Bareboat Charter Adventure with friends in Brittany
This trip was a milestone for us—the first time chartering a Dufour 405 with friends, relying solely on our own knowledge and experience, without a paid skipper.
Setting Sail from Arzon and Crouesty
Excitement was high as we arrived in Arzon and Crouesty, where we picked up our boat, ran through all the necessary checks, and stocked up for the week ahead.
The first night we got into the mood, went to a restaurant, ate some typical food and cheered to the adventure, confident that all will work smoothly.
A small but interesting challenge presented itself right away: our wind measurement wasn’t working. We had two choices—either wait four days for repairs or set sail, knowing the weather conditions were on our side. Without hesitation, we chose adventure over delay and decided to go for it!
Île d’Houat & Belle-Île-en-Mer
Our first destination was Île d’Houat, where we anchored near the stunning Plage Treach’h Salus.
Having never been to Brittany before, I was captivated by the pristine sandy beaches and the distinct coastal vegetation that added a touch of wild beauty to the landscape.
We couldn’t pass up the chance to indulge in Brittany’s famous galettes and cider, so we stopped at CHEZ LOULOU for a well-earned meal before continuing our journey.
Next, we sailed to Belle-Île-en-Mer, home to the enchanting Plage des Poulains—a tiny beach that appears and disappears with the changing tides. This was our first real challenge navigating the powerful tides of the region, but thankfully, our friend Pierre was on top of it, ensuring everything was handled smoothly. The dramatic shifts in water levels added a fascinating layer to our sailing experience and kept us on our toes.
A Wavy Night before the final stop
Passing by Le Palais, we decided to anchor for the night. However, the sea had other plans for us. The waves were relentless, making for a rather sleepless night as our boat rocked continuously. It was an exhausting but memorable experience—one that made us appreciate the calmer anchorages even more!
Before heading back to Arzon, we made a final stop in Quiberon, enjoying our last moments at sea before wrapping up our incredible journey. After returning the boat, we made our way to Nantes, where we had a bit of time to explore the city before catching our flight. A highlight? Moules et Frites before heading back to the airport.
All in all
This trip was more than just a sailing experience—it was a true test of teamwork, navigation skills, and adaptability.
Chartering a boat without a professional skipper for the first time came with its challenges, but it also brought immense satisfaction.
Brittany’s rugged beauty, its tides and winds, and the joy of discovering hidden beaches with friends made this adventure one for the books.
And now, we can’t wait for the next one in Greece!
