PL Brest to Audierne

Paul Merriman

A fun passage through the Raz de Sein. We’d carefully calculated arrival time at Raz to minimise the tidal chaos - talk of a washing machine was a bit alarming particularly as the wind and swell was up. On calling Audierne to check for a berth that night they told us our planned arrival time of 2100 was too late - the tide in the river would be ebbing dangerously. 2000 or even 1830 would be better! We headed out and decided to take a look at conditions when we arrived (mostly sail but some motoring to keep to time) and on the way confirmed a safe anchorage on the North side we could turn back to if required. In the end the sea state was fine - swell and wind were with the tide so a knot of tide against in places but fairly flat (apart from swell). The changes in sea state as we went round were eerie though. We agreed no fun at the wrong state of tide. We made Audierne for 1900 and navigated in safely - good to get in with good light as well as not the easiest to find our way over the bar. Dinner was an excellent steak place behind the marina. And a good bottle of red as well.