Cruising Notices - Europe W

CAUTION: The Cruising Notes on this website have been contributed by fellow yachtsmen and women. Information in the notes is selective and reflects conditions at the time of visiting. Reasonable endeavours have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information but it is not definitive, may be outdated and may be changed or revised without notice. The RCC Pilotage Foundation and the contributors publish these notes in the hope that they may be of some value to mariners but readers are reminded that the safety of a vessel depends on the judgement of the skipper who should assess all available information. To the extent permitted by law, the RCC Pilotage Foundation and contributors do not accept any liability for any loss and/or damage howsoever caused that may arise from reliance on information published in the Cruising Notes.

Atlantic France - General Notices Introduction to Atlantic France Area 48 33.17 N 4 54.32 W Nick Chavasse - 31/01/2018

The Second Edition of the RCCPF pilot book, Atlantic France was published in May 2018

Introduction

The coast from Ushant to Hendaye is over 400 nautical miles long with more than 110 ports and a similar number of anchorages. It comprises nine distinct areas. Each has its own character and is big enough and interesting enough to be a cruising area in its own right. L'Aberwrac'h at the west end of the North Brittany coast is often, for British yachtsmen, their first port of call in Brittany on their way from the UK to the Bay of Biscay or the Golfe de Gascoigne as it is known by the French.

North West Brittany The Chenal du Four and the Raz de Sein are two of Europe's nastier tidal races. As a result, many skippers like to pass through this region as quickly as possible. This is a pity because it is a splendid cruising ground with lots of attractive places to visit. Camaret is a favourite first or last stop. Brest is a perfect spot in bad weather either at the excellent Marina du Château in the commercial port or at the older Moulin Blanc Marina which is handy for a day at the magnificent Oceanopolis aquarium. However, the Aulne is the real treasure of the Rade de Brest and a trip to Port Launay and Châteaulin will be a high point in any cruise. Outside the Rade, there is excellent sailing round the high cliffs of the Crozon peninsula and the spectacular beaches of Douarnenez bay. If weather permits, a visit to Île de Sein offers challenging pilotage and a unique unspoilt island.

Bénodet Bay Bénodet Bay is classic South Brittany. Bénodet and Loctudy are both delightful and somehow just right for messing about in boats. The Odet river from Bénodet to Quimper is possibly the most attractive river in Biscay and has a number of peaceful anchorages. The Îles de Glénan, on a sunny day, could be mistaken for the Caribbean. Then there is the fascinating Ville Close at Concarneau, right next to the visitors' pontoon. Those who need a marina, will like the large modern one at Port-La-Forêt.

Groix and the Rias The mainland opposite Groix has a series of flooded valleys that make interesting and attractive ports. Shallow draught boats can visit Pont Aven, where Gauguin worked, and see the fine art gallery and masses of artists' studios. The Belon River, home of the famous Belon oyster, is a pretty river where it is possible to combine peace and quiet with good walking and serious gastronomy. Lorient is a big city with several marinas. There is plenty to do and a good waterbus for getting about. Etel is famous, or infamous, for having a very dangerous bar. It is necessary to call the pilot for entry instructions, which of course makes entry very easy. Once inside there is a nice town, a spectacular beach and an inland sea not much smaller than the Morbihan.

Quiberon Bay Quiberon Bay is one of Europe's prime yacht racing centres. There are three large marinas - Haliguen, Trinité and Crouesty - and a dinghy-racing centre at Carnac. In addition, the Morbihan inland sea, which opens into Quiberon Bay, offers yet more good cruising. It is said that the Morbihan has an island for every day of the year and the tides run so fast they can strip the galvanizing from an anchor chain. Neither statement is true, but there certainly are a lot of islands and the tide does run extremely fast, which makes the pilotage great fun but quite challenging. The Morbihan also has two very attractive medieval towns, Vannes and Auray. Vannes is particularly popular because it has a marina in the heart of town. The chain of islands that protects Quiberon Bay also offers good cruising. Belle-Île, the 'beautiful island', is the largest with a couple of proper harbours and lots of anchorages; one of these has been described as the most beautiful in all France. The little islands of Houat and Hoëdic are also very attractive and perfect spots to anchor in good weather.

The Vilaine and the Loire Brittany is generally considered to end at the Loire but some towns south of the Loire, such as Pornic, consider themselves to be Breton. However, well before the Loire the character of the ports and the coastline becomes much softer and more southern than true Brittany. The jewel in this area is the Vilaine which was turned into a huge boating lake when a barrage was built near its mouth. It has 20 miles of non-tidal water, dozens of riverside anchorages and two delightful historic towns, La Roche Bernard and Redon. South of the Vilaine, the granite hills of Brittany give way to the flat salt country around Guérande. There are several attractive places to stay. Piriac is a pretty holiday town with a new marina; Le Croisic is a fascinating old salt and sardine port that is still surrounded by active salt ponds. La Baule has two marinas for those who need a spectacular beach, some posh shopping and a visit to the casino.

Introduction to Vendée and areas to French Basque ports 45 59.35 N 1 38.21 W Nick Chavasse - 31/01/2018

Vendée South of the Loire, the smart holiday resort of Pornic is well worth visiting, as are the two lovely islands of Noirmoutier and Yeu. The former is flat and sandy with lots of salt ponds. The latter is rocky with good walking, a modern marina and the best tuna steaks in France. On the mainland are the attractive fishing port and beach resort of Saint-Gilles and France's premier yachting port, Les Sables d'Olonne. It is at the latter that the Vendée Globe round-the-world race, the pinnacle of single- handed racing, starts and finishes every four years.

Charente The Charente feels like the real south. There are sunflowers everywhere and the crew start complaining about sunburn and heatstroke instead of frostbite and mildew. The area is centred on the two holiday islands of Île d'Oleron and Île de Ré. Both have north coast harbours that make good bases for biking and walking. On the mainland, the historic city of La Rochelle is a must and a trip up the River Charente to Rochefort is likely to be the high point of a cruise in this area. Both La Rochelle and Rochefort have good marinas. The more adventurous can take the canal to Marans and visit the marshes of the Marais Poitevin or perhaps visit the River Seudre to see industrial scale oyster farming around Marennes. The oysters themselves can be sampled almost anywhere.

The Gironde This river is much used by North European yachtsmen with yachts of moderate draft as a short-cut to the Mediterranean via the Canal du Midi but it is an interesting cruising area in its own right. The currents are fast and the water is silt-laden but for connoisseurs of fine wine it could be a mecca.

The Arcachon Basin and The French Basque ports This is a useful stop-over between North Biscay and the Basque ports of France, always assuming that there is not too much swell to make entry impossible. Oyster culture is a major industry and many of the small harbours are given over to it entirely. The four small French Basque ports are holiday resorts with the main emphasis being on their splendid beaches. But they are all interesting and quite different from one another so that they are all worth a visit.

Atlantic France - Winds and Weather 48 17.48 N 4 53.66 W Nick Chavasse - 31/01/2018

WINDS AND WEATHER

Winds Biscay is frequently under the influence of either the Azores high or lows passing along the English Channel. This causes the prevailing winds in summer to be west in the northern part and northwest in the southern part. However, other pressure systems are common and changeable Atlantic weather is the norm. In addition to winds driven by large-scale weather systems, local sea breeze effects are very important. Atlantic France is well supplied with all the features necessary to generate a big sea breeze during the day. As a rule of thumb, a clear sky and a line of fluffy clouds along the line of the coast indicates that a sea breeze is developing and the afternoon wind will blow freshly onto the shore from the southwest gradually veering to the west. Quiberon Bay and Pertuis d'Antioch (between Île de Ré and Île d'Oleron) are both famous for the strength and complexity of their sea breezes. There is a reverse phenomenon that is particularly important when anchoring for the night. A land breeze, known by the French as a brise de terre, can develop at about midnight starting gently and increasing to a fresh breeze from the northeast. This breeze can be particularly strong if it blows down cliffs or along rivers. Île de Groix is a good example. A night breeze blowing down the valleys and rivers in Lorient will blow directly from the northeast into the harbour at Port Tudy with very uncomfortable results.

Sunshine and rain The weather in the southern part of the area is quite a bit better than the north. On average, there is less rain, about two hours a day more sunshine, temperatures are about 5°C higher and humidity is 10% lower. However, when fronts cross southern Brittany or further south they can result in a few days of unsettled weather. One of the attractions of North Biscay as a cruising area is that there is always a protected inland waterway close at hand. The Rade de Brest, Lorient, the Morbihan, the Vilaine, the Charente and the Gironde are all protected and each has interesting towns so it is possible to get away from any unpleasant sea conditions. Further South however between the Gironde and the Basque ports there is no port of refuge and a reliable long-range forecast is needed before embarking on the passage.

Visibility Fog, mist or haze can be frequent in the summer. On average, visibility is less than five miles on one day in five. Real fog, with visibility of less than 0.5M, averages one day in twenty. The coast is so well marked by beacons and towers that navigation in poor visibility is possible, particularly with the help of GPS and radar. However, fog can be particularly unpleasant in narrow tidal waters and rivers.

