Map of Lymington to Ploumanac'h

This page marks the start of our exciting voyage, setting sail from Lymington, a charming harbor town on the south coast of Britain. Nestled on the edge of the New Forest, Lymington is known for its rich maritime history and bustling marina, a perfect departure point for a sailing adventure. After final preparations and a check of weather conditions, we head south across the busy waters of the English Channel, one of the world’s most heavily trafficked shipping lanes, requiring careful navigation and a sharp eye on the horizon. The first leg of the journey takes us to Cherbourg, a historic port on the Cotentin Peninsula in northern France.

Cherbourg offers a safe and welcoming harbor, as well as a chance to explore its rich naval history and enjoy fresh French cuisine. It’s a perfect stopover to rest and refuel before continuing onward. From Cherbourg, we sail west to the beautiful Channel Islands, a cluster of islands rich in natural beauty and maritime heritage. Stops may include Alderney, with its wild landscapes and Victorian forts, or Guernsey, where cobbled streets and hidden bays offer a blend of British and French charm. The Channel Islands provide a wonderful balance of tranquility and adventure, with opportunities to explore secluded beaches or simply enjoy the slower pace of island life.

After leaving the Channel Islands, the voyage heads across the open waters toward Brittany, a region renowned for its rugged coastline and ancient seafaring traditions. Our destination is Ploumanac’h, a picturesque port in northern Brittany, often considered the true beginning of our adventure. Famous for its striking pink granite coast, Ploumanac’h offers a dramatic landscape of weathered rocks, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. Here, the adventure takes on a new dimension, as the open Atlantic beckons and the voyage begins to follow the wild, beautiful coastlines that will lead us south. This marks the transition from a coastal hop into the deeper waters of our Mediterranean-bound journey, with Ploumanac’h serving as a fitting gateway to the more remote and exhilarating stretches ahead.