Do you dream of casting off and exploring Brittany by sailboat? Good news: North Brittany is one of the most varied areas for coastal or ocean cruising.
Charming harbors, secret and uncrowded anchorages, spectacular tides, enchanting landscapes... it's all here. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or an occasional yachtsman, chartering a sailboat in Brittany is the ideal starting point for a break on the water.
Here are our top 5 sailing itineraries departing from Saint-Quay-Portrieux, the perfect deep-water port to start your expedition.
1. Saint-Quay-Portrieux → Île de Bréhat: an escape cruise for a weekend of disconnection
Distance: 30 nautical miles round trip - Duration: 1 day or 2 days with stopovers
Classic, yes... but absolutely unmissable! In just 2 to 3 hours of sailing, let yourself be carried away to the island of flowers, Bréhat, the jewel of Northern Brittany. With its unique colors, small stone houses and agapanthus-lined paths, it offers a complete change of scenery and even a microclimate. It's the perfect itinerary for a short but intense sailboat cruise, whether you're a local yachtsman or a sailor from elsewhere.
Leaving from the open-water port of Saint-Quay, you can enjoy pleasant coastal sailing, perfect for discovering sailboat charter in Brittany and getting to grips with your boat with complete peace of mind.
Clever itinerary: set off on the ebb tide to take advantage of the downwind current. Once there, drop anchor in front of the Guerzido beach, wind direction permitting. And if you've rented a ballasted dinghy, try a magical stopover on a buoy in front of the Corderie... or even at the confidential but mythical Trou de la Souris! See our sailing tips for Bréhat.
2. Saint-Quay → Côtes de granit rose and the 7 islands: wild and spectacular sailing
Distance: 60 to 80 nautical miles round trip - Duration: 3 to 4 days
Head northwest for an unforgettable cruise along one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines: the Pink Granite Coast. With its pink cliffs, wind-sculpted rocks and turquoise waters, this stretch of northern Brittany is spectacular. From Saint-Quay-Portrieux, this itinerary by sailboat offers both technical and captivating sailing. A stopover at Ploumanac'h is a must, as is a detour to the 7 Îles archipelago, a nature reserve populated by puffins, gannets and grey seals.
Our suggested itinerary :
- First night: stop for an anchorage in the heart of the Penvenan and Buguélès archipelago and pick up a visitor's buoy in the little port of Port-Blanc. A change of scenery guaranteed.
- Second night: anchor your yacht south of Ile aux Moines (7 islands) and disembark for a tour of the island. If the wind doesn't allow it: return to the port of Ploumanac'h, in the heart of the Côte de Granit Rose.
- Third night: treat yourself to a final stopover in Bréhat (anchorage at La Corderie, La Chambre or even Lézardrieux, depending on the wind).
An ideal itinerary for discovering sailboat charter in Brittany at its best.
An ideal itinerary for discovering sailboat charter in Brittany at its best. Read our complete sailing tips for the 7 islands.
3. Saint-Quay → Erquy and Cap Fréhel: the perfect spot to start beaching.
Distance: 20 nautical miles round trip - Duration: 1 to 3 days
For a shorter sailboat charter in Brittany, this coastal itinerary, in the top 5 of sailboat itineraries, runs from the golden beaches of Erquy to the sheer cliffs of Cap Fréhel. It's an ideal option for a day or weekend outing: accessible to all those who want to enjoy a moment of authentic sailing, without having to go too far.
Erquy is a charming fishing and beaching port, with a typically Breton atmosphere. A special feature of this harbor is that the visiting buoys run aground on the ebb tide! If you've opted to rent a ballasted dinghy or an integral dinghy, this is the perfect opportunity to try your hand at beaching. Simply pick up one of the green buoys reserved for visitors, carry out the usual checks (swell, wind direction, engine water supply...) and let the tide carry you in. Your sailboat will land quietly on the sand. What's next? A waffle or a drink on the terrace, with a direct view of your boat, tucked away in the harbor. An unforgettable experience.
Tip: like a mountain pass, the cape can cause winds to shift and sea conditions to change rapidly. For attentive sailors, navigation remains comfortable, with an exceptional view of one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Breton coast.
Want to add a night to this itinerary? Stop off at the little port of Dahouët; the entrance is worthy of the landscapes in Pirates of the Caribbean.
4. Saint-Quay → Les Anglo-Normandes: a sailing cruise between two cultures.
Distance: 80 to 100 nautical miles - Duration: 2 to 6 days
Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Herm... These Channel Islands are true havens of tranquility, with a resolutely British ambience. To reach them by sailboat from Northern Brittany, you'll need to plan ahead - and have an up-to-date passport - but the reward is worth it: a complete change of scenery in just 8 to 12 hours at sea.
Of course, you can visit these islands by ferry... but arriving by sea, under sail, gives this getaway a whole new flavor. By chartering a sailboat and reaching the Channel Islands on your own, you and your crew will experience the intense satisfaction of a fully deserved voyage.
Our navigation tip: set off at the right time to take advantage of the ebb tide and downstream currents. If your boat is equipped with an AIS transceiver and conditions allow, crossing the wind farm in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc can be an impressive detour, up close to these steel giants. Read our complete advice on sailing to Jersey.
5. Saint-Quay → Scilly archipelago: English adventure.
Distance: 320 nautical miles round trip - Duration: 7 days minimum
Looking for the open sea? Set sail for the Scilly archipelago off the coast of English Cornwall. White sand, tropical ambience and anchorages worthy of the Caribbean... in the English Channel!
This cruise requires careful preparation (weather, customs formalities, equipment), but offers a unique experience. Ideal for a well-equipped yacht and a motivated crew.
Tip: plan a stopover in Penzance or Falmouth before reaching the islands. See our complete sailing advice for the Isles of Scilly Archipelago.
Why choose North Brittany for your yacht charter?
North Brittany is an extraordinary maritime playground, as our top 5 sailing itineraries show. Diverse landscapes, a wealth of wildlife, numerous harbors and sheltered anchorages: everything you need for a successful vacation. From the deep-water port of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, you can look forward to coastal cruises as well as real adventures at sea.
What's more, sailing yacht charter in Brittany offers excellent value for money, with a modern fleet to suit all tastes and the particularities of the area. Whether you're a couple, a family or a group of friends, you'll find the perfect itinerary and boat for unforgettable moments.
Looking to set sail?
Check out our sailboat rental offers now and prepare for your next embarkation from Saint-Quay-Portrieux. Set course for a Breton adventure!