Swell Swell is generated by storms and winds of Force 6 and above. With persistent winds of Force 8 or more, large waves are created that can take a few days to die down and will radiate out into areas that were never affected by the strong winds. A large swell will break heavily on bars and in shallow water and can make some entrances, such as Belon, Etel and the Vilaine, dangerous even in fine weather. If swell enters a narrowing inlet, it tends to increase in height and steepness and funnel up the entrance to make anchorages uncomfortable or even untenable. In open water it can break intermittently and dangerously on rocks that rise from deep water, even if the depth over them is apparently safe. In Biscay swell occurs mainly on the northwest and west coasts of Brittany, particularly in the vicinity of Ouessant and northeast of Le Four. It is less frequent in the Bay of Biscay. However, any anchorages that are open to the Atlantic, such as those on the west and south side of Île de Groix, Belle-Île and Île d'Yeu should only be used in settled weather. Before using such an anchorage, it is worth checking that there have been no recent disturbances in the Atlantic that could generate a sudden swell. French weather forecasts include predictions of the height of the swell (la houle).

Weather forecasts Biscay is very well served for weather forecasts. The many available sources are summarised in an excellent, 30 page booklet called Le Guide Marine from Météo France. This is available free in every port office. It also contains an invaluable lexicon of meteorological terms in French and English. Navtex forecasts are available from CROSS Corsen on 518kHz (A) and 490kHZ (E). The latter provides more local detail but in French. In the northern part of the area, less detailed forecasts can also be received from Niton on 518kHz (E) and in the southern part from La Coruña on 518KHz (D).

CROSS Corsen and CROSS Etel transmit area forecasts on VHF channel 63 several times a day. These are detailed and generally accurate. They are in French but, with the aid of the Météo France lexicon mentioned above, even non-French speakers should be able to understand them.

Annual supplement for RCCPF Atlantic France 48 11.45 N 4 55.80 W Richard Marsh (Pastime of Innisfree) - 12/03/2020

The 2020 supplement no 2 to Atlantic France Edition 2 can be downloaded from the link below www.rccpf.org.uk/pilots/167/Atlantic France

Atlantic France - L'Aberwrac'h to Le Conquet Lanildut 48 28.20 N 4 45.90 W Mike Redfern (Dafony) - 11/08/2018

The outer SHM Pierre de L'Aber has not seen any green paint for very many years. It is totally rusty!

L'Aber-Ildut 48 28.21 N 4 45.32 W Nick Chavasse (Wild Bird) - 19/02/2020

A new marina has been built which has 480 places and 20 are reserved for visitors. All usual facilities with a restaurant and chandler. Well worth a visit.

Port du Stiff, Ouessant 48°28’.11N 005°03’.25W 48 27.93 N 5 3.253 W Stephanie Connor (Sandpiper) - 05/10/2019

Be careful with the visitor’s moorings to ensure a strong connection, not recommended for overnight or unattended mooring as maintenance not clear (RCC only - our mooring broke while we were on shore, fortunately the boat was not holed on the rocks before it was recovered). Strong offshore winds in harbour/mooring area are to be expected even in otherwise benign conditions. We experienced gusts of F6 when steady wind was F2-3. Bike hire at harbour very good but appears to only work when the ferry arrives and departs. Ushant 48 27.02 N 5 5.820 W Arthur George H Curtis (Casalamy) - 30/08/2018

The harbour is open to the South West. There are a number of visitors mooring buoys but all were occupied when we arrived. There is plenty of room to anchor beside the mooring buoys. We went ashore and hired bicycles for a spin out to the lighthouse. When we tried to take supper ashore all the restaurants and the creperie were full; many others had taken advantage of a weekend with neap tides and fair weather with a NE wind. Even with neap tides, the tide ran at 6 knots along the South coast.

Chenal Du Four from Baie du Stiff – 48° 26’.39N 004°50’.31W 48 25.76 N 4 53.89 W Stephanie Connor (Sandpiper) - 05/10/2019

Choice of routes – Chenal de la Helle or main channel Chenal du Four. Pilot gives clear guidance but be aware of mistaking the North Cardinal “Le Faix” 48° 25’,72N 004° 53’.90W for an unmarked East Cardinal at low water when the Black base of the very large rock cardinal is exposed making it look from any distance like a BYB cardinal!

Atlantic France - Brest to Audierne Port du Moulin Blanc, Brest 48 22.72 N 4 26.51 W Stephanie Connor (Sandpiper) - 05/10/2019

Change in navigation marks on approach to Moulin Blanc. New starboard hand buoy at 48°22'.53N 4°26'.73W. The port hand buoy at 48°22'.70N 4°26'.51W has been removed. Counter current on south side of River L'Elorn opposite entrance channel to Moulin Blanc is very useful (2kn at mid tide). The Port marker labelled “Moulin Blanc” represents the turning point into the marina channel. Plenty of water >3m close to marker with Port and Starboard markers marking channel close to marina as the bay opens up to port.

Self-service fuel berth available. Water on pontoons powerful and needs a male/male connector for hose. Boat lift appears limited to 12m due to configuration of lift pontoon; lift timing affected by tides for keel boats and booked through marina office.

Good bus service to Brest and City Tour bus stops at Oceanopolis – an excellent aquarium and well worth a visit; one free entry ticket with berth from marina office. Free bicycles available at the marina office. Excellent chandlery (NAVI OUEST) approximately 500m along the main road to Brest on the right-hand side at a roundabout … before reaching the sailmakers and biscuit factory!

Overwintering in Brest 48 23.63 N 4 26.05 W Charles Arbuthnot (Geronimo of Orwell) - 26/01/2020

Marina Moulin Blanc. Good marina and facilities, 30 min bus into Brest plus easy access to countryside for walks, 15 mins from airport. Reasonable cost if exchange rate not too low. Chateaulin 48 12.92 N 4 5.239 W Nick Chavasse (Wild Bird) - 08/09/2019

Report from Stuart Davis: Power lines above Guily Glaz viaduct have been removed. Delete all detail referring to power lines with clearance of 23m 200m east of Guily Glaz viaduct.

Ile de Sein 48 2.259 N 4 50.83 W Richard Marsh - 28/05/2019

Only one other yacht in anchorage at end of May so plenty of room to anchor at neaps. Very good meal ashore on a Sunday night in Le Tatoon restaurant

Sainte-Evette 48 0.387 N 4 33.36 W Sarah Mcllwaine (N/K) - 08/08/2018

Fuel is not available at St Evette. The facility was removed some years ago.

Audierne 48 0.924 N 4 32.22 W Richard Marsh (Pastime of Innisfree) - 28/05/2019

A recent report queried the depth of the dredged channel. We found at least 1.1 M below chart datum today and active dredging is taking place on the east side of the channel.

Atlantic France - Bénodet Bay Port-La-Forêt 47 54.04 N 3 58.40 W Sean McHugh - 21/09/2020

There's a fantastic fresh fish market called 'Les Viviers de la Foret' when you turn left after crossing the causeway. Crabs, prawns, mussels, lobster and fish pate from Ile De Groix will form the base of an incredible onboard meal!

Concarneau 47 52.41 N 3 54.82 W Nick Chavasse (Wild Bird) - 19/03/2020

Due to technical problems, the fuel station in the marina will be unavailable for the 2020 season. The nearest fuel point to Concarneau is Port La Fôret. Atlantic France - Île de Croix and the Rias Lorient, Locmiquelic (St Catherine's) 47 43.48 N 3 21.00 W Mike Redfern (Dafony) - 05/07/2018

Improvements and new layout of marina are under way. New piles have been driven at the South end of N pontoon and the North end of A pontoon. A drying rubber walkway and pontoons have been installed to the North of the Capitainerie.

Loc Maria, Ile de Groix 47 37.50 N 3 26.30 W David MOWLAM (Fidget) - 03/11/2017

There are 6 visitor moorings at the inshore end of the approach channel but none suitable for yachts drawing more than 1.5m for an overnight stay and then only at neaps. Exposed to southerly winds.

Locmaria 47 37.51 N 3 26.31 W Mike Redfern (Dafony) - 05/07/2018

There are now about 10 (not 20) mooring buoys outside the harbour.

Atlantic France - Quiberon Bay Le Palais, La Belle Ile 47 20.80 N 3 9.133 W Mike Redfern (Dafony) - 05/07/2018

There are now some rubber walk ashore pontoons in the South corner of the Avant Port.

Port Haliguen 47 29.24 N 3 6.075 W Sean McHugh - 21/09/2020

Visitors now seem to be directed to east basin following major refurbishment. There is a nice beach just outside the marina.

Port Haliguen, Quiberon 47 29.16 N 3 5.973 W Mike Redfern (Dafony) - 05/07/2018

There are very significant improvements underway until 2020. The heavy machinery involved creates considerable noise and dirt during the working week. The Morbihan, Île Brannec anchorage. 47 33.61 N 2 51.01 W Mike Redfern (Dafony) - 05/07/2018

Good little anchorage in 2m SW of Île Brannec sheltered in NE wind.

Golfe du Morbihan, Port Blanc. Anchorage 8. 47 36.15 N 2 51.63 W Sean McHugh - 21/09/2020

Number 23 bus takes you to Vannes in 24 mins. This is a great alternative if you do not have time to make it up the channel to Vannes marina.

Golfe du Morbihan, Île aux Moines, Anchorage 6. 47 35.54 N 2 50.78 W Sean McHugh - 21/09/2020

Bike rental available for a low cost. No deposit required and no locks provided (trust is high on the island!)

