Waiting for a break from storms (Quiberon, Vannes)

Beginning of November, Brittany was on high alert because of storm Ciaran. While storms building over the Atlantic are to be expected at this time of the year, this one brought exceptionally strong winds and huge coastal waves. After reaching the northwest Atlantic coast of France, Ciaran continued its course and caused disruption all over Europe. It was followed by Domingos, which continues to uproot trees and cause floodings on its path. Safely tucked in Port Haliguen (Quiberon), we hope for a short break in this succession of storms, so that we can complete the last 200 nautical miles of our journey (as compared to 5000 nautical miles traveled this year).

Quiberon getting ready

In France, costal cities and harbours prepared well for Ciaran. During the storm, people were asked to stay at home. In Quiberon, the ferry service was interrupted briefly in the heart of the storm but started again while the waves were still high at the entrance of Port Maria.

On Fabule, we added additional fenders and doubled the mooring lines.

During the night, the wind was pushing us hard on port side, causing the boat to heel against the pontoon. Objects were sliding on flat surfaces, as if sailing close-hauled. We did not sleep so well because of the whistling and the motion. But fortunately, the socks of the fenders were the only casualties.

Meet up in Vannes

Not only is Vannes a lovely town (well worth a visit), we had additional reasons to go there: visit Bryan and Denise (Willow) and get a replacement for Yan’s computer whose components did not like the vibrations of life on a boat.

We went to Vannes twice, the second time, we hid from the rain while playing billiards.