France, Ireland, Wales, UK Adventure
Brand New Excess 14.0 Catamaran, Noquisi Norté, Sailing Adventure from France to Ireland, to Wales and Plymouth, England
Six Crew—Three Private Cabins!
One Big Challenge
In order to safely and comfortably leave the Bay of Biscay a favorable weather window is critical. With a new crew and a new boat which has never ventured offshore in potentially challenging conditions both the crew and the boat, Noquisi Norté, need familiarization. Where is all the safety equipment? How do the systems work? How do we execute reefing? How is the navigation plan set-up? When do we want to arrive? Where are the commercial fishing grounds? Where are the traffic separation zones? How to run daytime watches? Nighttime watches? It is NOT possible to have a series of day hops.
Why Embark on an Adventure Like This?
Les Sables d'olonne where Noquisi Norté is currently located is also the home of the Vendée Globe around the world race. This is the premier, single-handed, non-stop and unassisted round-the-world sailing race which is held every four years. The race even has a local connection to Minnesota. Mike Plant from Deephaven, Minnesota competed in the first edition aboard Duracell. Mike was enroute to France when he perished when Coyote his new boat capsized when the keel broke off.
Where are we going first?
Captain Thom Burns, Captain Cindi Schmitt and Captain Bill Moore will be doing a thorough shakedown cruise during relaunch April 27–May 2, 2026. Anything which needs attention will be scheduled in preparation for the first offshore to Ireland, which is scheduled for the first week of August. Noquisi Norté may be up the coast twenty to forty nm at her temporary summer home still on the Bay of Biscay.
From here the new crew and Captain Thom Burns will prepare Noquisi Norté for her first offshore passage of 400–450 nm to Kinsale, Ireland. The bailout will be one of the Spanish ports across the Bay of Biscay. After arriving in Kinsale, Ireland, the crew and Thom will rest up and enjoy dinner ashore, Kinsale is known for it's many fine restaurants and pubs. Thom is flexible to crew preferences which possibly means exploring other parts of Ireland.
Week Two
If the crew is new or partially new, some familiarization with the boat, systems, safety, weather and navigation will be in order. The nearest landfall in Wales is about 120 nm. It can be tricky with tides and currents as well as commercial shipping.
After arriving in Wales at either Swansea or Penarth Marina, the crew could set-up a direct 24 hour sail around Lands End and east to Plymouth, England. Captain Thom's initial preference would be to take this in four or five legs and "see some great sights".
A cruising guide suggested route is:
Leg 1: Bristol Channel Exit (Penarth/Swansea to Lundy Island)
A. Timing: Depart Penarth or Swansea on the ebb tide to "carry the gate" out of the Bristol Channel.
B. Stopover: Lundy Island (approximately 40-60 nm) offers a good anchorage in South Easterly or Westerly winds (landing at Jenny's Cove or the main bay).
Leg 2: North Cornwall Coast (Lundy to Padstow or St. Ives).
A. Navigation: This stretch can be choppy with few all-weather shelters.
B. Stopover: Padstow is a popular refuge but is highly tidal; check your draft for the "Inner Harbour" or stay in the Pool. Alternatively, St. Ives offers a scenic anchorage in settled weather.
Leg 3: Rounding Land's End & The Lizard.
A. Land's End: Timing is critical here to avoid the Pendeen Race and lumpy seas. Use the Inshore Passage inside the Longships Lighthouse if conditions allow, as the tide turns earlier there.
B. The Lizard: De-couple this from Land's End by stopping in Penzance or Newlyn to wait for a favorable tide to round the Lizard.
Leg 4: South Coast Arrival (The Lizard to Plymouth).
A. Once around the Lizard, you enter the English Channel. It's a relatively straightforward run past Falmouth and Fowey into Plymouth Sound.
There's good transportation out of Plymouth to extend your vacation adventure or fly to your next destination!