Golfe du Morbihan, Arradon. Anchorage 11. 47 36.83 N 2 49.77 W Sean McHugh - 21/09/2020

Pontoon berths available on W side of small pier only. Do not approach on E side as you could run aground. The Capitainerie sent a rib to help us as we were not sure of the approach. Note the structure of the pontoons on the latest Navionics chart is wildly misleading. Village is a 15/20 min walk and includes pharmacy, boulangerie, charcuterie, grocery store and cafes and bars. Number 23 bus goes to Vannes from the village.

Atlantic France - La Vilaine and La Loire Penerf 47 30.90 N 2 37.42 W Paul Foddy (Micaro) - 11/09/2020

Pernerf There is now only 1 visitors mooring near the isolated danger mark. There is a shower adjacent to the toilets next to the lifeboat station but it requires a card from the Capitinerie for access.

Redon 47 34.80 N 2 7.540 W Paul Foddy (Micaro) - 11/09/2020

The swing bridge at Cran may be be opened on demand subject to giving 24hours notice. See details on www.lavilaine.com. Cran bridge, La Vilaine 47 34.81 N 2 7.595 W Nick Chavasse (Wild Bird) - 08/09/2019

Report from Antony Wells: There is a jetty on the South bank on the downstream side for boats waiting for the bridge to open. The get ready signal is one red and one green.

Redon 47 38.74 N 2 5.331 W Nick Chavasse (Wild Bird) - 08/09/2019

Report submitted by Antony Wells: The minimum depth in Redon marina is 2m.

Redon 47 38.59 N 2 5.446 W Richard Marsh (Pastime) - 08/06/2019

Fuel berth has now been moved out of basin and is on a pontoon on the port side of the inlet channel next to a derelict tug. Self service diesel available with payment by credit card.

Redon 47 38.67 N 2 5.398 W Richard Marsh (Pastime) - 08/06/2019

There is now a brand new visitors pontoon just outside the lock to the grand basin on the NW side of the river.There were no spaces for visitors inside the basin when we arrived.

Le Croisic 47 17.59 N 2 30.44 W Paul Foddy (Micaro) - 11/09/2020

I dried out against the wall on the outside at the Port de Plaisance last year. The bottom was not level and the wall was very uneven and covered in shell fish which was a challenge even with a sturdy fender board. I would not recommend this option

Loire River 47 17.02 N 2 9.108 W Nicholas Charman (Fera) - 06/09/2018

The tidal strategy for pilotage from St Nazaire to Nantes is based on tide times for Nantes. To make this clearer in the pilot book please add 'Nantes' after low water in line 1 and again in Line 6 when referring to high water. Atlantic France - The Vendée Bourgenay, Vendee, France 46 26.30 N 1 40.73 W Nicholas Charman (Fera) - 28/06/2019

Entrance Channel has reduced depth. Harbourmaster advises staying to N side of channel when entering between harbour walls after Port entry point.

Atlantic France - Charente Marans 46 18.84 N 1 0.157 W Paul Foddy (Micaro) - 11/09/2020

The bridge and lock only open on demand and require 24 hours notice. The lock opens approx 1 hour before HW for downstream traffic and the bridge will open to coincide with this so be there early. Stay alert as no warning is given that the bridge is about to open. HM tel : 05 46 01 02 99 and mob 06 25 79 16 35.

Rochefort 45 56.56 N 0 57.38 W Nick Sexton Sexton (Tamara of Sark) - 26/07/2020

We are currently in bassin No1, Rochefort and can confirm: 1. There is now only one lifting bridge and it is between the two bassins 2. The port facilities are under the capitainerie adjacent to the cranes. Access to the facilities is via a security fob obtainable from the capitainerie. 3. It is believed that the port has been dredged since 2016 and that there is now sufficient water at all times. 4. There is a launderette and boulangerie adjacent to the NW corner of Bassin Bourgainville 5. The aerial photograph on P281 is quite out of date, it shows two lifting bridges and the river pontoon is significantly longer in the upstream direction

Atlantic France - La Gironde and Bassin d'Arcachon to Hendaye La Gironde river - Southern entrance 45 33.23 N 1 8.117 W Paul Foddy (Micaro) - 11/09/2020

La Gironde, Passe Sud is open (subject to the usual caveats) and the buoyage is as per updated paper and digital charts. Passe Sud is not always open and care should be taken. Grande Passe de L'Ouest is a more reliable channel.

La Gironde river - Southern entrance 45 32.61 N 1 9.695 W Michael Gill (Snow Goose) - 03/06/2019

The Passe du Sud/de Grave is effectively closed. Apart from the landfall buoy (45deg 30.4min N 001deg 15.5min W) all the others have been removed. Storms have shifted the banks so the entrance is no longer viable even in totally benign conditions.

Royan 45 37.05 N 1 2.026 W Susan Watts (Conchy Joe) - 04/05/2018

Royan de-mast facilities include a 1.5 tonne crane but is limited to masts under 15m and under 300kg. Maximum engine weight lift is 1,000 kg and maximum boat weight is 26 tonnes using a travel lift.

Port Medoc 45 33.51 N 1 3.766 W Sue Watts (Conchy Joe) - 14/05/2018

De-mast facilities available through Tyalan Accastillage who also run the local U Ship franchise at Port Medoc.

Pauillac 45 11.86 N 0 44.65 W Paul Foddy (Micaro) - 11/09/2020

Pauillac very heavily silted. I berthed on B hammerhead and we had 1m depth of water at LW (HOT 1.5)! The bottom is very soft mud (fortunately). I checked the depth at the visitors pontoon and it was the same.

Bordeaux 44 52.66 N 0 32.14 W Paul Foddy (Micaro) - 11/09/2020

Bordeaux No 2 basin is closed (Sep 2020) to visiting yachts until further notice for refurbishment. Berthing is possible at Lormont YC Tel: +33 (0) 6705 14515 to speak to the secretary.

Bordeaux 44 51.61 N 0 33.08 W Nick Chavasse (Wild Bird) - 08/09/2019

The waiting pontoon outside the entrance to Basin No1 and Basin No 2 has been been temporarily removed while the dockyard is being refurbished.

Bordeaux 44 50.39 N 0 34.03 W Doug MacArthur (Andromeda) - 02/07/2020

Demasted yachts and motor boats with max air draft of 5.4m may pass under the Pont Chaban Delmas when the bridge is down. There is a delightful 155m visitor's pontoon, the Ponton d'Honneur on the west bank just downstream of the Pont de Pierre. It has water & electricity, is securely gated, very inexpensive, and in the centre of town. The pontoon is run by the Mairie, not by the Port, so info is on the Metropole website, not the port's one: https://www.bordeaux-metropole.fr/Sortir-decouvrir/Le-fleuve/Bordeaux-Metropole-votre-escale-de- plaisance

We visited Bordeaux in our Nelson 38AC Andromeda in 2016 and had a delightful several days on this pontoon, only moving on because of a forecast 40°C! Bordeaux is well worth the long boring slog up and down the brown Gironde. It is possible for masted yachts to go through the raised bridge which is lifted for large cruise ships and maintenance. Details of bridge lifting dates may be found on https://sedeplacer.bordeaux-metropole.fr/Toutes- les-infos-circulation/Pont-Chaban-Delmas-Fermetures. Be aware that a masted yacht might be stuck there for several days!

Arcachon 44 30.90 N 1 16.83 W Paul Foddy (Micaro) - 11/09/2020

The approach channel has moved to the East and the fairway mark is approx 1.6M South of the position given on ‘updated’ Navionics cartography. The co-ordinates of this mark as given in the 2020 Reeds Almanac are correct. Arcachon Marina is expensive but they do offer 2 nights for the price of 1 which, if you are staying 2 nights, makes it very reasonable. Difficult to find space to anchor outside the marina. They have an unusual system for accessing the facilities: they register your phone and you dial a number to unlock the door. Didn’t seem to work with UK phones but the French had no problems. Facilities need modernising.

Atlantic Spain and Portugal Orca attacks in Straits of Gibraltar 35 56.05 N 5 33.60 W Will Pedder (Zorra) - 04/08/2020

This is relayed from the Cruising Association, with permission.

I am a professional delivery skipper. In the past 2 weeks there have been 5 attacks by Orcas on sailing yachts up to 45 feet in the Gib and SWMed areas.

I was skipper of one of the boats attacked. All suffered damage to rudders and steering gear. 3 had to be towed into port.

My boat was attacked for 45 mins in a position 15 nm 280 degrees from Tarifa. We were 6 miles offshore heading east under power, it being flat calm with mod visibility.

Having been up during the night I was called on deck when the helmsman felt the wheel go hard over of its own accord. Initial thought was a fishing pot. I had the engine put to neutral then we saw a pod of 4 orcas was ramming our rudder. 2 of them got red antifouling paint on their foreheads from impact with our yacht.

Tarifa suggested trying to motor away from the orcas so we re-engaged the engine. The force of their ramming underway nearly dislocated the helmsman's shoulder and spun the whole yacht through 120 degrees in a few seconds.

I therefore shut down the engine and the echosounder. After about 15 minutes the orcas left and when they were clear we continued to Gibraltar (La Linea). The damage to our steering was sufficient to require a liftout to fix and abandonment of the delivery.

The other boats involved lost all or part of their rudders. I have been in touch with Orca Research bodies and can find no reason for or defense against these attacks.

