Fettler's Voyages: Pointe of departure

Fishing boats in Lesconil at HW-1

Port La Foret was a very useful stop. Great for picking up some extra provisions, getting an enormous load of washing done and gathering intelligence on the harbours ahead. An English couple, locally based, informed us that the harbour (Loctudy) we had planned for our next stop is currently closed for dredging, but that there are new pontoons and a new, welcoming (to yachts) attitude at the formerly hardcore fishing harbour of Lesconil (our 2011 Reeds says that yachts will only be accepted in case of emergency!). That gave us the ideal staging post to time our arrival with tide and current at Audierne.

Strange creatures washed up on the beach

Sadly defunct

Snug Audierne harbour

The forecast was showing pretty clearly that we would want to be tucked up in Audierne by Tuesday and that our stay was likely to be a longer one than usual. A deepening low, bound for Ireland, threatened 'very high' seas. In the meantime, almost no wind, from behind, meaning a good day's motoring to Audierne. Rather frustrating, therefore, to observe a fleet of super light super fast racing yachts wiping the floor with us as we chugged along, lacking enough air to even fill the genoa. Our sail wardrobe would definitly benefit from the addition of a large, lightweight nylon drifter.

Spring has reached this coast

Bar-tailed godwit and harem on the beach

The empty beach east of Audierne

Dolphin corpse, an unusual sight

Memorial to fishermen lost at sea, the last one in 2006

Notre Dame de Roscudon in Pont-Croix

Marlinspike House? Up the Goyen river

Breakwater at the river entrance to Audierne

The gloomy forecast was right on the money and the plan has worked out. We've been enjoying a snug berth in Audierne while the seas build outside. It's a pretty town with splendid coastline either side and some amazing beaches too. I also managed to repair the tiller pilot - a welcome suprise!

Now, we wait and watch the weather for the moment to move on Ireland. The way the forecast is looking at the moment, however, we might end up ascending the Channel after all. No window in sight.