LES ILES DE GLENAN AND DOLPHINS UNDER THE BOAT
Aquila
Alan and Sarah Bennett
Thu 17 Jul 2014 15:32
Wednesday 16 July. The Glenan archipelago beckoned. So after an early start to raid the local stores as they opened, AQUILA and her crew (now consisting of Seb, Judy and Alan) left Port Louis under the brightest of bright skies - but not a breath of wind anywhere. But with the iron topsail duly doing its thing, we soon made 20nm to the west and at last found a zephyr that eventually brought us to Ile Penhart, the most easterly of the Les Iles de Glenan. In fine weather Penhart is paradise on earth (phot), so the crew leapt ashore like marauding pirates (phot). We soon captured the fort (phot), and conquered the rest of the island too (phot)!
Given the impending NE forecasted, it was clear our initial anchorage (accessible at LW springs) would not be suitable for more than 4 hours. So once back on board we weighed anchor and moved round to the west side of the island, to assess whether it would be suitable for an overnight stay. Regrettably, although we enjoyed anchoring there for another two hours, the skipper assessed that being there at LW (0200) would not be prudent. In addition, the indigenous fleet seemed to be gathering on the beach (phots); maybe this was in response to our earlier maraud!
So rather reluctantly after tea we weighed again; but were then superbly rewarded on the 2 hour run towards Port Manec’h, our alternate overnight anchorage. Running goose-winged under asymmetric, main and a brilliant blue sky, we spotted ahead of us a large pod of dolphins. To our joy, they were in playful mood, and spent some 3-4 minutes diving under and around AQUILA (phots). Such fun! We anchored off Port Manec’h around 2030, to enjoy one of Judy’s delicious suppers. What a day!
