Over 2000 traditional boats from across the globe, quays packed with entertainment, grog and rations from all four corners of the world and a fantastic Breton party atmosphere combine to make this the ultimate in traditional boat festivals.
Catch a taste of Brest in their Promotional Film
Whatever your interest in classic and traditional boats the Brest Festival of the Sea 2012 will be a spectacular adventure. Every four years the Breton Port plays host to 2000+ boats and over 250,000 visitors from more than 25 countries in this colossus of festivals. There's every kind of activity available, both on and off the water. Displays, exhibitions, live music and street theatre pack the quay-sides and literally thousands of wooden boats congregate in the basins of this historic port city.
Each day the different fleets take part in a range of on the water activities too. Alternate days see them sailing inside the breakwater, outside the harbour wall and taking part in the awesome night parades of sail, before retiring to watch the evening firework displays. Almost every type and size of traditional boat will be represented; from Coracles to Classics, Working Boats to Tall Ships, many of which will throw open their hatches to allow you to nose around and some of which will also be offering the chance to sail aboard.
More from the Brest 2012 website
This being France, food and drink are a key part of the festivities. Five international villages scattered around the harbour will add international flavours to those of the Breton region. There's local drinks and delicacies from Morroco, Indonesia, Norway, Russia and Mexico to be sampled, whilst in the centre of the city the Chasse-Maree big top will again house the Crew's Bar - where everyone gathers to share their discoveries over a glass of their favourite tipple.
Check out this film from Brest 2008
Whilst any visit to this festival will be a fascinating experience, to attend as crew adds a whole new dimension. The organisers view each boat and their crews as being integral to the festival and the welcome is warm and festive. Dressing up and making music are all encouraged (but not essential!) and the Breton's really do know how to throw a party so a good time is all but guaranteed.
Brest Festival - Part 1, 9th July - 17th July: £895
Join the crew of the Amelie Rose in the afternoon of Monday 9th July at our boat yard in Poole. There's an optional supper at the yard clubhouse and then we'll head out to board Amelie Rose on her mooring off the beautiful Arne Peninsula. After a peaceful night afloat we'll be off bright and early the next day to join the hundreds of other boats making their way down to Brest for the festival. Once at the festival you'll be free to come and go as you please to make the most of your time there however we'll need you to vacate by 1000 on the last day (unless you choose to stay on for the entire trip).
Brest & Douarnenez Festival - Part 2, 18th July - 26th July: £895
Join the crew of the Amelie Rose in the afternoon of Wednesday 18th July at the festival. After a couple of days enjoying the best of Brest you'll head off on an amazing cruise in company as over 1000 boats cruise en-masse to the Douarnenez festival along the breathtaking Brittany coast-line. Once there the festival fun continues as the fleet settles in to the lovely town of Douarnenez, nearly doubling the local population there. After three more days of music, food, wine and traditional boat festivities we'll be heading back to Blighty - disembarking on the 26th in Plymouth.
Brest & Douarnenez Festival Double - The whole trip for just £1595!
For a holiday that you'll never ever forget, join us for the whole shebang. At less than £95 per person per day this 17 day expedition takes in both Brest and Douarnenez and the trips there and back. Hundreds of seamiles and two of the best French traditional boat festivals will combine to make this truely the adventure of a lifetime.
Find out more about the festivals on their websites: Brest 2012 / Douarnenez 2012 and the Brittany Tourist Board Website has lots of information about what else to do and where to go should you want to extend your holiday ashore. There's easy access too with flights to Brest airport from somewhere near you.
The price includes your berth, all food and soft drinks consumed aboard, the loan of wet weather and safety gear, fuel, berthing fees and qualified skipper to show you the ropes and keep you safe.
Pilot Cutter Charter
Topsail Adventures offer skippered charter sailing holidays aboard Pilot Cutter Amelie Rose, our replica 1850's Isles of Scilly Pilot Cutter.
Join us for an adventure sailing holiday along the South Coast of England, cruising the Solent, West Country and Isles of Scilly,
as well as around the Channel Islands and Brittany Coast and to traditional boat festivals like Yarmouth Old Gaffers (YOGaff),
the St Mawes Pilot Cutter Review, Brest Festival (Les Tonnerres de Brest) 2012 and Douarnenez Festival 2012. Sailing aboard
a Charter Pilot Cutter is an exciting adventure into the world of traditional boats from Nelson's era and we welcome independent
single travellers, small groups and families with children as well hosting corporate events and special occasions.
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