I have video of the attacks on my boat and photos of the damage on others.

Please promulgate this and make sure that as many as possible are aware of this danger in the Straits of Gib and approaches.

Keith Pettcian

Opening of Spanish ports and marinas - Galicia on 15 June 2020 43 0 N 8 30 W Henry Buchanan (Antón Pellejero Zorra) - 15/06/2020

Report from Antón Pellejero RCC HPR - La Coruña

All ports and marinas in Galicia will be open again for all foreign visiting yachts from MONDAY 15th of JUNE 2020. The rest of Spain is expected to enjoy the same situation either 21st June or 1st July 2020.

Opening of ports and marinas in Spain - Galicia 15 June 2020 42 52.50 N 8 33.68 W Will Pedder (Zorra) - 15/06/2020

All ports and marinas in Galicia will be free again for all foreign visiting yachts from Monday 15th of June 2020. The rest of Spain is expected to enjoy the same situation either 21st June or 1st July 2020. The question now is when will British/English ports and marinas open for all boats to enter/leave? In any case, I´m particularly happy to inform you about the situation here.

Best wishes, Antón Pellejero RCC HPR - La Coruña

Important correction - Anchoring Restrictions Rio Sado Sesimbra-Setubal West Portugal 38 31.30 N 8 53.50 W Henry Buchanan (S/V SEA SPIRIT ) - 28/04/2020

The RCCPF has received the following important information from the authorities at Setubal: Atlantic Spain and Portugal 8th Edition 2019. Supplement No.2: April 2020. From Luís Bessone Basto S/V SEA SPIRIT 4 Apr 2020 Please amend the VHF channel on : Pages 212-215 Rio Sado and approaches, Setúbal Vessels should contact Setúbal Harbour Control (VHF 73) and not 43 as stated

Porto Xufre, Isla de Arousa , Atlantic Spain 42 34.2 N 8 51.49 W Megan Roberts (Magnet) - 26/04/2020

Seventh edition Atlantic Spain and Portugal chapter 1:2 Cabo Finisterre to Isla Ons. Isla de Arousa. Porto Xufre. A boatyard - Varadoiro do Xufre has opened at Porto o Xufre. Facilities include a 180ton travel lift , secure yacht storage and a 38m high shed, which permits sheltered boat repair without having to drop the mast. The yard owner is a long term yachtsman who actively encourages visiting yachts and provides domestic facilities and a car for visitors to use. Local train station at Vilagarcia provides connections to Santiago and Vigo airports. Some older charts may show no water but this is incorrect.contact www.xufre.es and info@ Xufre.es.

Picamillo Beacon at Entrance to Ria de Pontevedra 42 24.25 N 8 53.45 W Henry Buchanan (RCCPF) - 28/03/2020

The Picamillo Beacon was rebuilt in 2018

Latest Supplement for RCCPF Atlantic Spain and Portugal Pilot (Edition 8 2019) 40 26.81 N 9 59.85 W RHKM - 26/11/2017

Click the link to download the latest supplement https://www.imray.com/files/book_supplements/IB0237-1S.pdf or copy and paste it into your browser

Muros Galicia 42 46.30 N 9 3.199 W Henry Buchanan (RCCPF) - 26/03/2020

Atlantic Spain and Portugal, 8th Edition, page 61

Notes by Ian Powolny for information on Muros, its marina, anchorages and supporting services - Sept 2019: Berthing The Marina in Muros is well worth a visit. It has now been in full operation for 8 years. Not only is it nestled within beautiful and peaceful surroundings, the friendly and helpful staff continue to report busy seasons. On many occasions, they have had to turn visiting yachts away and ask them to anchor in the bay because the marina has been full. At the time of writing the marina staff speak several languages and between them are fluent in Spanish, English, French and German.

Office opening times are: 15 June to 14 September: 07:00 to 23:00. 15 September to 14 June: 10:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 21:00.

Contact the marina on Channel 9, or telephone +34 981 82 76 60 and mobile +34 608 174 395.

Discounts can be applied to rates as set out by Passporte Escale, Transeurope, Pasaporte Marinas, Cruising Association and Irish Cruising Club.

Approach around the west end of both the wave breaker and the fishing boat pontoon just inside the wave breaker, and turn east for the finger pontoons. The end of the wave breaker is off the slip on the east shore of Muros town, marked with a red post and light at its west end (nearest the shore). There are berths for boats from length 6m to 20m and beam of 3m to 6·75m. There are at least 25 berths that can take a 12·45m boat and a 15m yacht should have no problem finding a berth. There is one security gate with key access. Note that Muros is the local headquarters of Spanish Customs.

Anchorage Anchorage is in the Ensenada de Muros as shown on the Plan. In several areas the ground is foul with lobster pots and other debris. A tripping line is advisable. Holding is variable. Note that the wind sometimes funnels quite strongly off the surrounding hills. Those at anchor can use the marina to dinghy ashore, or there are several sets of steps.

Facilities The Repsol fuel pump at the west side of the harbour is strictly for use by fishing boats only. The east side Repsol pumps on the quay with pontoon below are for use by leisure craft. Fuel cans can be filled at this pump. The fuel station is closed at weekends. There is an alternative fuel station c. 2km from the mainar.

Additional notes: We now know the the yard at Muros can carry significant hull repairs! They call on the services of a technician from Portosin. This technician works in both GRP and CopperCoat. I have also seen the yard man scraping and applying standard anti-fouling paint. We should never have gone on to the rocks. I think something we did learn after the event is that the Carraca Grande and I assume the Carrac Chica, both NE of Muros are not accurately surveyed. The unsurveyed areas are shown on the chart but I think the areas of uncertainty are large that charted. I'd suggest that sailors at least 1/2Nm from the northerly shore of these bays and in the centre of the deeper water.

The marina office is in a converted house (blue building opposite security gate) with two lounge areas, and a small kitchen/laundry room including a fridge. An outside sitting area is shielded and fenced off from the public. There are two private outside showers in the garden, as well as a shower inside with a loo, all 24hr access. There is a washing machine and separate tumble drier in the marina building. Washing can also be taken to the local laundrette.

WiFi is available on the pontoons but is weak at the outer edges.

Work and chandlery is geared generally to fishing boats but there are a couple good hardware stores. There is a boat lift and 100-tonne travel lift and some space ashore to over-winter. There is a tidal scrubbing berth at a quay some 600m north of the harbour, on hard sand with about 2·5m at high water springs. It is well sheltered other than from south westerly swell but inspect for debris before use – alternatively the sand in Ensenada de Muros is hard and clean.

The town, with its quaint ruggedness, is well provided with shops of all kinds, banks, hotels, restaurants and pavement cafés. There are excellent eateries by the harbour and the back street restaurants are also worth a visit. There is a good produce market, plus a fishmonger on the quay. There is a Gadis supermarket 100m beyond the office and other supermarkets and a good hardware store will be found near the north end of the town, some distance away from the harbour. A good refrigeration engineer is available in town.

There are also two veterinary surgeries in the town.

There is a free computer for use in the morning at the library. Also WiFi at the Auclan Bar and at number of other café and restaurants in the town. Due to the thickness of the stone walls it is almost always necessary to sit inside to find a wifi signal.

Atlantic Spain and Portugal - 1 Galicia and 1.1 Ria de Cedeira to Cabo Ría de la Coruña - navigation warning 43 23.09 N 8 22.69 W Iain Petty (Unknown) - 27/05/2018

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition Page 30. Plan of the Ría de la Coruña. It has been reported by a yachtsman that the green channel Mark (FL(3)G.9s) was not present on the 24th May 2018 in the big ship route into the Ria.

Galicia La Coruna 43 19.53 N 8 26.05 W Mike Gill (Quicksilver) - 08/09/2017

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Ed Page 33 La Coruna Facilities: Propane is available cheaply at Arbupes, carretera de Mesoiro, 8 Poligono de Pocomaco.

Corme Galicia NW Spain 43 15.59 N 8 57.70 W Martin Walford (Lalji) - 24/09/2018

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition Page 42 There have been some changes at Corme. There is now one green buoy outside the harbour, marking the starboard side of the entrance, of a size that it can now be identified from seaward.There is still one small green buoy ( there used to be two) inside the harbour marking the approach to the anchorage.The viveros have been removed and as a consequence there is more swell in the anchorage.

Ria de Camarinas 43 5.645 N 9 11.31 W Andrew Bristow (Atlantis) - 02/07/2019

7th Edition P47. The three separate beaches of Ensenado de Merejo (or Merexo) offer delightfully secluded anchorages from win from east to west through south with good protection and holding in 3-5m. All can be accessed by careful navigation around the well marked (at the corners by lit Yellow buoys) Viveros at the head of the bay. The BRB mark in the middle of the Ensenado was not in position as at July 2019.

Camarinas 43 7.5 N 9 10.69 W Bernhard Sobotta (Maria Concordia) - 27/07/2019

There are no longer any moorings in the harbour as indicated on chart P. 48. Instead about six yachts were anchored in this area with space for more. The club charged 20 euro p.n. for a 12-m catamaran on the T-end.

