On Friday 31st May we slipped our lines mid-morning, having by chance caught the excellent Friday market in Lezardrieux. The Quartermaster was spoiled for choice: fresh artichokes and all sorts of vegetables, fish, lobsters, crabs, mussels, cheeses, lamb fresh from the farm, artisan breads galore and of course fresh Breton strawberries, perfectly shaped and tasting like those little wild ones - oh what flavour! I could go on ...
As the wind was just right we decided to push on to Trebeurden, even though this meant missing the pink granite rocks of Perros-Guirec and Ploumanac'h. Have to save those for another trip. Arriving too early to get in through the lock to the marina, instead we picked up a buoy and enjoyed the wonderful sunset.
During the night the sea became somewhat less calm than in the photo. So much so that at about midnight a loud noise was heard on the starboard quarter (nautical for back RH corner). Upon investigation, the Skipper discovered that FF had made contact with the neighbouring mooring buoy, which fortunately was unoccupied! Sleep was fitful for awhile after that but the swell eventually calmed down and the crew was able to get some rest. Not wanting to experience another night in similar conditions, and seeing a weather 'window' with enough wind (but not too much) from a good sailing direction, on Saturday midday we steered westwards again, to Roscoff. A short hop of only 18 miles which we did under sail in only 2.5 hours. The marina here is brand new but as yet unfinished so on land looks much like a building site, with facilities in Portacabins. However it is very sheltered and the pontoons feel good and stable.
A 20-minute walk into the town centre revealed the charming 'vieux port', where visiting yachts used to be accommodated. See the lighthouse on the left of the photo below, and the church steeple on the right is in close-up below. We could not help feeling it would have been preferable to be in this old port rather than in the modern marina - and alot nearer the shops and restaurants!
Today was the First Mate's birthday so a special outing for Sunday lunch was made to La Bonne Etoile - a restaurant that was recommended for such an occasion. It did not disappoint, and was full of French people and large family parties, which was an added endorsement that the correct choice had been made. Nine oysters followed by wild sea bass and finally chocolate cake and ice cream for the Skipper, and honey liqueur with tiramisu for the birthday girl. What a meal!
Tomorrow we are expecting crew to arrive on the morning ferry from Plymouth, docking here in Roscoff at 08:00. Then we will be off in the afternoon, heading West again to L'Aber-Wrac'h, which is the jumping-off point to go round the corner, the Point of Brittany, through the infamous Chenal du Four. A pleasure in store for Tuesday.
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