The fleet arrives in Brittany and the quaint fishing harbour of Paimpol
49° 46.88 N 003° 02.61 W
Passage to Paimpol
The fleet awoke to beautiful sunny morning with clear blue skies above. Today the fleet would make for the Brittany coast and the fishing harbour of Paimpol. Just after 1000hrs the sill opened at St Helier Marina and the MBM fleet prepared to exit the harbour. Blue Fin was the first to depart, the plan was that the MBM control boat would be first into Paimpol and would assist with the berthing. Time Flies, with Richard and Ray aboard would remain behind and call the rest out one by one.
The passage was ideal, a gentle rolling swell from the west, brilliant sunshine and a light breeze. The shallow approach to Paimpol is absolutely stunning, likened to Scandinavian fjord complete with rocks, sandy beaches, islands and lines of fir trees.
By high water the MBM fleet were all in the approach channel and were locking through into the harbour. It was clear that this was quite a spectacle for the locals, 23 large British motorboats arriving on mass in this quaint harbour basin. Crowds started to form around the lock as more and more boats locked through and the local press were ready and waiting on the pontoon for Blue Fin; Neale was interviewed for the local newspaper. Everyone was happily assembled by 1500hrs French time and there was still plenty of time to walk into town to explore and stock up with supplies of smelly cheeses and baguettes.
Photos – Fairline Phantom 38 Seacrest, Time Flies XS 700 RIB with Ray and Richard, the fleet rafted in Paimpol and “who let the plug out?” the entrance channel at low tide.