Atlantic Spain and Portugal - Galicia 1.2 Cabo Finisterre to Isla Ons Galicia. Ria de Muros. Portosin Marina 42 45.69 N 8 56.88 W Henry Buchanan (Author ASP) - 22/06/2017

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition including corrections in Supplement 2, February 2017. Page 66 Portosin Information updated in November 2017: HARBOUR MASTER´S OFFICE: WINTER MONDAY TO SUNDAY From 08:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m. SUMMER (1st of June-30th of September) MONDAY TO SUNDAY From 08:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m. OFFICE HOURS: WINTER MONDAY TO SATURDAY From 10:00 a.m to 19:00 p.m. SUMMER (1st of June - 30th of September) MONDAY TO FRIDAY From 08:30 a.m. to 20:00 p.m. SATURDAY From 10:00 a.m to 19:00 p.m. SUNDAY From 10:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m and From 16:30 p.m to 19:00 p.m. WEB SITE: www.rcnportosin.com E-MAIL: [email protected] [email protected]. RESERVATIONS & INFO: [email protected]. OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBERS: 0034 + 981.76.65.83 / 0034 + 625.445.083. HARBOUR MASTER’S OFFICE: 0034 + 618.60.90.61. SERVICES: Moorings, Travel-lift (32tn), Auxiliary crane, Groundings, Surveillance, Showers, Dressing room, Water, Electricity, Recycling containers, Sailing school, Bar, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Free Bicyclettes, Battery change service, Paddle pool, Launderette service, Parking, Cabins, Library, Lift, Social room, Sail drier, Cartography, Rent a Car, Tourist Info, CERTIFICATIONS EMAS & ISO 14001, BLUE FLAG Q . 25% discount for winter berthing (2017/2018) for RCC, ICC, OCC, RCC, STW.

Isla Salvora 42 28.00 N 8 60 W Colin Kennedy (Layla II) - 05/09/2019

Important to understand that the pier is in the SE corner of the island of Isla Salvora, not the NE corner. furthermore the anchorage shown in the 'Atlantic Spain and Portugal' pilot book (number '2' in the 'Aguino approaches' chart - p. 72 of 2015 edition) and lat/long 42 deg 28.9 N, 9 deg 00.5'W given in the 'Anchorages south of Aguino' text on page 73) is specifically out of bounds: although it (e.g. Punta Lagos) is mentioned in the anchorage permission, it is only to specify that it is out of bounds and anchoring there makes one potentially liable for a fine of thousands of Euros. Our anchoring 42permission was in Spanish (as the links from the English language page were not functioning) so this may not be clear to those with limited Spanish.

Varadoiro de Xufre, Isla de Arosa, Galicia 42 34.09 N 8 51.9 W Norman Kean (Coire Uisge) - 28/01/2020

This is an excellent boatyard, very popular with Irish and British boats. We have wintered there and had them do work including topside painting, restoration of coachroof and cockpit gelcoat, and replacement of standing rigging. Excellent workmanship and very reasonably priced. A father and son business with a small team of craftsmen, they can be depended on to deliver what they promise. They have a 180 tonne travelhoist and a shed with 25m headroom. Customers have the use of a communal courtesy car for local use. Fluent English spoken. Described in the 2018 edition of the Atlantic Spain and Portugal pilot.

Anchorage Islote Jidoiro Arenoso, Ria de Arousa, Galicia 42 32.63 N 8 53.94 W N Kean G Hennigan (Coire Uisge ) - 09/01/2018

This is a favourite and very pretty lunch stop anchorage SW of the Isla de Arosa. It is marked with an anchor symbol in the RCCPF Pilot Atlantic Spain and Portugal (page 90 Ed7) but is not mentioned in the text. The Islotes Jidoiro are a group of islets and rocks, the biggest of which are Pedregoso (“rocky”) to the W, and Arenoso (“sandy”), to the E. Anchorage is available in 8 to 10m, close N and NW of Punta Laño, the N point of Arenoso, with its very conspicuous sandy beach. The area is quite badly charted, despite the survey dating only from the 1990s. A group of tiny above-water heads shown on the Admiralty and Navionics charts close NW of the island clearly do not exist, while other charted rocks are not now visible. Punta Laño itself is not rocky as charted. There is however no difficulty in making the anchorage. An approach steering SW, with the beacon tower on Bajo La Loba bearing 220° over the rocks, and the island beach kept half a cable to port, leads to the anchorage; but do not venture past the N tip of the island as it shallows very suddenly. The edge is very obvious, and very steep - the bottom rises from 10m to a metre in a matter of 30 to 50m or so horizontally, but at the anchorage and immediately to the S of it, is all sand. Approaching from Bajo Piedra Seca beacon NW of Pedregoso, stay close to, or between, the numerous viveros to avoid the drying rocks between the beacon and the anchorage. Arenoso doesn’t offer much shelter, so unless the weather’s very settled it doesn’t make an overnight anchorage. The island is a nesting site for gulls, and the birds get quite annoyed if you venture up towards the high water mark in the nesting season in early summer. Don’t cross the fence.

Toxa (Isla Toxa Grande) Ria de Arousa Galicia 42 29.29 N 8 50.59 W Tim Williams (Millstream - Southerly 47) - 14/04/2019

Page 94 of ‘Atlantic Spain and Portugal’ 7th Edition. Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition Page 94: New pontoons (2018) have been added to the Club Nautico Isla de la Toja (CNIT) jetty where the slipway is visible in the photograph in Ed7 of the Pilot. It is now the site of a small marina where it may be possible to berth (42° 29’.37N 08° 50’.55W). Tel: +34 986 960 726 www.clubnauticoisladelatoja.es. The CNIT welcomes visiting yachts and was virtually empty in April 2019. It is reported to be very busy during August and visitors may be turned away at these busy times. NOTE: The above information is included in Edition 8 of Atlantic Spain and Portugal Page 94.

Atlantic Spain and Portugal - Galicia 1.3 Isla Ons to the Portuguese border Northern Approach to Ría de Pontevedra, Galicia (ASPP page 99 Ed 7) 42 24.30 N 8 53.45 W N Kean G Hennigan (Coire Uisge ) - 09/01/2018

The starboard hand beacon tower on Bajo Picamillo, between Isla Ons and the coast, was destroyed in January 2017. It has been replaced by a starboard hand buoy, stationed 1·25 cables ENE of the rock. However the AIS signal doesn’t come from the buoy but from the former position of the tower (i.e. the rock itself is now marked by a virtual AIS beacon). The rather confusing marks here (including the nearby Bajo Fagilda port hand buoy, and the port-hand beacon on Los Camoucos, close to Ons) mark the two deep-water ship channels into the Ría de Pontevedra and the port of Marín, the buoyage direction being southward; the Paso de Fagilda to the east of the 5m Bajo Lomba de Besta shoal in mid-channel, and the Canal de los Comoucos to the west of it. Yachts can of course disregard the Bajo Lomba de Besta and go straight down the middle, but if leaving the starboard hand buoy to port going south, give it a berth of at least two cables to avoid Bajo Picamillo, on which there is now no physical navigational aid.

Bueu and Beluso Atlantic Spain and Portugal Pilot Ed7 page 108 42 20.19 N 8 47.09 W Henry Buchanan (Author ASP) - 08/04/2017

Ed7 2015 page 108. From William Melching 20 March 2017 Waypoint 79 Final approach to Bueu and Beluso In the Pilot: 43° 20’.20 N It should be: 42° 20’.20 N Anchorage Playa de Agra, Ría de Aldán, Galicia N Kean G Hennigan (Coire Uisge ) - 09/01/2018

The bay in the SW corner of the Ría de Aldán is a lovely anchorage and is said to have the warmest seawater in the Rías. It also has a notorious drying rock, which – although accurately charted – is ideally placed to trap the unwary. Note that this is not the “large rock which tends to blend into the background” referred to in the RCCPF Atlantic Spain and Portugal pilot (page 109) – that is a much larger (uncharted) one dividing the SW bay from the SE one (which has a lot of moorings). The Pilot advises avoiding the Ría “if winds build from the N or NW”. Given that the viveros form a fine breakwater, it would now have to be a fairly severe gale before Aldán would be untenable. The bottom is quite weedy (sea lettuce) so make sure your anchor is well set. Approaching up the Ría and between the viveros, head first for the large pale green apartment building near the lowest point of the skyline immediately behind Aldán. When within half a mile, identify three conspicuous houses together on the rise above the SW bay – from left to right a modern, square white boxy one, a red roofed one and a three-storey salmon- pink one – and stay E of a line of bearing 197° on these. Identify the disused fish- processing factory on the W shore. When a conspicuously red house comes into view from behind the trees above this building, you are clear south of the rock and it is safe to turn to starboard into the bay. The rock is in position 42° 16'·82N 8° 49'·77 W, dries about 1·4m, and is unmarked. It is, if anything, more of a hazard when leaving the anchorage, since it is then directly in the way of anyone heading out to seaward. Head first for a prominent house on the E shore N of the village (see photograph). The RCCPF pilot does not do justice to Aldán village, which is a charming spot. Locally produced wines are available at the supermarket and are usually inexpensive and very good, and there is a bar/café in the centre which is reported to have notably good wifi. A temporary alongside berth may be available at the slipway close SE of the main pier.

Ría de Aldán, Altantic Spain 42 17.59 N 8 50.50 W William Eaton (Bbcap) - 16/07/2019

The western end of Praia de Areabrava has charted a shallowing area. This is very rocky and should be avoided. Less than 50m East from the 5m contour and 30m outside the swimming area are uncharted rocks that, at low tide, appear to be less than 2m below the surface. No sounding taken.

