Quiberon Bay is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Located in southern Brittany, it is an ideal body of water for a successful cruise.
Quiberon Bay, in MorbihanQuiberon Bay is a magical body of water for a holiday in southern Brittany. It is sheltered from the swell by the Quiberon peninsulaand its wild coast to the west. It opens onto the islands of Houat, Houedic and Beautiful island. The bay is renowned for its peaceful climate, its numerous beaches, such as those of Carnac, the Gulf of Morbihan, and its famous marinas, including the sailing mecca of La Trinité-sur-Mer. Cruise opportunities depart from this port. du Crouesty or even from Vannes, there are many.
Arriving in Quiberon Bay
Arriving in Quiberon Bay is straightforward when coming from the southeast, from the island of Noirmoutier or Pornic. You will arrive either directly from the north of Hoedic or from the south, via the Sisters’ PassageDuring the day, between the island of Hoedic and its neighbour, Houat. You can stop and anchor near the island, or on the mainland, at Crouesty.
Coming from the west, from Groix or Lorient, you have to go through the Teignouse channel, near the lighthouse of the same name. This channel is subject to a strong current that accompanies the tide. You will be impressed. In fact, it is the passage of the waves coming in and going out of the Gulf of Morbihan. It is also possible to pass between the islands of Houat and Houedic, coming from Belle-ÎleThe journey to the mainland is longer, but the place is magnificent and, for fishermen, teeming with fish.
The Gulf of Morbihan
THE Gulf of MorbihanThe “little sea” gave its name to the department (Morbihan means “little sea” in Breton). This inland sea is a must-see, especially when explored by sailboat. It comprises numerous accessible islands, The Gulf allows sailing in protected waters.In all weather conditions. Only strong easterly winds can be treacherous. The area is, in fact, well protected from the prevailing winds. You will sail between calms behind the islands and light breezes between them. However, you will need to be wary of the swell during these strong easterly winds.
Powerful currents
The currents are very strongDon’t even think about sailing against the tides; it won’t work. Sailing in the Gulf of Morbihan requires having the tide tables with you and sailing with them. This is especially true at the entrance to the Gulf and throughout the area heading east towards Vannes and Séné.
It will be easier to go against the current by heading towards Auray and the small port of Saint Goustan. Finally, remember that the current will never carry you towards a rock or the coast. except towards Port NavaloFor example, the famous fishing boats of Séné would lower their sails upon entering the Gulf and let themselves be carried back by the current. You can easily wait for the tide to enter the Gulf at the Port du Crouesty marina.
Between sea, gorse and countryside
Places to see: Île d’Arz, Île aux Moines, the Auray River heading towards the ports of Bono and Saint GoustanVannes and its medieval city. Make a stop in LocmariaquerA major prehistoric site, the Gulf of Morbihan boasts a charming harbor and tumuli, those granite menhirs. Discover Île aux Moines, Île d’Arz, and more. Venture into the eastern part of the gulf, inaccessible to deep-draft vessels. And above all, take in the sights and sounds of the dolmens and menhirs submerged at high tide. A magical time to visit the Gulf of Morbihan by sailboat is during the Semaine du Golfe (Gulf Week), sailing among the old gers (traditional sailing ships).
Sailing in Quiberon Bay
Sailing in Quiberon Bay presents no major dangers. The area is well protected, and the only precaution to take is to pass well south of the “bushes” when leaving the Gulf, heading for La Trinité-sur-Mer. This area, north of the small island of Meaban (a bird sanctuary) is full of rocks.
A prime location for boating and regattas
Three large marinas are available to accommodate sailors. In all weather and at all tides: Le Crouesty and its summer atmosphere, La Trinité-sur-Mer and its history of competitive sailing and its multihulls. This port is often called the Mecca of Sailing. It is the home port of sailors like Thomas Coville, Francis Joyon, and so many others who have left their mark on sailing, such as Eric Tabarly.
