Princess to Southern Brittany: The journey home aboard a Princess V50 (Part 2)

Colin and Linda Le Conte had already enjoyed an unforgettable adventure aboard Echo Beach, cruising from Guernsey to the historic city of Vannes in Southern Brittany. Along the way, the V50's intuitive joystick control, IPS propulsion system and powerful bow thruster had inspired confidence in a variety of conditions, from busy marinas to tidal waterways, allowing them to make the most of every stage of the journey.

Now, with the outward voyage complete, it was time to turn north and begin the journey home. Having explored the picturesque islands, vibrant harbours and distinctive cruising grounds of Southern Brittany, the return passage offered an opportunity to revisit favourite destinations, discover hidden gems they had missed on the way down, and reflect on the experiences that had made the cruise so memorable.

Joining them for the return leg were friends David and Debra, bringing fresh company and an extra pair of hands on deck. The V50 is designed for extended cruising and entertaining, giving them the chance to test out how spacious the accommodation and social areas were with four adults now onboard.

Both couples arranged to meet in Vannes, two hours South of St Malo by train and an easy location to reach if leaving your boat in Southern Brittany.

Set at the head of the Morbihan Gulf, Vannes combines medieval charm with a vibrant waterfront atmosphere. Its historic ramparts, bustling cafés, colourful markets and winding streets make it a destination worth exploring both by land and sea.

They took the opportunity to visit nearby Auray, where the historic quarter around Saint-Goustan's stone bridge provided another glimpse into Brittany's rich maritime heritage. It was small and very pretty and would be great to access by boat, but perhaps not in a 50ft motorboat that cannot dry out.

Leaving Vannes requires careful planning. Access to the marina is controlled by a tidal gate and opening bridge, meaning departures are governed by precise timings rather than personal schedules.

With fresh winds gusting to Force 5 across the channel, maintaining position while waiting for the bridge to open demanded concentration. Here, the Princess V50's manoeuvrability came into its own and, thanks to the joystick control and Colin’s skill at the helm, it proved less challenging than expected.

Before long, they exited the channel and were back in the main Morbihan. Although the overcast skies didn’t make for the best conditions, David and Debra still enjoyed taking in the many islands scattered across the bay. A short while later, Crouesty came into view, and they headed off to find a berth, unfortunately a challenge during such a busy period.

The next destination was Trinité-sur-Mer, one of France's most renowned sailing centres.

Protected within the sheltered waters of Quiberon Bay, the journey offered comfortable cruising despite the persistent breeze. The surrounding islands helped moderate sea conditions, allowing Echo Beach to maintain a steady 25 knots across the bay.

Trinité-sur-Mer was an interesting spot. The town was pretty with a good selection of shops and they all enjoyed an excursion on the Petit Train, a tourist offering that takes you on a tour of the remarkable Carnac Stones, a series of neolithic standing stones erected around 3,300 BC.

Among the many destinations visited during the cruise, Haliguen emerged as a clear favourite.

Located on the Quiberon Peninsula, the marina combines modern facilities with easy access to both the sea and the charming resort town of Quiberon, which was bigger than expected and has a pretty beach front with lots of activities. They all decided to explore on foot and walk along the coast.

The marina also serves as an ideal gateway to Belle-Île-en-Mer, one of Brittany's most celebrated islands and a destination already earmarked for future adventures.

One of the pleasures of cruising is discovering destinations worth revisiting.

Etel had made a strong impression during the outward journey, so the decision to return was an easy one for an additional night’s stay. Entering via the famous shifting sandbar felt far less daunting the second time around and allowed everyone to enjoy more of the area's relaxed atmosphere. David and Debra enjoyed the river tourist boat before all meeting for dinner and enjoying a trip to the market in Rue de la Liberation.

The route then continued west to Concarneau, another long-standing favourite and the longest passage since Dave and Debra joined onboard, but it was still only 37nm. They passed close to Île de Groiz and headed to Concarneau marina with Its historic fortified town, which remains one of Brittany's most recognisable maritime landmarks. Colin’s top tip here is that the only moorings for a 50ft boat are inside of the breakwater which is made up of several floating sections that move independently of each other so he advises not to tie up between different sections and ensure you are not too close to neighbouring yachts.

Sainte Marine also warranted a second visit. On the day of departure Colin did his normal early morning croissant run and on his return the skies suddenly darkened and within seconds the heavens opened and he was completely drenched. What followed was a spectacular thunderstorm and quite rightly, they all decided to wait for the storm to pass. After a couple of hours, they motored along to Saint Marine where a visit to their favourite creperie, La Misaine, completed their day. 

No westbound Brittany cruise would be complete without another encounter with the Raz de Sein.

Careful timing remained essential. Although wind strengths were relatively modest at Force 3, with gusts reaching Force 4, the forecast included 2.6m swells. The combination of Atlantic swell and multiple tidal streams can create confused seas around Brittany's southwestern tip.

By planning their arrival around slack water, Colin and his crew were rewarded with a smooth transit through the notorious passage, maintaining a steady 21 knots for most of the journey. Once clear, the sea state eased dramatically, allowing for a comfortable run towards Brest.

Refuelling at Brest’s Château Marina had been a positive experience on the outbound journey, so Colin decided to take on fuel there again. The process proved just as efficient as before.

From Brest, Echo Beach continued to Camaret-sur-Mer.

While the marina itself proved less comfortable than anticipated due to a persistent surge, the surrounding coastline more than compensated. Located on the Crozon Peninsula, Camaret offers access to some of Brittany's most dramatic landscapes.

Walks along the famous GR34 coastal path revealed historic military fortifications, prehistoric standing stones, rugged cliffs and sweeping Atlantic views. For many, this stretch of coastline represents Brittany at its most spectacular.

The final French destination was Roscoff.

The passage north offered a fitting finale to the cruise, taking in iconic landmarks including Pointe Saint-Mathieu, the Chenal du Four and the striking lighthouse of Le Four.

Approaching Roscoff via the sheltered waters around Île de Batz provided a gentler conclusion to what had been an adventurous voyage.

The marina's efficient arrival procedures, excellent berthing facilities and proximity to the town made it one of the standout stops of the entire trip. A celebratory lunch at Café du Port overlooking the harbour provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey before completing departure formalities and setting course for home.

With customs formalities complete, Echo Beach headed back towards Guernsey.

The crossing delivered ideal conditions and an average cruising speed of 27 knots, bringing to a close a remarkable 597-nautical-mile adventure through one of Europe's finest cruising destinations.

For Colin and Linda, the voyage reinforced everything they had hoped for when they purchased their Princess V50. From navigating busy marinas and challenging tidal gates to covering long coastal passages in comfort, the yacht delivered confidence, capability and enjoyment at every stage.

Most importantly, it provided the freedom to explore at their own pace, transforming a cruise through Southern Brittany into an experience that will undoubtedly inspire future adventures.

Read the original feature in the April 2026 issue of Motor Boat & Yachting.