Ila de Cies 42 13.86 N 8 53.97 W Andy Wood (Injaz) - 06/07/2019

The new edition of the pilot list four anchorages in the Islas de Cies (p113). In the terms and conditions of the anchoring permit, only three are listed: Rodas, Nosa Señora (Isla Vinos) and San Martiño beaches. I was politely told by the park authorities that anchoring is not permitted on Praia de Figueiras (Playa de Arena, no. 2 in the pilot).

Anchorage Ensenada de Limens, Ría de Vigo, Galicia 42 15.45 N 8 48.80 W N Kean G Hennigan (Coire Uisge ) - 09/01/2018

This beautiful bay between Cangas and the Ensenada de Barra offers splendid shelter from winds with any north in them, and has a lovely beach. It is quite badly charted. There is a very obvious drying rock close to the beach in the centre of the bay, but a group of boulders, awash at LAT, lurk just offshore of it and must be guarded against. The highest head is in position 42° 51'·45N 008° 48'·75W. Facilities ashore are limited to a friendly little bar at the campsite.

Approach to Bayona, Galicia, between the Islotes Las Estelas and the mainland 42 8.941 N 8 51.13 W N Kean G Hennigan (Coire Uisge ) - 09/01/2018

The RCCPF Pilot Atlantic Spain and Portugal Pilot (page 122) says that the Canal de la Porta (between the Islotes Las Estelas and the mainland) can be used “in settled weather and good visibility”. Despite Laxe o Meixuiero (0·9m) and another shallow patch with a drying rock W of it, its pilotage is quite straightforward in the absence of a heavy swell. From the N, head for a point one-third of the channel’s width from the mainland at waypoint at 42° 09'·00N 008° 51'·13W. This leads E of a 1·6m patch. From there steer 190° for waypoint at 42° 08'·85N 008° 51'·16W to clear Laxe o Meixuiero, and from this waypoint head SE in clear water into the Ensenada de Bayona. Least depth on this track is about 3m at LAT. The advice in Reed’s to stay close to the island the whole way through is risky since it seems not to recognize the drying rock W of the 1·6m patch.

Atlantic Spain and Portugal - 11.1 Foz do Minho to Leixos Anchoring Viana do Costelo W Portugal 41 41.10 N 8 49.90 W Tim - 06/08/2018

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition Page 138 Although anchoring in the river is prohibited, a visiting yacht has been seen anchored immediately south of No 11 buoy. There appears to be plenty of room to anchor in this area in depths of 4-8m, well clear of the channel. The SW/NW orientated wharves in the area marked ‘Commercial Wharf’ are used by big ships, which need room to swing. The wharf shown directly south of No11 buoy is abandoned and there are disused mooring buoys off it. Anchoring in this area may be possible, particularly if the marina and waiting pontoon are full. Anchoring in the bight SW of the commercial wharf is prohibited and a yacht anchored here in 2018 was abruptly told to leave .

West Portugal. Foz do Minho to Leixoes. Approach to Povoa de Varzim 41 28.00 N 8 50.02 W Chris Russell (Associate3) - 09/06/2017

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Ed Page 142 Update on Information in Supplement No 2 posted February 2017 Offshore alternative energy generation site 6.8 miles NNW of Povoa de Varzim It has been reported by a yachtsman that the offshore Wind Turbine has been removed, along with the 4 cardinal bouys marking the exclusion zone. The yacht sailed through area in good visibility on 8 June 2017 at 10:40 UTC. Continue to navigate with caution in this area because Povoa de Varzim is a centre for renewable energy and something else may pop up anytime. The wind turbine was part of a floating offshore wind farm and thus moveable one would assume.

Povoa de Varzim 41 22.41 N 8 45.95 W Bernhard Sobotta (Maria Concordia) - 06/07/2019

Contrary to 8th current edition of Cruising Guide Atlantic Spain & Portugal anchoring in Povoa de Varzim is no longer permissible. However, marina costs are very reasonable paying 20 Euro for a 12 m cat. Leixoes (Portugal) Facilities 41 11.20 N 8 42.3 W Richard Waite (Tahira) - 13/09/2018

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition Page 149. Chandlery: There is a new chandlery next to the marina office called Walk on Wind (WOW). Small but useful stock and willing to order and ship (e.g to a future port) most other items. Gas available. Full laundry service. Will arrange engine / electrical / sail / rigging services and shuttle to airport. Good English spoken. Open 0900- 1300 and 1430 - 1830 and contactable by phone on Sunday. Tel: +351 925 862 030 or mobile: +351 963 237 060. Restaurants: there is in fact a good selection of simple restaurants and cafes just across the road from the port entrance.

Atlantic Spain and Portugal - 11.2 Porto to Figueira da Foz Douro Marina 41 8.599 N 8 39 W Bernhard Sobotta (Maria Concordia) - 04/09/2019

At Douro Marina there is no longer a policy of charging for catamarans and monohulls in accordance with their length. Catamarans are paying a 30% surcharge contrary to information in the cruising guide.

Atlantic Spain and Portugal - 11.3 Figueira da Foz to Cabo da Roca West Portugal Figueira da Foz to Cabo da Roca Nazare 39 35.11 N 9 4.428 W Chris Russell (Associate3) - 16/06/2017

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Ed Page 167 Nazare Update on Information in Supplement No 2 posted February 2017 The berthing situation at Nazare remains in a state of flux. Most boats in transit are being welcomed at the Clube Naval da Nazare. The Porto de Recreio de Nazare was dilapidated even to the extent that some gulls had nested on the main hammerhead and were not very welcoming as they were protecting some chicks! The Recreio de Nazare did not answer VHF calls on arrival just after 14:00. There was no evidence of 24 hour security. The Clube Naval da Nazare were more welcoming and allocated a berth as they had to several others. A conversation with the Clube authorities revealed that they are actively encouraging visitors all year round. Office was by the little restaurant/bar but they are hoping to build a better one near the pontoon entrance. These berths are closer to the town and there is a 'mini market' in the garage by the pontoon entrance. Wifi was very poor but they hoped this would improve when the new office was built.

Berthing Facilities, Nazaré, West Portugal 39 35.20 N 9 4.499 W Henry Buchanan (Author ASP) - 30/07/2018

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition Page 169 The berthing facilities for yachts at Nazaré are expected to be reorganized and greatly improved from the beginning of 2019. At that time the existing Porto de Recreio da Nazaré (PdeRN) marina on the southwest of the basin will be refurbished with new pontoons and become administered by the Clube Naval da Nazaré (CNN) that already has facilities at the northeast of the basin. In recent years visitors to Nazaré calling on VHF Ch 09 have been answered by the CNN staff. This will now become the normal procedure by agreement between CNN and the Docapesca. The CNN staff will direct yachts to either the increased number of pontoons at the northeast of the basin or the new pontoons at the southwest of the basin where depths are said to be of 3m throughout. At the time of writing it is not known whether the existing Porto de Recreio da Nazaré marina office, showers and WCs will continue to be used, or whether a new reception facility will be sited adjacent to the refurbished pontoons.

Atlantic Spain and Portugal - 11.4 Approaches to the Rio Tejo and Lisbon Cascais Marina Facilities 38 41.64 N 9 25.46 W Peter Fabricius (Pemandia) - 13/06/2018

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition Page 185 Facilities: 32 amp rather than 16 amp sockets are fitted on the "inner" pontoons. It is not known if this is so throughout the whole marina. General facilities - several of the contractors around the marina site have changed name or ownership: Portfair Yacht Services has become Wavetech. A helpful rigger called Jorge (mobile +351 917 500 730) works partly through Wavetech and partly through his own firm in Lisbon (he lives in Cascais). Nautiradar in Lisbon (+351 213 005 050) are Raymarine agents and speak English. North Sails have a repair facility. Around the marina there are various contractors for Yanmar, Volvo, Mercury, Honda and Victron (battery charging etc) among others.

West Portugal. Approaches to the Rio Tejo and Lisbon. Doca de Alcantara 38 42.15 N 9 9.871 W Chris Russell (Associate3) - 16/06/2017

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Ed Page 194 Update on Information in Supplement No 2 posted February 2017 The pedestrian bridge (Ponte Movel) is left open for boats to pass between 19:00 and 07:00. From 07:30 until 19:00 opening times are every half hour on the hour and at half past. VHF CH68 or telephone 21 392 20 90

Seixal 38 38.81 N 9 6.085 W Mike Gill (Quicksilver) - 23/08/2019

7th ed p199-201. Secure local moorings often available for periods of 4 weeks or more (Eu107/month 2019). Reserve through Mr Pires +351 966 602 853 or the association office on [email protected]. Free taxi service ashore. Tagus Yacht Centre access is now limited for boats drawing >2m to approx 40mins either side of HW (3.1m at Seixal). No more dredging will take place until a major marina development begins 'in a year or two'.