Pricing
Week One (Aug 1–7, 2026) Full
Double Cabin (2): $4,995
Couple's: $4,995
Single in Double Cabin: $4,195
Single in Shared Double Cabin: $2,995 (If possible)
Week Two (Aug 8–14, 2026) Short-Notice Discount:
Double Cabin (2): Sale Price $3,995 $4,995
Couple's: Sale Price $3,995 $4,995
Single in Double Cabin: Sale Price $3,695 $4,195
Single in Shared Double Cabin: Sale Price $2,495 $2,995 (If possible)
Both Weeks (Aug 1–14, 2026) Full
Double Cabin (2): $8,995
Couple's: $8,995
Single in Double Cabin: $8,195
Single in Shared Double Cabin: $5,995 (If possible)
You you may choose Payment Type "Other" and write in the Notes/Comments to contact us to pay Half now with balance due by June 1st for the Aug 1–7, 2026 Adventure, or due by June 8th for the Aug 8–14, 2026 Adventure.
Other Expenses
Provisions for this trip for food and non Alcoholic drinks will be covered by Northern Breezes after consulting with crew. Alcoholic Beverages will be paid for by kitty so that non-drinkers are not contributing to consumption. No smoking, vaping or drugs are allowed on any boats!).
Dockage, Moorings, Fuel and Boat Water are included and paid for by Northern Breezes.
Transportation: You are responsible for your own airfare, taxis, rental cars, ashore food and lodging.
Airfare Logistics
Various routes are available to Nantes, France (NTE). Some use Amsterdam or Paris with connections or even a train from Paris. Currently Flights are variable, but not out of sight.
The return routes vary between leaving from Ireland (first week) or leaving from one of the London area airports.
What to Expect on a Northern Breezes Sailing Vacation
- Professional Instruction from Senior Master Level Instructors.
- Hands-On Experience while exploring picturesque locations and islands.
- Learning more about the unique aspects of Bay of Biscay, Celtic Sea weather and sailing conditions.
- Scenic Destinations with great food ashore and culture.
- A combination of Learning and Leisure.
- Challenges of a couple of unique but doable crossings with significant tidal, weather and commercial shipping.
Northern Breezes Continues Veterans Sailing Education Program!
The goal is to share our healthy, peaceful sport with far more "Veterans, Current or Past," and their families.
Click for Northern Breezes Veterans Sailing Education Program
ADVENTURES SCHEDULE
France, Ireland, Wales, UK Adventures
Week 1: France, Ireland, UK: August 1–7, 2026 FULL
Week 2: France, Ireland, UK: August 8–14, 2026
Both Weeks: France, Ireland, UK: August 1–14, 2026 FULL
Prerequisites for these adventures:
We have a change in the prerequisites for the second week, August 8–14, 2026: since we already have Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106) graduates aboard, we welcome Bareboat Charter (ASA 104) or equivalent graduates to attend this Adventure!
Bareboat Charter, ASA 104 with considerable experience. Prefer Advanced Coastal Cruising, ASA 106 and Coastal Navigation, ASA 105.
Call Captain Thom Burns, for questions, options, expectations on this adventure at Northern Breezes Sailing School, 612-597-7399.
Certifications Possible on these adventures:
Advanced Coastal Cruising, ASA 106; Various levels of Review, ASA 111.
Other Expenses:
Provisions for this trip for food and non Alcoholic drinks will be covered by Northern Breezes after consulting with crew. Alcoholic Beverages will be paid for by kitty so that non-drinkers are not contributing to consumption. No smoking, vaping or drugs are allowed on any boats!
Dockage, Moorings, Fuel and Boat Water are included and paid for by Northern Breezes.
Transportation: You are responsible for your own airfare, taxis, rental cars, ashore food and lodging.
Airfare Logistics:
Various routes are available to Nantes, France (NTE). Some use Amsterdam or Paris with connections or even a train from Paris. Currently Flights are variable, but not out of sight.
The return routes vary between leaving from Ireland (first week) or leaving from one of the London area airports.