Sailing in the Gulf of Morbihan is a bit like trying to cross the Place de lβΓtoile in Paris on a strike day, but with currents, oysters underneath, and much nicer scenery. Between the 42 islands (or 365, depending on the legend and the state of the tide), the hidden ports, and the currents that push you where you hadn't planned to go, it's intense.
To avoid turning your trip at sea into a Breton version remake of Titanic, there are rules. And the most important thing is the famous Port / Starboard.
The A-B-Cs (Bord): Red or Green?
When you enter the Gulf (through the mythical passage between Port-Navalo and Locmariaquer), you are coming from the sea. The rule is simple (in theory):
The Red buoy (Port) is kept to the Left.
The Green buoy (Starboard) is kept to the Right.
A little mnemonic for the absent-minded: Think of the word "TRICOT". Starboard = Cleat side (or rather, Starboard = Green, but that's less easy). Otherwise, remember "Bas-Si-Rouge" (Port / Singular / Red) to remind yourself that Port is red.
If you see red on the right when entering... it means you are going to repaint your hull on a rock. You have been warned!
Why is it a mess elsewhere? (The international trap)
Watch out, travelers! If you go sailing in the West Indies, Canada, or the USA, they have decided to do the exact opposite. It's Zone B. Over there, red is on the right when entering the port. Why? Probably to check if Breton sailors still listen after two glasses of chouchen.
The Gulf: A slalom between the islands
Between Arradon, the Γle-aux-Moines, and the LogΓ©o, the buoys are your best friends. They guide you through the narrow channels where the Jument current likes to make you speed up without warning. It is this mixture of technique and wild beauty that makes sailing here so "electric".
A new release that has some edge... πͺ
Because these rules are part of our DNA and every good sailor (or hiker who watches the boats) needs a reference point, we are preparing a surprise for you.
Imagine a Le Sinagot knife that would take up these universal rules... A touch of green, a touch of red. A tool that, even at the bottom of your pocket, reminds you which side safety is on and which side adventure is on.
Soon, you will no longer need to recite your sailing lessons to know which knife to take out for the sausage on board.
So, are you more team "I know my buoys by heart" or team "I have already been left stranded on a mudflat in Arradon"?Β