Brittany moorings - short term

[rex_seadog]

Am toying with the idea of sailing the boat to southern Brittany with the "lads" and then leaving it there for a few weeks in the summer. We could then fly back and return later with our families (who would be reluctant to do the Channel crossing, Chenal de Four, Raz etc.) for a more leisurely sail in the area.

So, how feasible is it to get (cheapish) short term moorings or is it a case of paying full whack for a marina berth? I was thinking of perhaps the Benodet area but would be open to any other suggestions. An important consideration would be good transport links to say Brest airport as this seems to offer the best links to Birmingham.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[charles_reed]

Most swinging moorings are private.

However Loctudy at about €90/week for 10m,
Benodet at about €100
and Concarneau at about €110/week; all have buoys.

The ebb current in the Odet is pretty wild and berthing in the 2 Benodet marinas is best attempted at slack water.

I'd suggest Brest Moulin Blanc in the upper Rade, that's about the same as a buoy at Concarneau for a pontoon berth.

For the latter try e-mailing Marc Lambert on port-de-plaisance@sopab.fr.

Enjoy, that S Brittany coast is one of the best cruising areas in Europe!

 

[chanelyacht]

I can see what's available at Audierne or Dournanez if you're interested...
Simon

 

[oakum]

If you look in N.Biscay Pilot for Port Launay/River Aulne I've left the boat alongside there for several months at a time for nix. Several expats live in town and it's delightful place in spring and summer but damp as old boots in winter.

 

[rex_seadog]

Thanks to all for your suggestions.
The prices you quote, Charles, seem not too unreasonable. Do you have any contact details for the swinging moorings you mentioned or is it a case of just turning up to see what's available on the day? Will probably give the capitaineries a call - fortunately we (more the wife really) speak French.
Yes, Simon, I'd be interested to know what's available at Audierne and Douarnanez.
Will look in our N Biscay pilot book (as yet unused in earnest) when we get down to the boat.

 

[MisterBen]

We have several times used the swinging moorings at Sainte Marine, on the Odet opposite Benodet. From memory, the weekly rate was the same as four individual nights - and so very good value. The helpful HM has visitors' moorings just off the pleasant little bay (though, as has been said, in the strong tidal stream), also (cheaper) upriver, and of course the pontoon moorings. If he puts you up river he will certainly deliver you to/from by launch. I should get your wife to give him a ring (0033 2 98 56 38 72). Good luck. Ben.