Saint Helier — Jersey

I stayed in Roscoff for three days, once again with the wrong wind direction, namely northeast. I used this time to have a last look around Brittany. Even though this is certainly a beautiful place, I just have the feeling that I’ve seen it all before.

Breton-style houses with green traffic islands

Rocks in Roscoe-harbour

This was a bit new. They’re sailing a regatta around the Finistére, pretty much following my route backwards in stages. They’re doing it against the current, otherwise may be, they’d probably be going too fast. I checked it out on marinetraffic: 7 knots over ground with 2 knots counter current, not bad.

Then I continued on to Trebeurden, with the forecast light wind I didn’t want to tear off 49 nautical miles to Lezardrieux, even if there was a good current. However, the wind wasn’t that weak.

The rocky coast in northern Brittany is special. That’s why I’ve taken a series of pictures because I haven’t documented it much so far.

Beautiful sailing between the rocks.

Trebeurden entrance gate and Sill

Rocks in front of the entrance to Trebeurden

Actually the Ile de Sept are also just rocks.

The largest of the seven islands inhabited and has a lighthouse.

The trip to Lezardrieux was quite choppy with zero wind. The outboard motor doesn’t like that at all, especially when it goes on for 9 hours. It cut out again when we moored in Lezardrieux. A familiar problem. Nevertheless, I had to keep going and hoped that it would sort itself out.

Finally, there was a good breeze from astern on the trip to Saint Helier. First I pulled in one reef, but that wasn’t enough for the 47 nautical miles.

Unfortunately, this rocking trip also had an effect on the engine. It doesn’t like this at all, according to my experience. I don’t know whether it’s dirt being stirred up from the tank or other problems. In any case, I can’t throttle back the engine when it’s running, then it cuts out. Of course, you can’t manoeuvre like that in the harbour. With a bit of skill, I was still able to dock in Lezardrieux and casting off is not difficulty. The engine has to go to a workshop.

In Saint-Helier on Jersey, what I feared happened again: the engine cut out while manoeuvring in the harbour. I was brought to the waiting pontoon by the harbour staff with a yellow warning light. They obviously enjoyed it and everyone jumped in to help with the mooring. Here at the waiting pontoon in front of the Sill, you can also moor by full service (water, electricity, and Wi-Fi). The next day I found a workshop and the engine being worked on. The mechanic immediately said there was dirt in the engine and tank. If the engine runs smoothly again, it’s a very reassuring feeling for the rest of my journey.

Now I’ve left Brittany, the next harbours are already in Normandy, Dielétte and Cherbourg.

Jersey Marina entrance: Sill at low tide (the small “lifeboat” on the far left of the picture)

Jersey Albert Pier at low tide

Jersey Albert Pier at high tide

Jersey Marina

A harbour basin for boats that can be skilfully dropped dry, with supports or as a bilge keeler.

Well, once again you can see by the road, everything goes round to the left. And the time is different too.