About this site

Piers and Lin du Pré bought their new Fleming 55 / 129, Play d'eau, in 2003.

She was berthed in Beaucette Marina, Guernsey in the Channel Islands at N49° 30’.197 W002° 30’.350 until she was sold in October 2021.

This site charts the thrilling adventures they had in her.

You can contact us here.

Where’s Play d’eau?

If the new owners have the AIS on, you can find where Play d'eau is right now.

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Recent Posts

Leg 8 – Vannes to Île d’Yeu – 5 July 2013

Lin at the flybridge helm under the bimini for shade from a very hot sun

I confess that far too much Breton cider and Pastis was consumed and far too many olives fresh from the buzzing farmers’ market that morning; black in herbs and green in pesto. We had been invited for drinks by retired Chris and Sue of Aquitaine, a British yacht moored three places along …

Continue reading Leg 8 – Vannes to Île d’Yeu – 5 July 2013

Vannes – the farmers’ market

Nougat by the kilo - we bought some....

It’s rare to find such an extensive farmers’ market. We’ll let the photos do the talking …

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Vannes – a medieval town

Castle De L'Hermine which housed the Brittany Parliament

Founded by the Romans in 56 BC, Julius Caesar went on to conquer the area known as Brittany. Throughout the third century, fortified walls were built around the town to protect it from ‘barbaric tribes’. Between 1341 and 1364 wars of succession were fought between two families claiming the title Duke of Brittany, which was eventually won by Jean IV …

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Leg 7 – Port Haliguen to Vannes – 2 July 2013

The Vedettes don't take prisoners. Travelling fast, they pass close and make large wakes

Our next port of call, the walled town of Vannes, is at the top of the beautiful inland sea, the Golfe du Morbihan. Covering 100 square kilometres (approx. 12,000 hectares), with more than 40 islands, the largest of which is the Île aux Moines with its 7km coastline …

Continue reading Leg 7 – Port Haliguen to Vannes – 2 July 2013

Leg 6 – Port La Foret to Port Haliguen – 1 July 2013

Threading our way through the reefs, we passed within 50m of this outcrop

A cold, grey sky greeted us as we emerged from our cabin and raised the blinds in the saloon to view the outside world. Whilst Lin went to fetch fresh croissants (a pink job) I busied myself with engine and nav checks (a blue job) …

Continue reading Leg 6 – Port La Foret to Port Haliguen – 1 July 2013

Jazz on the Bandstand & ‘au revoir Port La Forêt’

The Trumpeter, who was my point of contact

A hot sun in a clear blue sky with a cool breeze and a sea mist rolling up the estuary, set the scene for the Festival of Jazz at the bandstand on the last day of our extended visit to Port La Forêt. The group’s five musicians assembled their instruments and put their heart and soul into playing blues, trad, and Chocolat ‘River Rat’ syncopations …

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Port La Forêt – we’re staying a while

A Jazz group was practising on the bandstand ready for Sunday

You’ve probably gathered we like it at Port La Forêt. So much so, that instead of moving on after two days we’re staying. Why? The village of La Forêt-Fouesnant is a lovely half mile walk away around a lake and half way there is the Crêperie Quartier d’été with its wonderfully eccentric owner just waiting to delight you with his crêpes and Fouesnant cidre served Breton style in pottery cups …

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Leg 5 – Audierne to Port La Forêt – 25 June 2013

Brining his catch home, a fisherman proudly displaying his boat's moustache

With the sun daring to make one of her rare but welcome appearances during the summer months, Play d’eau and ship’s company waved au revoir to the small, unspoiled town of Audierne. Although it may not have had the finest of marinas, it’s ‘real’. Wi-Fi may only be available from a bar on the quay front provided you keep drinking Cidre Pression (quel domage) …

Continue reading Leg 5 – Audierne to Port La Forêt – 25 June 2013

Squash and Ginger soup

Squash and Ginger soup ready to be devoured

The clue to this beautiful soup lies in its simplicity and flavour maximising. Although the amount of ginger may sound excessive, I assure …

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Crouton Soldiers

Crouton soldiers, golden brown

These are so much more fun than the usual square croutons, and so simple to make, but ensure no one is about when you make them – they’ll disappear without trace if you aren’t watching like a hawk! …

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