. vests and self test breathalyser
A GB or EU sticker for the trailer and car and light deflectors.

Car insurance for driving on the Continent (trailers are usually covered by your boat insurance – but check!)
Recovery insurance
Driving Licence
Boat insurance – you will probably need to extend the cruising range of your policy
Travel insurance for people too!
An ICC or some form of certificate to wave at the French if they ask for it may be helpful but not strictly required – see RYA website
A VHF and a licence for it, and an operators licence
VAT receipts for the boat showing VAT has been paid
Charts of the area.
The Imray pilot book is very useful and a great souvenir afterwards
Ferry tickets for car, boat and people and passports.
Some euros to spend.

An anchor and chain/rope with lots of length
Flares (in date)
A dinghy (with or without outboard) will be highly useful
A radar reflector
An anchor light
A French courtesy flag
Swimming gear (incl plastic sandals or similar)
Fishing gear
A means of navigating.
A sense of humour is also useful!

What can you expect?

A brilliant break (weather permitting)
Good food
Good sailing
Some exciting new waters and places to see
Most of all, some Mac camaraderie and friendship.

This will require a little more planning than a purely UK event so early indications of interest (without commitment) will be very helpful. Please post to say
intended date of arrival at La Trinite, port of departure, do you want to form a convoy on the ferry/ French roads?

Any questions, just ask or phone 01695 576905

Mike McNerney
mike.mcnerney
Committee

Posts: 206
Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2010 12:00 pm

Re: Late May / Early Jun - Morbihan

Believe it or not - the Morbihan event is just 8 weeks away!

If you are thinking of attending please contact me very soon as ferry tickets need to be thought about. By phone is fine or email.

The suggested start date is 22 May. If you are limited by time commitments then let me know very soon - there's still time to fine tune the start date if necessary

Mike