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France Splendour: Cruising Guide for a One-Week Yacht Charter Holiday
Saint-Quay-Portrieux / Port d’Armor – Cruising Guide for a One-Week Yacht Charter Holiday
Overview
Saint-Quay-Portrieux is located on the north coast of Brittany in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc. The location is particularly attractive for charter sailors because the Port d’Armor marina is one of the few deep-water ports in the region accessible regardless of the tide. This makes it a convenient starting point for a week-long cruise along the Côte du Goëlo, to Bréhat, Paimpol, or even to the Channel Islands.
Port d’Armor opened in 1990 and has approximately 1,030 berths. The entrance is wide, well-protected, and accessible at all tides. The marina is modern and considered one of the highest-quality marinas in northern Brittany.
The cruising guide for a one-week yacht charter holiday is located in the north of Brittany.
The most beautiful destinations within a charter week
1. Bréhat – the highlight of the area
Île de Bréhat
Bréhat lies about 12 nautical miles northwest of Saint-Quay and is considered by many sailors to be the most beautiful destination in the region.
The passage around Bréhat requires careful navigation, as many rocks lie just below the surface.
2. Paimpol
Paimpol
A typical Breton port town with restaurants, markets, and a historic atmosphere.
3. The cliffs of Plouha
Falaises de Plouha
Among the highest sea cliffs in Brittany. Even the journey along the coast is impressive. The cliffs are also a particular highlight of the excursions to Bréhat.
4. Saint-Quay Islands
Îles Saint-Quay
Several small islands lie directly in front of the harbor.
The archipelago can be reached in just a few minutes.
5. Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo
Approximately 30–35 nautical miles east.
Saint-Malo is an excellent starting point for an eastern charter week.
6. Channel Islands
Jersey and Guernsey
Easily accessible from Saint-Quay, weather and crew conditions permitting. Jersey is about 40 nautical miles away.
Culinary Highlights
Saint-Quay-Portrieux is considered the Breton capital of scallops (Coquille Saint-Jacques). Fishing continues to have a strong influence on the town. During the season, scallops, lobster, monkfish, sole, and oysters are among the regional specialties.
Conclusion
For charter sailors, Saint-Quay-Portrieux offers a rare combination of:
• a deep-water harbor independent of the tides,
• a challenging but rewarding tidal cruising area,
• spectacular Breton coastal scenery,
• short distances between attractive ports,
• excellent opportunities for a varied week-long cruise.
The combination of Bréhat, Paimpol, the cliffs of Plouha, and the numerous anchorages makes Port d’Armor one of the most interesting charter starting points in northern Brittany.
Yacht:
Model:
Type:
Year:
Length:
Berths:
Cabins:
Mojito
Oceanis 30.1
Sailing boat
2026
9.53 m
6 (4+2)
2
Beam:
Draught:
Displacement:
Engine:
Fuel capacity:
Water capacity:
Mainsail:
Genoa:
2.99 m
1.90 m
3995.00 kg
15 HP
130.00 l
160.00 l
Semi full batten
Furling
Security
Semi-offshore safety equipment (<60 nm),
6 self-inflating life jackets,
Liferaft for 6 people
Sails
Semi-battened mainsail (2 automatic reef points + 1 manual reef),
Roller-furling genoa,
Asymmetric spinnaker
Electronic
VHF with DSC,
AIS (reception),
External GPS Plotter (B&G)
Other
The excess (deductible) on this boat is €2000, and the security deposit is €4,000. If you take out insurance, make sure it covers both the boat’s excess and the full security deposit.
SAFETY
Emergency signals,
Electric bilge pump,
Manual bilge pump,
Dinghy,
Life belts,
Life jackets (X 8),
Fog horn,
First aid set,
Fire extinguishers (X 2),
Axe,
Binoculars,
Bosun's chair,
Floating smoke signal
INSTRUMENTS
Battery charger,
Shore power 220V,
Autopilot,
GPS charter plotter (in cockpit),
VHF,
FM radio/USB connection,
Compass (X2),
Navigation charts,
Pilot book,
Wind instruments,
Solar panels
Services & Extras
book now or later (optional)
Cleaning package < 35 ft
Sailproof 8" navigation tablet
Saint-Brieuc train station transfer (round trip) 4 people
Bed linen per cabine
Saloon bed linen (1-pers)
Spinaker
Regatta option
Early departure
100.00 € per booking
8.00 € per day
90.00 € per booking
50.00 € per booking
25.00 € per booking
100.00 € per booking
160.00 € per booking
120.00 € per booking
Excluded charges
to be paid at the yacht pick-up (mandatory)
Tourist tax
Transit log (final cleaning, linens, etc.)
Refundable security deposit
Security deposit insurance (reduces the security deposit to 400 EUR)
Address for yacht pickup
Including taxes and charges
156 € per rental (mandatory)
4.000 € per rental (mandatory)
350 € per rental (optional)
Saint-Quay-Portrieux / Port d'Armor, France
Cancellation / Payment policies
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to your selection. Please check the payment conditions when selecting the price above. Check price
Sailing licence required
Standard sailing licence
Pets
Pets are welcome. Additional charges
may apply.
Payment methods accepted by charter company
+ Debit/credit card
+ Cash
Information about the marina
Saint-Quay-Portrieux / Port d'Armor, France • Sailing boat • 2026
Advantages for Charter Crews
• Accessible 24 hours a day, regardless of the tides.