Finally, Port Haliguen, in the northeast of the Quiberon Peninsula, is the other major marina, the closest to Belle-Île. Other smaller ports, such as Port Navalo and Locmariaquer, at the entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan, offer easy mooring and launching facilities. In the Gulf itself, there are numerous slipways and small harbors, in addition to Vannes. You’ll find Auray, Arradon, Baden, and many more. In short, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
The island of Houat
Houat is the second largest island in the bay (3.3km by 1.5km). It has a permanent population of around one hundred. Three main anchorages are available. The port is well-protected from swells and winds, but fills up quickly in summer. Two other anchorages are definitely worth a visit. The bay and the large beach of Treac’h ar GouredWith its fine sand and clear waters, this is a highly sought-after anchorage. This beach is magnificent and very popular in summer… It offers an ideal setting for spending the day at anchor.
If you need to stay overnight, prefer the smallest beach of Beg SalusThis area is much better sheltered from the northeast coastal breezes that pick up at night in summer and can be quite strong. At its westernmost point, the island of Houat is extended by a granite causeway.the Beniguet road, which stretches towards the Quiberon peninsula from which it is separated by the passage of the Teignouse.
The island of Hoedic
DURAND Nicolas
Hoedic is the smallest of the inhabited islands in Quiberon Bay (excluding the islands of the Gulf of Morbihan). It extends over 800 m wide and 2,500 m long. At the eastern end of the bay, 8 miles east of Belle-Île and 3 miles southeast of Houat.
Hoëdic is a low plateau, its maximum altitude is 22 meters. The coast is an alternation of sandy coves and rocky points of varying height. It is undoubtedly the most original and friendly island in the bay.While reaching Hoedic is straightforward, anchoring there will be more complicated. Owners of small sailboats are advised to avoid the port altogether, if possible.
Indeed, in summer, the harbor is subject to coastal breezes, and it’s very common for boats over 3 tons to hit the ground and suffer damage. If you’re using a small sailboat or dinghy, which can navigate almost anywhere, head for the port of La Croix to the south, which will be better sheltered. Alternatively, to the north, you can anchor near the port, to the west of it, by heading for a small beach.
Belle Île
Belle Ile is the largest island in Quiberon Bay. It covers 85km². Inhabited by 5000 people in winter, the island comes alive during the summer and welcomes a significant number of tourists each year. The port of Le Palais is the main port of the island.Located in the north of the island, locks allow for a peaceful week’s stay at the back of the harbor. In the outer harbor, mooring buoys are available, and disembarkation is by dinghy.
Finally, the last option is to moor alongside the Vauban citadel, which is dry at low tide. The port of the palace is bustling in the summer with its shops, market, and the arrival of ferries unloading their streams of tourists.
Sauzon, the rebel
For sailors seeking tranquility, The Port of Sauzon is a very pleasant little port. and typical of Breton fishing ports. Here, there are no walkways, only buoys. And for our small sailboats, the possibility of anchoring at the back of this small cove and running aground. The same is true for the port of Locmaria.
Finally, sailors hostile to ports and the world will find many anchorages north of Belle-Île, the anchorage of Sterven, from Kerel and many others will leave you with wonderful memories.
In conclusion, Quiberon Bay allows sailing in calm and protected areas and the sector allows for very long periods of sailing, discovering new anchorages each time.
The Sails of the Bay, a festive regatta in Quiberon Bay
Morbihan is a magnificent playground for sailing, and Quiberon Bay is a body of water that needs no introduction. Three sailing clubs in the bay created “Les Voiles de la Baie” (Sails of the Bay) on June 4, 2016. The event will take place this year on July 7.
Three clubs for a unique event
The “Les Voiles de la Baie” regatta is organised by three renowned sailing clubs in the Bay of Quiberon: the Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer (SNT), the Yacht Club Quiberon (YCQ) and the Yacht Club Crouesty Arzon (YCCA), as well as the Compagnie des Ports du Morbihan and the municipalities of La Trinité-sur-Mer, Arzon and Quiberon.
The Voiles de la Baie regatta will be open to “habitable” sailboats, starting at 6 meters. All boats are welcome to participate, both monohulls and multihulls. The regatta will take place on July 7th in Quiberon Bay. The course, approximately 30 nautical miles long, will be organized around the islands of Houat and Hoëdic, ending at Belle-Île. The start and finish will be in the middle of Quiberon Bay, halfway between the three ports.