Grayhound – Douarnenez, Port Blanc NV

Your Sailing Area

Douarnenez, France

Spend five days on the north west coast of France sailing with traditionally rigged lugger Grayhound and sailing yacht Skeaf. The first few days will see exhilarating sailing and coastal exploration along the Breton coast as Grayhound and Skeaf test the strengths and style of both ships with a competitive but friendly sailing cruise.

Guests can sail on

We offer you a chance to sail aboard SKEAF and GRAYHOUND for a five-day sail. It will be a competitive, friendly and fun ‘croisière’ (cruise) in which to test the strengths and styles of both ships, while enjoying nature and the art of sailing. As a guest you will quickly be involved in the crew. You will sail on both ships and be able to compare them. It’s not often that you can watch your own boat sailing nearby! Over the last two days we will smarten up both ships to take part in the famous maritime festival, the Semaine du Golfe du Morbihan.

Over the first three days you will navigate the bays of Sein and the famous Raz de Sein, the turquoise waters of the Glénan islands, the mythical Port-Tudy on Île de Groix, the jagged cliffs of Belle Île and the concave beach on the island of Houat. The impressive currents at the entrances to Golfe du Morbihan and Chenal de la Jument take us to Île-aux-Moines, known as ‘The Pearl of the Gulf’.

Each day of racing and navigation, embellished with theory for those who wish, will end with the ships meeting in a port or anchorage. We will set the tables in the saloons and enjoy a well-deserved meal over a glass of local wine or two, or, if you prefer, a bottle of one of our own beers. Discussions about which ship won the day will last until sunset, for sure…

Over the last two days you will experience a maritime festival from the inside! After familiarising yourself with manoeuvres for three days, it’s time to show off what you’ve learned! The Semaine du Golfe du Morbihan is one of the most legendary gatherings of traditional sailboats. Hundreds of boats come to take part in the parades: the small parade on Monday evening and the big parade on Saturday. Know that, for the crews, the favourite is Monday’s parade! On Tuesday, you might be charmed by an anchorage on the stunning Île-d’Arz, with its dozens of boats resting on the white beach, and hundreds of ships at anchor. Finally, we return to Port Blanc for the end of the cruise. Throughout, the crews will do all they can to offer the best programme possible, based on your desires and of course the weather!

SKEAF is the largest classic yacht based in Brittany, at 28m overall. Built in 1916, it is one of the oldest representatives of the famous Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard. Rigged as a Gaff Ketch, this ship was designed for cruising, long voyages… and speed!

After multiple ocean adventures, SKEAF returned to its original name in 2015 and set its moorings in Douarnenez. It is the vessel for an eponymous association that gives people with social or socio-medical difficulties the chance to sail. SKEAF is only open to the general public for a few days each year. Indeed this croisière allows Association SKEAF to finance outings for its beneficiaries. So don’t hesitate any longer! Embark on the adventure!

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

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Grayhound – Douarnenez, Port Blanc NV

Guest berths: Rig:

More about Grayhound – Douarnenez, Port Blanc NV

LIFE ON BOARd

One of traditional hands-on sailing and sustainable adventure travel. Sailing with Cornish Lugger Grayhound is perfect for those looking to get to grips with sailing a traditionally rigged, classic wooden vessel.

Sustainable Sailing

Grayhound is run and sailed as sustainably as possible, with a care for the environment and the natural marine world at the forefront of everything she does. From an adopted vegetarian menu (unless of course, it can be sustainably fished or hunted), to traditional tender gigs rowed by the crew, it’s clear to see that sustainable travel and adventure is an important part of sailing with Grayhound.

Sailed with a full time crew, Grayhound mixes her sailing season with sheltered coastal sailing, open water sailing and some aptly named “smugglers runs”. Although she has a permanent crew, guests are encouraged to get involved to hoist the sails by hand and to feel the power of the wind in the tiller. Learn basic rope and knot work or even learn to row in the gig tenders – another nod to the ship’s ancestral history!

SLEEPING AND RELAXATION

A pilot house at deck level gives a versatile space from chart navigation, daytime shelter if needed and the perfect place for a cosy night watch.

Below decks there is a collection of various berths tucked into the hull, with four bunks situated off the main saloon and a further six berth bunks in the fore. The spaces are generous and there are two toilets on board for guests. There is a shower for emergencies but guests are encouraged to use marina showers or even consider jumping in the sea – an invigorating, free bath!

There is a communal eating area with a wide hatch so guests can star-gaze while eating deliciously cooked food. In warmer climates, guests and crew can eat alfresco up on the generous deck.

EAT

The galley is at the heart of both Grayhound itself and her owners.

Designed to be an efficient and inspiring workspace for the chef making meals a highlight of the voyage. Grayhound has a great tradition of using fresh produce and of foraging, producing wholesome meals inspired by local cuisine and maritime traditions. She serves only healthy, organic, vegetarian food. For many good reasons the meals on the ship are mostly vegetarian (unless it is caught by line from the boat!). Everything is cooked onboard by our excellent chef using regional and organic produce wherever possible.

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

FAQ

Travel Planning

From: Falmouth

To: Falmouth

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

PARKING:

You can leave your car at any of the Long Stay car parks with a weekly or overnight ticket. You can pay using the JustPark app on your phone which can be easier. Try Church Street TR11 3RQ or The Dell TR11 3HP.

BY RAIL:

There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Truro from starting routes of Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington. Once at Truro station you will need to change onto the Maritime line to Falmouth Town Station.

BY AIR:

The quickest way into the county during the spring/summer months, Newquay Airport requires taking either a taxi to Truro Train Station for the onward rail travel, or a taxi direct to Falmouth.

STAY IN FALMOUTH:

There are plenty of places to stay in Falmouth. Try The Chain Locker, Cutty Sark Inn or Seaview Inn.