Mouillage

Île-de-Sein

4.3France

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Shelter: S, SW
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Anchorage off Île de Sein, west of the Pointe du Raz in Finistère, on sand, sheltered from S and SW winds.

Pontoon
Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach through the Raz de Sein with careful attention to the tidal stream, which runs up to 7 knots at springs. The Chaussée de Sein extends west for several miles and is marked by the Ar-Men lighthouse. Holding is patchy, with rock and kelp under the sand, so grip is poor in places and plenty of chain helps. The outer anchorage rolls in W to SW wind and Atlantic swell. Deep-draught boats hold off in the outer harbour near the SNSM launch, clear of the rocks just east of it and of the buoyed channel used by the supply ferries. Shallow-draught boats can take the ground further in. Port du Men-Brial lies 0.2 NM south for shelter in heavier weather.

Practical

Forain anchorage on sand, no facilities on the mooring itself. Village shop, bakery and restaurants ashore, the small grocery open only a few hours a day for essentials. Audierne harbour is 12.6 NM east for fuel and full services.

Ashore

The island village is small enough to cross on foot in fifteen minutes. Land the tender at the southernmost ramp on the Quai des Français Libres, allowing for the tide. The Phare de Goulenez and the Abbé-Marie museum on local Breton and wartime history are signposted from the landing. The island grows quiet once the last ferry leaves in the late afternoon. No cars on the island.

History

The men of Sein sailed to England in June 1940 to join Free France; General de Gaulle later said that Sein alone made up a quarter of France at that moment. The island was awarded the Ordre de la Libération in 1946.