Since 2017, Paul Bragg and his wife Elaine have been steadily exploring the west coast of France and northern Spain — and 2026 marks their ninth season cruising this remarkable region. In a very engaging and personal talk, Paul and Elaine explained why this coastline is so easy to fall in love with and so hard to leave. Drawing on years of first-hand experience, they shared what keeps pulling them back season after season and why this coastline is so easy to fall in love with and so hard to leave.
Is it the reliable sailing weather?
The long sandy beaches and beautiful islands?
The welcoming harbours, relaxed pace of life, and unforgettable food and wine?
What Paul Bragg described about the west coast of France, especially around the Gulf of Morbihan, is exactly why so many sailors end up staying longer than planned. That whole stretch of Brittany has this rare mix: sheltered waters, strong tidal character to keep things interesting, and towns that feel genuinely alive rather than staged for visitors.
The Morbihan in particular is a bit of a gem. It’s not just scenic, it’s engaging sailing. The currents between the islands can run fast, so timing matters, but that’s part of the appeal. You get calm anchorages tucked behind wooded islets, then lively ports a short hop away with markets, music, and festivals. It’s easy to see why Paul and Elaine Bragg, aboard their Island Packet Jennie B, have made this their cruising area for eight years.
The rivers he mentioned are another layer entirely, places like the Vilaine let you trade saltwater for glassy inland cruising, tying up right beside small towns where life moves at a completely different pace.
That said, it’s not effortless cruising, you’re trading familiarity for tide planning, pilotage, and a bit of language navigation. But for many, that’s exactly the point.
If you were tempted by the talk, the real question is: would you be looking at a short charter to try it out, or something more ambitious like taking your own boat across?
Thank you Paul and Elaine for inspiring us all.
Below is a pdf version of Paul’s presentation
8-years-sailing-West-Coast-Of-France-Geff-Version
April :- A talk that told the story of a group of SOCA members who enjoyed a Greek Flotilla to the South Ionian Islands in October 2024.
May:- Sailing Around St Lucia and St. Vincent. A talk by Terry Branston. He discussed sailing all around both islands, the customs clearance that was involved in sailing from one island to another and the local culture.
June:- Paul Gillions gave a very interesting and informative talk covering the RNLI‘s history and organisation but he focused primarily on the day-to-day operations of the lifeboat and lifeguard service illustrated with filmed footage of actual rescues and the stories that go with them.
September:- 
October:- Jeremy Batch presented “Slightly pear-shaped”: the story of Mapping and Surveying“ another of his very interesting talks on the topic of navigation.
November:- Navigating the Crinan Canal. A talk by Andrew Davidson. Andrew presented details of his trip through the Crinan Canal in Scotland. This was a very well attended meting both at the RNA and with several members joining in via Zoom.
January:- Sailing the Norfolk Broads, Narrow Boating and more. A talk by Dave Arnold. The first talk of the year was given by Dave Arnold, who described how he is staying afloat after the disposal of his East Coast boat Joint Affair. 
Awarded to Paul Comley for his trip along the North Norfolk/East Coast where he described sailing around around the area of Wells next the Sea and its neighbouring havens. 
This is an On the Water trophy awarded to a boat rather than a member. This was awarded to Honfleur, (Alex Nicholas), for the hard work put in in getting her back on th. water.
Awarded to Geff Briant for his work on the SOCA website informative and up to date and for organising the fitting out and laying up lunches.
Jeremy Batch presented another of his interesting talks, the topic:- 
Jeremy gave answers to all of the questions posed below.
Awarded to Paul for his presentation “Exploring the Rivers of Western France” and for organising the excellent talk “Around The Horn” by Judith Jacobsen.
Awarded to Dave Arnold for his outstanding contributions over many years of membership. His talk on trip to the Southern Oceans including Antarctica and Falkland Islands, is an example of the numerous talks he has given to the club. He also always has inspiring
This is an On the Water trophy awarded to a boat rather than a member. It has not been presented for a number of years however the committee decided to reinstigate the award this year and awarded the Belaying Pin to Just Fleur – (Bob Leonard) for Stalwart participation and comradeship at the Summer East Coast Cruise 2024.
The new Commodore then addressed the meeting and informed the meeting of his chosen charity. 
In February 2023, keen photographers Liz and Dave Arnold went on a cruise to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands. 