Atlantic Spain and Portugal - 11.5 Cabo Espichel to Cabo de Sao Vicente Important Anchoring Restrictions Rio Sado Sesimbra-Setubal West Portugal 38 28.60 N 8 58.69 W Henry Buchanan (Author Atlantic Spain & Portugal) - 16/12/2019

It has been reported that a yachtsman has been fined for anchoring in the Portinho de Arrábida in the Rio Sado without permission. This supplement is published to alert mariners to this incident and to provide the following advice: It is understood that the Portuguese have a maritime law requiring a vessel to request permission before anchoring in their territorial waters. Either the local Capitania, or the Policia Maritima (outside office hours) should be consulted and they will provide helpful guidance and give permission as appropriate. In the summer months, when popular anchorages are busy with boats, this requirement is normally waived except in sensitive areas. The Parque Marinho Prof. Luiz Saldanha, which is part of the Parque Natural da Arrábida nature reserve, is a sensitive area. If planning to anchor here it would be prudent to contact the relevant authorities, if you have not already done so, via a local port or marina office or as follows: Capitania do Porto de Setúbal Praça da República 2904 – 537 Setúbal Office ? +351 265 548 270 [email protected] Comando Local de Setúbal Rua Regimento de Infantaria Onze, 2900 – 584 Setúbal Patrol vessel ? +351 918 498 049 Office ? +351 265 105 123 [email protected] Posto da Policia Maritima de Sesimbra Porto de Abrigo 2970 – 152 Sesimbra Patrol vessel ? +351 918 498 053 Office ? +351 212 280 778 [email protected]

Setúbal, Portugal 38 30.61 N 8 55.02 W Andrew Wilkes (Annabel J) - 15/11/2019 p 212 - 215 of Atlantic Spain and Portugal

Vessels should contact Setúbal Harbour Control (VHF 43) before entering the port and on departure. We were told by Setúbal Harbour Control that yachts should anchor in the bay west of Forte Albarquel (Adjacent Anchorage 3) and that anchoring in the Adjacent Anchorages 1 and 2 (page 215) were not permitted. 1nm dinghy ride to Clube Náutico basin where the dinghy can be left on a pontoon.

Atlantic Spain and Portugal - 111.1 Cabo de Sao Vicente to Tavira Lagos, Sopromar 37 6.381 N 8 40.36 W Will PEDDER - 05/04/2017

Sopromar have not "arranged for gas cylinders to be refilled with butane or propane" for at least 8 years - maybe more. They do have Camping Gaz. It is possible to refill a cylinder at the BP station on the road to Portimao, if you take your own adapter and are in a vehicle in which the bottle must remain. Cost of the refill 18 euros (2017).

Ensenada de Belixe 37 1.499 N 8 58.99 W Christopher Gould (Temeraire) - 14/11/2019

Atlantic Spain and Portugal, Eighth Edition, page 228. As of 21 October 2019, there are now 4 yellow buoys in a square formation off the fort. Entrance to Alvor South Portugal 37 7.562 N 8 37.18 W Arnulf Dörner (Ariel) - 30/10/2017

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition including corrections in Supplement 2, February 2017 Page 230 Entrance to Alvor Reported by Arnulf Dorner Yacht Ariel It has been confirmed that shifting sands, silting, and buoy positions are a problem at Alvor. At 22/10/2017 the Green buoy No 1 was reported out of position at 37°07,589´N 008°37,250´W. Also the depth of the anchorage in the basin in front of the village at Alvor has been reduced by silting from 2,5 m to 1,5 m.

Portimão, Albufeira, Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal 37 7.870 N 8 9.528 W Arnulf Doerner (ARIEL) - 12/10/2017

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition inc corrections in Supplement 2, February 2017 Pages 240, 244, 236 Bottled Gas. Reported by Arnulf Doerner. The name of the BP filling station near Portimao has changed to RUBIS but note that it does not refill cylinders any more. There is, however, an LPG gas filling station for cars to the west of Boliqueime that is used by caravans. There are adapters for foreign bottles available and an 11Kg bottle can be refilled in a minute. The station is to the west of Bouliqueime on the N270 that is a northern spur from the N125. Address: Autocrew/ C.M.Pedro EN270 -8100-089 Boliqueime (Junto à En 125) Tel: +351 289 360 767. GPS N37.1281 W-8.1593 www.cmpedro.com [email protected]

Atlantic Spain and Portugal - 111.2 The Rio Guadiana to the Rio The Agencia Pública de Puertos de Andalucía marinas - Bathymetric Info 36 45.42 N 6 40.26 W Henry Buchanan (Author ASP) - 06/07/2018

One cannot cruise for very long on the Andalucían coast without encountering the string of yacht marinas and sport fishing harbours financed, built and run by the Agencia Pública de Puertos de Andalucía. The APPA website developed in recent years is at: https://www.puertosdeandalucia.es/en/ and contains a wealth of useful information for yachtsmen. One of the most exciting developments has been provision of current bathymetric charts for the entrances to marinas and harbours to help with navigation in areas where shifting sands and bars are a worry. On the web page at https://www.puertosdeandalucia.es/en/documentation- en/batimetrias the Batimetría del Río Piedras (Febrero 2018), for example, showing depths and buoy positions can be downloaded for the entrance to the Rio de las Piédras (El Rompido). El Rompido, Rio de las Piedras, Andalucia, Spain 37 12.95 N 7 6.955 W Henry Buchanan (RCCPF) - 31/12/2017

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition inc corrections in Supplement 2, February 2017 Page 274 El Rompido Update on Marina contacts Rio de las Piedras: Puerto Marina El Rompido ) +34 959 399614 Mob +34 695 589 510 [email protected] [email protected] www.puertoelrompido.com VHF Ch 71

Club Náutico Río Piedras Tel: +34 959 504 270 or +34 663 928 666. Fax: +34 959 50 42 38 www.cnriopedras.es [email protected] VHF Ch 09

Punta Umbría, Huelva, Andalucia, Spain 37 10.50 N 6 57.08 W Henry Buchanan (RCCPF) - 31/12/2017

Atlantic Spain and Portugal 7th Edition inc corrections in Supplement 2, February 2017 Page 278 Punta Umbria Contact update: Real Club Marítimo y Tennis de Punta Umbría Tel +34 959 311899 or +34 959 315 677 Fax +34 959 312 125 www.rcmtpu.com [email protected] www.puertosdeandalucia.es VHF Ch 09, 69

Transitting the Río Guadalquivir to Seville 37 18.89 N 6 0.899 W Henry Buchanan (Author ASP) - 15/08/2018

Atlantic Spain and Portugal Ed7 page 291. It is about 55M from the mouth of the Río Guadalquivir to Seville. Starting an hour or so before the beginning of the flood (which a yacht can ride upriver for at least 9hrs – see Tides above) most yachts will be able to make it on one tide. It has become essential today, however, to book early with the marina in Seville one intends using at the end of the river passage. To this end it is recommended (perhaps essential) that before heading upriver a stop in the marina at Chipiona for advice, and to top up with fuel, be made. There is only one marina, Puerto Gelves, that is on the river but even this gets busy and should be contacted. The other two marinas, Sun Sail Marina and Club Náutico Sevilla are in the Canal de Alfonso XIII with pleasure craft having first to cross the hurdle of the reconstructed Seville Lock (set of gates at either end), and if going on to the Club Náutico Sevilla, the Puente de las Delicias lifting bridge. Both the lock and lifting bridge are primarily operated for commercial reasons and this must be respected. Unfortunately, yachts and pleasure craft have a very low priority and opening times in recent years have become severely limited. It is no longer a call-up and get-in arrangement which makes planning ahead essential. The request for opening with the promise of a confirmed berth must come from either the Sun Sail Marina or Club Náutico Sevilla 24 hours in advance of going through the new lock and lifting bridge in Seville, and even then a set opening time has to be met. Again, the marina at Chipiona can assist with planning and liaising with the marinas. Biscay S Opening of Spanish ports and marinas - Galicia on 15 June 2020 43 0 N 8 30 W Henry Buchanan (Antón Pellejero Zorra) - 15/06/2020

Report from Antón Pellejero RCC HPR - La Coruña

Opening of ports and marinas in Spain - Galicia 15 June 2020 42 52.50 N 8 33.68 W Will Pedder (Zorra) - 15/06/2020

Best wishes, Antón Pellejero RCC HPR - La Coruña

Annual Supplement for South Biscay 44 10.38 N 7 42.13 W Richard Marsh - 23/03/2020

The 9th annual supplement for RCCPF South Biscay (7th edition 2012) is available for download from https://rccpf.org.uk/pilots/15/South-Biscay

South Biscay 44 3.891 N 4 27.60 W Richard Webmaster - 25/04/2019

Supplements are available for RCCPF South Biscay with corrections and updated information

Click the link to download the latest supplement https://www.imray.com/files/book_supplements/IB0188-S.pdf or copy and paste it into your browser.

San Sebastian 43 19.40 N 2 0.016 W William Garnett (HERO) - 12/10/2018

The fisherman's harbour ( Puerto Pesquero) now has 16 excellent new visitors pontoons for yachts up to 15M( not yet shown on Navionics).. Pay by credit card on arrival. you get passcode with your receipt. use of facilities at RCNSS but the club is not welcoming. Noisy but great fun. San Sebastian 43 19.00 N 1 60 W Antony Wells (Pastime of Innisfree) - 09/09/2019

When we were there we preferred to mooring buoys in the bay allowing swimming off the boat etc. We also experienced an interesting weather event...... One evening at around 6.00 following a particularly hot day with moderate E winds no more than 10kn the wind quite suddenly swung to NW and blew has 25-30kn for a couple of hours following which they moderated and were followed by a brief thunderstorm. Local boatman told me that this happened once or twice on this coast as a result of the heat.

