Who's Been Through the Raz de Sein?

[Major_Clanger]

I normally try to route through the P de Fromveur but I'm looking at options for Monday to use the Raz de Sein and Chanel du Four. I'm familiar with the latter but have never used the Raz de Sein but know it has a fearsome reputation.

Currently in Lorient and planning to be at the south end of the Raz circa LW Brest, which equates to slack water at the Raz. Not much wind forecast so shouldn't be an issue of wind-over-tide anywhere there. I'm with a motorsailer with a lovely 6-cyl Perkins to push her along so can make reasonable progress.

Any tips gratefully received. Thanks!

 

[Roberto]

You will be able to see yourself here
Webcam Pointe du Raz - AUDIERNE INFO
friends managed to record their whole passage images, no idea how though

 

[Major_Clanger]

You will be able to see yourself here
Webcam Pointe du Raz - AUDIERNE INFO
friends managed to record their whole passage images, no idea how though

That's useful, many thanks.

 

[Bobc]

All good. As long as you arrive at around (or just after) LW in reasonable weather, it's really not much to worry about.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I frequently used to anchor off Audierne at Sainte Evette which makes it easy to judge the tide through the Raz as Bobc says avoid any serious wind over tide in reasonable weather and it's a straight forward brisk passage. If for any reason you decide to go into Audierne follow the leading marks for the dog leg passage and be wary of the tide around and through the pontoons.

 

[Lightwave395]

I've been through a bunch of times in various weather including solo at night, obviously don't try it in inclement weather but with sensible planning it shouldn't be a problem and you'll wonder what all the fuss is about...

 

[Graham376]

We've been through in both directions quite a few times, the only problem on a couple of passages was thick fog.

 

[paulbrown22]

It was like a mill pond last time we went through at slack tide:

. My mother was terrified and geared up for the worst, and it turned out to be one of the calmest passages we've ever done!

 

[John_Silver]

Probably a bit close to springs right now, but 3-4 days either side of neaps, progress can be made against the last hour of the south going flow. Which helps with carrying a fair tide further north.....Enjoy the scenery. It's a beautifully craggy stretch of coast.​

 

[Bobc]

 

[Major_Clanger]

Thanks for all the helpful and reassuring input chaps, much appreciated.

 

[Roberto]

As a curiosity, the overlay of official wrecks, many from the times people were compelled to sail/fish in those areas whatever the weather (and some from the world wars).

 

[doug748]

Thanks for all the helpful and reassuring input chaps, much appreciated.

If you are late don't panic, as long as the swell is OK and no wind from the north you will be ok.

 

[Leslie frank]

I once got the timing wrong. My 20t boat was thrown round like a toy. I won't make that mistake again in a hurry.

 

[st599]

Went through in a Sigma 33, boring, flat and reminiscent of the waves on the Serpentine

 

[Koeketiene]

View attachment 207462

I remember that day

 

[Lightwave395]

If you look closely at the tides and wind to go up through the Chenal du Four you can actually get all the way to Roscoff on one tide too, although we've found it easier to check out in Brest and go straight to either Falmouth or Plymouth

 

[Major_Clanger]

If you look closely at the tides and wind to go up through the Chenal du Four you can actually get all the way to Roscoff on one tide too, although we've found it easier to check out in Brest and go straight to either Falmouth or Plymouth

That was the plan, I like Roscoff, but we'll probably push-on to Cherbourg.

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

Just a few times! Always a great experience... Timing is key!

Pete

 

[doris]

If you look closely at the tides and wind to go up through the Chenal du Four you can actually get all the way to Roscoff on one tide too, although we've found it easier to check out in Brest and go straight to either Falmouth or Plymouth

I take one can no longer check out of Schengen from Camaret. Once ETIAS is fully operational might this change?