Has anyone visited the Ile de Sein? Intel requested.

[shmoo]

Has anyone visited the Ile de Sein?

We plan to visit around 7-9 July this year, weather gods permitting. I am pretty sure we can navigate our way in, but my question is: how far in can we get? At this point I have to explain that the Admiral, while up for most other adventures, is bottom-phobic: any contact with the bottom at all is regarded as a rehearsal for a shipwreck, leading to my having to examine the keel bolts and drink all the bilge water before she notices there even is any.

It will be going towards neaps (Brest co of mid 60s and dropping) when we get there.

We draw 1.5m. Will we be able to get “inside” the harbour ? To what extent is the dumb-bell ferry zone really kept clear? Is there really no fresh water to be had?

Any intel welcome.

 

[achwilan]

Hi,
Congratulations, enez Sun is one of the pearls of Brittany.
With 1,5m draught, I'm afraid you won't be able to go south of the little lighthouse at the entrance of the harbour, in a somewhat crowdy area. Low tide will be between 1,8m and 2,0m at that time: just compute exact water heights and go south as far as you can before anchoring... (here are the benefits of a lifting keel!... I usually anchor at the south end of the harbour).
Did you consider a stop at Molene too? another wonderful island... and mooring is easier for a deep keeler.

 

[achwilan]

Addition: the ferry evolution zone must be kept clear.

 

[shmoo]

[ QUOTE ]

Did you consider a stop at Molene too?


[/ QUOTE ]
Not been to Molene but we had a wonderful few days at Ushant year before last and this gave us the taste for Atlantic islands.

 

[achwilan]

So you MUST have a stop at Molene...
The only problem in these two islands is strong northwest to northeast winds and/or swell, which may give you very unconfortable nights (these harbours are open northwards)
ile de Sein swell was mentioned some days ago in the papers
http://www.lefigaro.fr/france/20070521.FIG000000135_panique_sur_la_navette_de_l_ile_de_sein.html
... but never mind, it doesn't happen in summer!...

 

[shmoo]

Yeh, saw that at the time. Thought it doen't happen often so we'll take our chances.

 

[achwilan]

I can pm / email you some photographs of Sein or Molene harbours, il you are interested.

 

[TigaWave]

Tied up to the bouy there over night once in a Grimsby trawler (76'ish) as the tide fell and the swell came in we bumped the bottom a few times which opened up some planks and meant we needed some re caulking. But she does draw over 10'.

I'd rather visit again in a shallower draught yacht.

Here's a picture of her.

 

[shmoo]

I just hope swmbo dosn't see that post!

 

[Poignard]

[ QUOTE ]
a Grimsby trawler

[/ QUOTE ]

Time for a bit of thread drift and to incur the wrath of Lakesailor by some nit-picking! Isn't she the Lowestoft trawler, "Excelsior"? I once spent a very pleasant Easter holiday in her on a trip from Rye to Boulogne and back.

 

[TigaWave]

Thats a good bit of thread drift ...from Isle de sein to Grimsby

Definately a Grimsby trawler though, she was built in Hull and used out of Grimsby. But she is now in Lowsetoft after she was bought in 1998 by excelsior trust.

I sailed her when she was owned by Henry Irvin back in the 80's sometime. Had a great and eventfull sail starting in Duarnenez.

http://www.excelsiortrust.co.uk/vessels/vs-cityofedinboro.htm

Its good to see she's still being used, or will be after some work I guess.

 

[Poignard]

My apologies for doubting your word. Good to see she has been rescued by the Excelsior Trust.