Dear all,

It's hard to believe I've actually started the trip I've been planning for the last 6 months. Yet here I am, moored in a picturesque harbour on the west coast of Brittany, half the miles to Bordeaux already covered. So far, it's gone like a dream. After a lovely farewell party in Poole on Saturday with a few close friends, I set out to Guernsey on Sunday 25th July with 2 crew, David and Sylvia, who I had contacted through the Cruising Association. That trip was a bit boring as we motor-sailed all day because the wind was so light, though getting through the Little Russell channel to St Peter Port in the dark had its moments. We slept in late after that, but set out at 4pm on Monday with the tide to sail down to the far corner of Brittany, through the famed Chenal du Four, which separates the mainland from the island of Ushant. This was a long sail but we had an easterly wind dead behing us -- quite a surprise as the forecasts I had before setting out ranged from NW to SW.

29 hours after we set out we were safe in the harbour of Camaret, round the corner in the Brest estuary. David was reluctant to go further, but I persuaded him to set out the next afternoon for a lovely sail on the sea breezes  down to the equally famous Raz de Sein. This has the largest number of lighthouses I have ever seen at one time -- I could see 6 at one point; not just the lights, the actual buildings. It shows what a fearsome past it must have had, tho we sailed through quite peacefully, despite the mist. Modern navigation instruments make such a difference.

However on Thursday morning David announced very firmly that he was leaving that day, ostensibly to get back to UK by Sunday, tho presumably he wants to do some sightseeing with his girl friend. I was a bit upset by his lack of frankness, as I'm not due to be joined by another crew member till Monday, but actually it's fine. I'm not worried by being alone and even if I stay here till then, I've got plenty to do.

So far I haven't got a working mobile phone. The network I'm on isn't operating in the far reaches of Brittany and I don't know when I'll be able to post this email. But there's doubtless some way round these little difficulties.

love
Chris