Lost in the past: travel

Ten years ago I travelled for the first time to a part of the world I had always wanted to see, the Gulf of Morbihan in southern Brittany. The complex maritime geography combined with a fascinating history of battles between England and France make it a favourite subject for artists and storytellers as well as sailors.

Every two years since 1999 there has been a celebration of classic boats during the last week of May. This year I was lucky enough to spend a week at La Semaine du Golfe for the second time.

There are parades and celebrations in several towns and villages in the gulf but the focus is at the medieval city of Vannes where a mile and a half long canal runs from the sea to the port outside the city gate. In this picturesque setting 21st century electric buses pass by timber framed houses and boats from many countries and eras.

There were 8 fleets (Yoles de mer for sailing or rowing - small pleasure - classic yachting - yachting 60-70 years - work boats - small classics regatta - small classics leisure - power boating) crisscrossing the gulf from port to port, as well as a 40 sailboats from Port Blanc and Larmor-Baden.