Brittany, Leg 2 - Saint-Malo to Port Crouesty, 18 - 25 May 2026 (8 days)

The trip will be focused on training and cruising in tidal waters. In total, we should log up to 360 nautical miles and 70h. We'll aim to make as many harbour entries and exits as possible to sharpen navigation and boat-handling skills.

Anticipated route:

Saint-Malo - Granville - Paimpol - L'Aber-Wrac'h - Ouessant Island - Douarnenez - Ile de Groix Island - Ile Houat Island - Port du Crouesty

We will be maintaining a watch system to ensure everyone is well rested and meals are prepared on time and maintenance is undertaken when necessary. There will be 3 watches with up to 2 people in each watch.

Hanse 458 "Hydra", 2023

The boat is designed for fast cruising. It delivers effortless sailing, responding smoothly to the helm and remaining balanced even in challenging conditions. She is well equipped and prepared for offshore sailing.

We will inspect the boat thoroughly before the voyage to ensure that every bit of equipment is absolutely ship-shaped.

General info:

• Year: 2023
• Type: sailing
• Hull: monohull
• Length (LOA): 14.04 m (46.06 ft)
• Waterline length (LWL): 12.20 m
• Hull speed: 8.48kt
• Berths (Bunks): 8+2
• Cabins: 4
• WC / Shower: 3
• Beam: 4.38 m (14 ft)
• Draught: 1.82 m (6 ft)
• Air draft: 20.6 m
• Engine: 57 HP
• Fuel capacity: 210 L (Diesel)
• Water capacity: 450 L
• Displacement: 11.7 t
• Single spade rudder
• 2 steering wheels
• Sails: Fully battened Mainsail 59.00 m2, Furling genoa 44.00 m2, Storm Jib 9.00 m2
• Plastimo drogue

Equipment:

• Autopilot
• Swimming platform
• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Sprayhood
• Radio/CD/MP3
• Socket 12V
• DSC VHF radio
• Handheld VHF DSC radio
• EPIRB
• AIS
• Radar reflector
• Chart plotter with GPS and digital chartography charts
• Sextant Astra IIIB Deluxe
• PredictWind Offshore app
• Complete set of pilot books, almanacs and charts
• Pillows, bedlinen and towels for each crew member

Average weather conditions:

• Crouesty
• Saint-Malo

Air and Sea temperature

In May, weather conditions in the Bay of Biscay and Brittany are generally favorable for sailing, with mild temperatures and moderate winds. The area remains influenced by North Atlantic low-pressure systems, while the winter storms have passed, occasional depressions can still bring unsettled weather. Average daytime temperatures are around 16 °C, dropping to about 10 °C at night.

Wind and sea state

The average wind speed in Brittany in May is 5 Bft. The area remains influenced by North Atlantic low-pressure systems, while the winter storms have passed, occasional depressions can still bring unsettled weather. The majority of the trip will be on the exposed North Atlantic coast of West France where moderate to rough sea state is to be expected.

The route is divided into several coastal and offshore passages with some night sailing. You will receive a certificate of passage to prove your sea time for sailing licenses. You will be an active member of the crew, and we will provide practical training on board to ensure safety and improve your sailing skills.

We give a great amount of responsibility to each crew member in running the ship so that you can gain a good experience and learn new skills as much or as little as you want. The skipper is an RYA instructor and will find it difficult not to teach or coach anyone who shows the slightest bit of interest.

RYA qualifying passages

If you are an aspiring Skipper or Yachtmaster, it will be an excellent opportunity to gain bluewater miles, practice navigation, pilotage and COLREG skills so that you can be more confident and comfortable when taking a boat out to sea on your own. During the voyage, we can evaulate your current knowledge and provide suggestions for improvement. We can evaluate whether you are at the right level to pass an RYA exam and practice any gaps in your knowledge.

The opportunity will also be there to act as a skipper (with guidance if needed from the skipper) for your RYA Yachtmaster Coastal or RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualifying 60M passages.

