An exceptional parade in a regulated setting
The Grande Parade kicks off at 5pm, between Méaban, Pointe de Kerpenhir and Port Navalo. This maritime event will bring together 1,327 units, flanked by listed boats such as Pen Duick , Joshua or Sea Raven . These emblematic yachts will open the procession, followed by the tall ships and then all the flotillas, creating a nautical spectacle on a rare scale.
But beyond the festive aspect, navigation in the Gulf will have to comply with a strict traffic plan, particularly with regard to anchoring.
No-anchoring zones: a map you must consult
To mark this event, the maritime authorities have published a new no-anchoring chart for Saturday May 31, 2025. All areas identified in red are formally forbidden to anchor. This measure is designed to facilitate the passage of ships and ensure the safety of the parade.
Boaters should therefore plan ahead and adapt their mooring plan to the authorized zones. Any infringement could result in sanctions, given the risk of congestion or interference with the procession.
Safety on board: wearing a lifejacket is highly recommended
All sailors and yachtsmen are strongly advised to wear a lifejacket at sea during this popular event. The organizers and local authorities have reaffirmed this advice, although it is not compulsory.
Wearing a lifejacket, especially in dense and potentially rough waters, provides better protection in the event of a fall or accident. It is also advisable to ensure that safety equipment on board is in good working order.
Anticipate your navigation for a smooth day
With over a thousand boats expected, sailing conditions will be particularly busy. Boaters are advised to be vigilant with regard to signage, visual watch and VHF instructions. It is also advisable to consult the marine weather forecast the day before and the day of the event, in order to adapt navigation and guarantee crew safety.
The organizers specify that the Grand Parade will take place according to a defined order of flotillas, and that specific communication channels will be assigned to coordination at sea.
Details of the route and no-anchoring zones
The official nautical chart published for the Grande Parade on Saturday May 31, 2025 details the anchoring restrictions along the route taken by the flotillas. This nautical map highlights in red all the areas where anchoring is prohibited, from the entrance to the Gulf to the outskirts of Ile aux Moines.
Seven points are marked, from off Port Navalo to south-east of Ile aux Moines. The line-up follows the main channel and includes :
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Zone 1 off Port Navalo, at the entrance to the Golfe
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Zone 2 south of Méaban Island
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Zone 3 off Kerpenhir Point
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Zone 4 at the center of the channel, opposite Ile Longue
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Zone 5 south of Ile d'Arz
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Zone 6 between Île aux Moines and Pointe de Toulindac
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Zone 7 north-east approach, up to the "4 buoys" area off the town of Ile aux Moines
These areas are strictly forbidden to anchor for the entire duration of the event, including the pre- and post-parades, to ensure the safe progress of the flotilla. The presence of vessels at anchor in these areas could compromise the smooth running of the event, or even present a danger in the event of collision or hindrance to navigation.
A heritage fleet at the head of the procession
The opening of the parade by boats listed as Historic Monuments provides a strong cultural anchor to the event. These emblematic vessels embody a living memory of France's maritime heritage. Their participation underlines the link between maritime traditions and contemporary yachting.
Starting at 5:00 pm, the parade will be led by a prestigious squadron of listed ships. Among them, the emblematic sailing ships of the Pen Duick (I to V), alongside the Joshua from Kurun from Sea Raven or the Rumengol and Martroger III . This solemn opening anchors the parade in an approach that promotes France's maritime heritage.
The procession continues in successive series:
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17h10 âeuros 17h15 : Étoile du Roy , Charles Marie , Lola of Skagen a (250 units) and B (80 units) flotillas from Port Anna.
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17h25 âeuros 17h30 : Tall ships Morgenster , Grayhound , Skeaf followed by flotillas D (175 units) and E (110 units) from Port-Blanc.
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17h40 âeuros 17h50 : Le Français , Great Ermine , Amzer Zo g (60), C (70) and K (20) fleets (Arradon and Port Anna).
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17h55 âeuros 18h10 : Pascual Flores , Corentin , Doe and perhaps the Shtandart f (100) and I (175) flotillas from Vannes.
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6:10 pm âeuros 6:30 pm last sequence with Recouvrance , Nebula , Dalh Mad and Loch Monna followed by the J (100) and H (150) flotillas, all based in Vannes.
Finally, the vessels in the M permanent residents of the Golfe du Morbihan, will close the parade.
We should also note the participation of several units identified at the end of the list: Courrier des Îles , Leenan Head , Unity of Lynn , Boréale , Black Lily , Krog E Barz and André Yvette .
For lovers of beautiful hulls, the passage of these units is a rare opportunity to observe the sailing of these witnesses to naval know-how, often handcrafted, and to chat with their crews.
For your viewing pleasure...
The 2025 edition of the Grande Parade promises to be a highlight of the Breton boating season. For yachtsmen, it's also an opportunity to review the fundamentals of flotilla navigation, managing priorities and restricted areas. Future editions could incorporate more vessel traffic management technologies or real-time navigation assistance devices. A prospect to be followed.
