After our long night in Houat we needed some rest. We decided to skip the Golfe du Morbihan and head down the coast to the town of Pornic. After a rough slog through the wind and tide between Houat and Hoedic, we settled on a close reach at 7 knots, crossing the mouth of the Loire River at noon. The wind died off of Le Croisic and we spent the final three hours under power.

The Pornic Marina is big and modern, with a fleet of primarily small powerboats and daysailers. A skiff met us at the entrance and directed us to the end of one of the many piers, where we had water and electricity.

The town appears to have been built in the early 20th century as a resort town, with many villas along the mouth of the harbor. Centre Ville is along a drying riverbed, and was lively with cafes and shops. Maria was anxious to visit Bluebeard's castle where, according to a Grimm fairy tale Maria had read, Bluebeard murdered all of his six or seven wives.

The castle was private and had been completely rebuilt in the 19th century, so that all traces of Bluebeard had been wiped away. According to literature provided by the town, the original castle was built by the first Duke of Brittany to protect the town. No mention of any conjugal unhappiness.