Main topics that you can learn or brush up:

• Maneuvering under sails & engine: berthing, hoisting and lowering sails, reefing, tacking, gybing, sail trim
• Safety: use of liferaft, lifejacket, EPIRB, PLB, AIS beacons, managing emergencies
• Equipment: use of Autopilot and VHF
• Weather forecasts and weather routing
• Offshore & coastal navigation: digital and traditional (including the use of Sextant if of interest)
• Tides and Tidal Streams
• Night navigation
• Pilotage and passage planning
• ColRegs
• Storm tactics and use of a drogue
• Use of Storm Jib
• Life on board: organization of watches, nutrition, sleep and risk management

Joining day - Saint-Malo

We will spend the first day preparing and victualling the yacht, going over the safety routines and practices, getting up to speed with the boat and learning or refreshing all the basic sailing skills before we embark on the journey. Once we slip the lines there will be plenty of occasions to practice tacking, gybing, reefing, boat handling under the engine and all the other key skills we must have.

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is a historic walled port city on Brittany's northern coast, known for its granite ramparts and striking views over the English Channel. Its old town (Intra-Muros) is filled with narrow streets, seafood restaurants, and lively squares that showcase the city's maritime heritage. Key attractions include the city ramparts, Fort National, and the nearby Grand Bé island, accessible on foot at low tide.

Granville (22 NM)

Granville, often called the "Monaco of the North" is a lively Normandy port town known for its steep old quarter, and strong maritime culture. Its upper town offers panoramic views, charming streets, and a rich history tied to fishing and seafaring.

Granville

Granville

Key attractions include the Christian Dior Museum, the Haute-Ville ramparts, and ferries to the nearby Chausey Islands, a stunning archipelago perfect for day trips.

Paimpol and Ile De Brehat Island (62 NM)

Paimpol is a charming harbour town on Brittany's northern coast, known for its scenic marina, laid-back atmosphere, and strong maritime heritage. Its old town is filled with narrow streets, stone houses, and cozy cafés, making it a pleasant place to wander between tides.

Paimpol

Paimpol Bay

Key attractions include the Paimpol harbour and the nearby Abbaye de Beauport, and ferry access to Île de Bréhat, one of Brittany's most beautiful islands.

L'Aber-Wrac'h (84 NM)

L'Aber-Wrac'h is a peaceful coastal village known for its sheltered estuary, scenic marina, and clear, tidal waters. The area offers quiet beaches, coastal trails, and excellent sailing conditions, with views of islands and lighthouses scattered along the coastline.

Coast near L'Aber-Wrac'h

Coast near L'Aber-Wrac'h

Key attractions include the Île Vierge lighthouse, one of the tallest in Europe, the Port de l'Aber-Wrac'h marina, and stunning walks along the rugged Aber coast.

Douarnenez and Quessant Island (110 NM)

Douarnenez is a lively fishing town on Brittany's west coast known for its colorful harbour. Its old town and waterfront are filled with cafés, markets, and seafood spots, while the Port-Musée showcases historic boats from around the world.

Douarnenez

Tristan island on the approaches to Douarnenez

If the weather is settled we will try to anchor at Ouessant Island at the western edge of Brittany, famous for its dramatic cliffs, powerful seas, and iconic lighthouses. The island is quiet and wild, with scenic cycling routes, stone-walled fields, and striking coastal views. Highlights include the Créac'h Lighthouse, the Kermorvan cliffs, and the island's unique sense of isolation at the gateway to the Atlantic.

Ile de Groix (32 NM)

Île de Groix is a small island off the coast of southern Brittany, known for its rocky cliffs, and clear turquoise waters. The island is ideal for cycling, hiking, and sailing, with charming fishing villages and colorful harbors scattered along the coast.

Ile de Groix Island

Drying heights are common in Brittany

Key attractions include the Île de Groix lighthouse, and scenic coastal trails that showcase the island's rugged beauty.

Ile Houat Island and Port du Crouesty (36 NM)

Port du Crouesty is a modern marina known for its large harbour, lively quays, and easy access to nearby islands. Surrounded by beaches, coastal paths, it's a popular base for sailing. Key attractions include the bustling quai promenade and the nearby Port Navalo lighthouse.

Quiberon Bay

Quiberon Bay

We will finish leg 1 in Saint-Malo and spend a day in this iconic place.