Dartmouth to Paimpol, Brittany
Yachtmaster · Western Channel and North Brittany
An offshore crossing of about 95 nm, through the shipping lanes to a rocky, large-range tidal coast.
Training data only — not for navigation. Use official charts, tide tables and almanacs.
Distance
97.3 nm
Time @ 5 kn
19h 28m
ETA
—
Waypoints and legs
| # | Name | Lat | Lon | Leg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | start | ||||
| 2 | 45.9 nm · 167°T | ||||
| 3 | 41.1 nm · 168°T | ||||
| 4 | 5.7 nm · 147°T | ||||
| 5 | 4.5 nm · 201°T |
Tidal gates & timing
- Cross-tide sets east then west through the night; work out a single course to steer rather than chasing the track.
- Paimpol lock opens only around HW; Brittany ranges reach 10 m+ at springs.
Hazards
- Channel shipping lanes at night
- Rock-strewn approaches round Bréhat
- Fog in the western Channel
Pilotage
- Make a daylight landfall at Les Héaux and follow the buoyed Chenal de Bréhat
- Anchor or wait at Bréhat if you miss the lock
Ports of refuge
- Tréguier
- Île de Bréhat anchorage
- Lézardrieux (all-tide)
Suggested departure
- Evening from Dartmouth for a dawn landfall
Harbour guides (VisitMyHarbour)
Each guide covers the approach, chart, berthing, facilities and tides for that harbour.
- Dartmouth ↗ — Departure: Dart entrance, visitor pontoons and fuel.
- Salcombe (refuge) ↗ — Bar harbour refuge east of Start Point — tide-dependent.
- Brixham (refuge) ↗ — All-tide refuge in Torbay.
VisitMyHarbour covers UK and Irish harbours only; use a Channel Islands or Brittany pilot for the arrival port.
Checklist
- Forecast and outlook checked
- Crew briefed, watch plan set
- Boat, engine, fuel and water checked
- Safety kit and VHF/DSC tested
- Passage plan left ashore