Semaine Du Golfe 2023, May 15th – May 21st

Five RstGYC Water Wags (& one from the NYC) “flew” down to the Gulf of Morbihan in Southern Brittany to take part in the Semaine Gu Golfe – a maritime festival with over a thousand classic boats.

The weather was kind to us with the right amount of wind, no rain and lots of sun. However, to say the tides were challenging is an understatement! Because of a narrow, 1km gap at the entrance to the Gulf which lets the Atlantic Ocean in and out, the tidal currents are strong and water speeds can reach up to 9.4 knots. Hence many of the events centred around tide times.

We were in Flotilla 7, based in Arradon, near Vannes and we sailed together for the various events. These included a picnic on the island of Arz and a full day’s sail across the Golfe and up river to the port of Saint-Goustan where we left our boats overnight returning the next day, to catch the tide and sail back to our base.

Fun was definitely had by all, onshore, offshore and sometimes aground!

Monday May 15Opening parade around 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday May 16: Traditional Tuesday of the island of Arz

Wednesday 17, Thursday 18 and Friday May 19: Sailing in flotillas

Saturday  May 20: Grand Parade around 4 p.m  and a full and varied program was arranged