We locked into first lock on the evening high water, about 7.50pm to reach the Port Vauban basin marina, which is just outside the ramparts of St Malo. I thought this would get us nicely berthed by 8.15, but the lock was busy , and quiet an experience jostling with all the other yachts squeezing in. We then had to wait while on guy in a dory found berths for all the new customers out of the lock. Those who could hold station at near the front got served first, whether they arrived first or not. Our boat wont stay still in the slightest of breeze so consequently had to keep moveing around, meaning we got served last. We rafted up to a Canadian boat just after 9pm then rushed straight into town for food. Luckily found one of my books recommended bistros down one of the narrow streets very quickly and had a very pleasent meal.
We left on the high water lock in the morning and headed up to the Rance hydro-electric barrage, where we just caught an open lock in time, or else we would have waited an hour, and run short of tide up river. Although it is fairly difficult to work out times and hights of tides as the levels are controled by when the turbines in the barrage are operating, which is not always to a set schedule.
We turned off the engine just above the barrage and sailed gently most of the way to Plouer-Sur-Rance where there is a very pleasent peaceful marina.
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