• Well-protected location in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.
• Diesel, water, electricity, Wi-Fi, sanitary facilities, washing machines, and technical services available.
• Numerous restaurants, supermarkets, and other amenities right at the harbor.
• Ideal starting point for day trips and week-long cruises along the north coast of Brittany.
Nautical Features
Brittany is one of the more challenging sailing areas in Europe:
• Tidal range often 8–12 meters.
• Strong tidal currents at headlands and between islands.
• Numerous rocks and dry spots outside the marked channels.
• Good nautical charts and up-to-date tide information are essential.
For charterers with Baltic or Mediterranean experience, the area is manageable, but requires more attention to tide planning and navigation.
Weather and Sailing Conditions
The prevailing winds are from the west to southwest.
Typical summer conditions:
• 10–20 knot winds
• Pleasant temperatures between 18 and 25 °C
• Often good visibility
• Occasional rapid weather changes due to Atlantic low-pressure systems
The best time to charter is between May and September.
Frequently Asked
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Choose your destination and travel dates
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Browse available boats
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Select your preferred option
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Send a booking request or book instantly
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Receive confirmation and complete payment
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Before departure, you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing—then it’s time to set sail!
💡 Tip: If you need assistance, our charter experts are always here to help.
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In Germany, you can rent many boats without a license as long as the engine power does not exceed 15 HP. Regulations may differ in other countries: for example, in Italy, boats with up to 40 HP can often be operated without a license.
No license? No problem. Simply hire a skipper and enjoy a stress-free experience on the water—or even learn navigation skills from a professional.
Once your booking request has been confirmed, you can conveniently pay the rental price online. Payment to the owner will be made on the first day of your rental period.
At the handover, you check that the boat matches the description in the ad. The provider will give you a briefing, and together you will sign the rental agreement.
Return the boat on time and in perfect condition. At the end, you can share your experience and rate the boat and the rental company.
Boat rental prices depend on the type of boat, location, and season:
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Small boats: from around €100 per day
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Mid-range boats: several hundred euros per day
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Luxury yachts: several thousand euros per day
Additional costs may include fuel, cleaning, insurance, or crew services.
Tip: booking early can help you save money.
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A Transit Log is a mandatory fee, which covers the final cleaning, licence fees and document preparation costs.
The amount of the boat deposit is determined by the owner depending on the type of boat. The deposit is used to pay for damage to the boat, the insurance excess or any damage caused to the owner. The deposit can be managed directly by the owner.
Yacht Check Online also offers various optional insurance policies:
travel cancellation insurance and deposit insurance.
Similar to a car rental, when chartering a boat you'll be asked to pay a security deposit (in many cases, it's possible to block the deposit on your credit card). This deposit is refundable if the boat is returned undamaged. Alternatively, many charter companies offer security deposit insurance, which reduces the deposit or eliminates it entirely.
Every boat listed on Yacht Check Online has full insurance.
Transit log (final cleaning & bed linen), Safety net and Tourist Tax and Pets onboard and Stand up paddle can be paid on the spot only in cash. Refundable Security Deposit can be paid on the spot by Debit/credit card or in cash.
You can find the additional costs listed as mandatory extras in each boat’s profile. You should also consider the mooring costs, petrol and food expenses during your sailing holiday.
You will receive an instant booking confirmation and the charter contract. After the reservation has been paid for, you will receive the crew list, boarding pass, and marina base information.
Sailing with pets is possible in most cases for an additional charge. Information about this can be found in the individual boat profiles. Please let us know if you plan to bring your pet on board.
Contact our customer service at +49 711 67 46 56 20 or via email at info@yachtcheck.online. We will assist you immediately.
Many boat owners offer early check-in at 1 p.m. for an additional fee. This information can be found in the boat profile. Early check-in times are generally limited. Please let us know in advance to reserve your appointment.
To make your trip perfect, don’t forget:
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☀️ Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
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🩱 Swimwear & towels
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👟 Non-slip shoes & comfortable clothing
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🪪 ID and (if required) boating license
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🍴 Food & drinks
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💊 Personal medication (e.g. seasickness tablets)
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📸 Camera for unforgettable memories
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Typically included:
✔️ Boat rental
✔️ Basic insurance
✔️ Safety equipment
✔️ Briefing/instruction before departureOptional extras (usually at additional cost):
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Skipper or crew
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Fuel
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Final cleaning
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Catering & extras (e.g. water sports equipment)
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To make your trip perfect, don’t forget:
☀️ Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
🩱 Swimwear & towels
👟 Non-slip shoes & comfortable clothing
🪪 ID and (if required) boating license
🍴 Food & drinks
💊 Personal medication (e.g. seasickness tablets)
📸 Camera for unforgettable memories
Looking for maximum comfort? Rent a boat with a crew. In addition to a professional skipper, you can often book extra crew members such as a hostess, chef, or deckhand.
Perfect for a worry-free trip: the crew takes care of navigation, safety, and service while you sit back and enjoy.
To list your boat for hire on Yacht Check Online, all you need to do is create an account and then submit your listing using the form. Listing your boat is completely free and non-binding. You can edit or delete your listing at any time under the ‘My Boats’ tab. A dedicated team is available to assist you by phone and email.