San Sebastian p66 43 19.34 N 1 59.68 W Antony Wells (Pastime of Innisfree) - 09/09/2019

Leading line lights are now red led vertical strips. Given profusion of light along the front not sure how easy they will be to distinguish. There is now a small marina in the inner harbour run by EKP harbour authority Capacity for up to 13 boats, power and water on pontoons, shower facilities nearby. Still small pontoon on wall opposite entrance but berthing not permitted on wall at N part of harbour. The Real Club Nautico. 1930s building resembling a liner, balconies overlooking the beach, bar with leather armchairs and pictures of Spanish royal family. Fee E41 for the night.

Santander 43 25.66 N 3 48.31 W Mike Gill (Quicksilver) - 23/08/2019

The yard at the East end of the marina close to the airport provides reasonably priced winter storage ashore. Book through [email protected] or telephone +34 942369281. Work is all contracted out, mainly to sole traders, so check whether the yard offers guarantee/oversight/warranty etc. Excellent awlgrip painter Pedro Mugica on +34652461153. No English spoken. Competent marine electrician David Pelayo on 00 34 629 012136

p71 Getaria. 43 17.99 N 2 10.99 W Antony Wells (Pastime of Innisfree) - 09/09/2019

Limited space for visitors. E32 for the night. Good facilities.

p72 Zumaia 43 18.30 N 2 14.75 W Antony Wells (Pastime of Innisfree) - 09/09/2019

Lots of space in this large but somewhat seedy marina. There is now a ferry service to the town from the SW corner of the marina. 79 Lequitio. 43 22.00 N 2 28.99 W Antony Wells (Pastime of Innisfree) - 09/09/2019

There are really very limited facilities for visiting yachts. Given the 4m fall in tide one is reluctant to lay against the wall with quite limited securing points. Lying alongside fishing boats carries the perpetual risk of summary eviction!

p81 Elanchove. 43 23.99 N 2 37.00 W Antony Wells (Pastime of Innisfree) - 09/09/2019

There is now a dinghy pontoon at the S end of the central mole so probably only space for 2 boats on the wall. There is now a good fish restaurant on the quay side - but expensive.

p84 Bermeo. 43 25.00 N 2 40.99 W Antony Wells (Pastime of Innisfree) - 09/09/2019

Space on visitor pontoons for up to 8 yachts if you use the outside of the outer pontoons. Water and power and pontoons for no charge!

Bermeo 43 25.25 N 2 42.62 W William Garnett (HERO) - 12/10/2018

Six new visitors pontoons en route to the inner harbour north of stbrd light.. power and water. excellent place from which to visit Bilbao, either by train via Guernica or bus. each approx. 1 hr.

P91 Bilbao. 43 22.99 N 3 4.000 W Antony Wells (Pastime of Innisfree) - 09/09/2019

Approach. Getting the wind turbines on the W mole in line on approach from the E makes a good leading line.

P93 Las Arenas. 43 19.99 N 3 1.000 W Antony Wells (Pastime of Innisfree) - 09/09/2019

Facilities reported looking pretty good. Getxo (pronounce Getcho) charge at E55 for 12m boat Good facilities and wealth of bars and restaurants but supermarkets are a good hike. Castro Urdiales 43 22.79 N 3 12.49 W William Garnett (HERO) - 12/10/2018

Now 10 visitors moorings. 25 euros includes 24 hr launch service to the RCNCU ( friendly) Recommend fresh anchovies at meson Marinaro.

Biscay S - Pais Vasco Lekeito 43 22.27 N 2 30.19 W William Garnett (HERO) - 12/10/2018

The anchorage just outside the entrance has silted. so very shallow and confined to areas close to the rocks. not a welcoming harbour, and the pontoon on the left on entry is private as are all the other pontoons. better off going to Bermeo.

Biscay S - Asturias St Vicente de la Barquera 43 24.07 N 4 24.19 W William Garnett (HERO) - 12/10/2018

Entrance shallow, dredging underway. arrive HW, and avoid after HW if onshore winds as there are standing breaking waves. keep to starboard. Three long mooring trots just below the bridge. considerable movement amongst yachts near HW and on the ebb, so fenders necessary. Great medieval church at top of the hill. Peppers stuffed with fresh prawns at Folia.

San Vicente de la Barquera 43 23.13 N 4 23.79 W Mike Gill (Quicksilver) - 25/06/2018

7th p121. The four mooring lines have now been replaced by three, with more distance between them. Not there in a spring ebb, so can't say whether this has solved the problem of boats crashing into each other. There may be a free berth in the marina, but the pontoons are very short.

Ria de Villaviciosa 43 31.30 N 5 23.50 W Mike Gill (Quicksilver) - 25/06/2018

7th p137. The marina is silted up. We found only one anchorage, as marked on the chartlet. NB avoid the extension to the western training wall, visible in the aerial photo, but not in the chartlet. It reaches as far southwest as the eastern one, but is submerged at half tide and above. Marina Yates, Puerto del Musel 43 32.89 N 5 41.29 W Mike Gill (Quicksilver) - 25/06/2018

7th p139. 0.1 nm south by west of the starboard mole light is the northern edge of a dangerous unmarked rocky shoal area, with depths 0.5 metre less than charted. ie even if having to beat into the marina, do not stray more than half a cable south of the mole. Excellent fibreglasser in yard. Office manager (Jesus Riera)speaks good English. Yard bicycles available for free. The city has many cycle lanes, a cheap and extensive bus service, and many attractive buildings and parks. Roberto (0034608313226) said to be a good mechanic.

Gijon 43 32.73 N 5 40.07 W William Garnett (Hero) - 12/10/2018

The Marina Yates is remote, dirty and very run down sadly. Leaving a boat there for a time is an option but it is also close to a filthy recycling plant and so the boats get covered in an oily black grime. Not recommended. Similar problems with pollution exist at Aviles

That said the manager Jesus, was charming and helpful.

Cudillero 43 34.03 N 6 9.118 W William Garnett (Hero) - 12/10/2018

Delightful former fishing village now given over to high end tourism. Positano in north Spain. narrow harbour entrance and the fore/aft mooring are taken by local boats. small marina inside the sea wall with good depths or tie alongside local boats. V friendly and fun.

Biscay S - La Gironde and Bassin d'Arcachon to Hendaye La Gironde river - Southern entrance 45 32.61 N 1 9.695 W Michael Gill (Snow Goose) - 03/06/2019

Bordeaux 44 51.61 N 0 33.08 W Nick Chavasse (Wild Bird) - 08/09/2019

The waiting pontoon outside the entrance to Basin No1 and Basin No 2 has been been temporarily removed while the dockyard is being refurbished. Bordeaux 44 50.39 N 0 34.03 W Doug MacArthur (Andromeda) - 02/07/2020

Channel Islands, Cherbourg Peninsula and North Brittany North Brittany approach to I de Brehat / Lezardrieux 48 49.42 N 3 3.899 W Robert Falk (n/a) - 27/01/2020

Channel Islands, Cherbourg Penninsula and North Brittany, Revised First edition March 2018 Page 250 chartlet - Rade de Brehat, NCM "Cadenou" should read, "Cadenenou"

Channel Islands, Cherbourg Peninsula and North Brittany Revised First Ed 2018 Supplement Jan 2019 49 9.325 N 3 17.30 W Annabel Finding - 10/12/2019 https://www.imray.com/files/book_supplements/IB0199-1S.pdf?id=1575987789

Rivière de Penze 48 34.40 N 2 39.77 W James Tew (Naida) - 11/07/2019

Channel Islands, Cherbourg peninsula & North Brittany coast revised first edition 2018, page 305, shows tidal difference on Brest for HW as 0010. This should read 0110.

Latest Update and Corrections for RCCPF Channel Islands Cherbourg Peninsula and North Brittany 49 22.08 N 3 6.547 W RHKM - 27/11/2017

Click the link to download the latest supplement https://www.imray.com/files/book_supplements/IB0199-S.pdf or copy and paste it into your browser Roscoff 48 43.28 N 3 57.91 W David MOWLAM (Fidget) - 03/11/2017

The new marina in Roscoff has all services on the pontoons but the infrastructure around the marina is still being built. There is a sparsely stocked chandlery, a bar and restaurant but there are no general provisions anywhere close by. The marina staff can order in croissants and baguettes for collection from 0700.

Treguier 48 47.57 N 3 13.53 W David MOWLAM (Fidget) - 03/11/2017

Although well covered in pilots it is worth noting the exceptionally helpful attitude of the marina office staff who come down to the pontoons to help boats berth.

Channel Islands, Cherbourg Peninsula and North Brittany - L'Aberwrac'h Port du Stiff, Ouessant 48°28’.11N 005°03’.25W 48 27.93 N 5 3.253 W Stephanie Connor (Sandpiper) - 05/10/2019

Ushant 48 27.02 N 5 5.820 W Arthur George H Curtis (Casalamy) - 30/08/2018

France N St Malo 48 38.70 N 2 1.526 W Mike Redfern (Dafony) - 11/08/2018

Ed 2 North Brittany page 71 Behind the white waiting bouys outside the lock there is a forest of large yellow bouys. These have been installed by the Region at enormous expense to assist the fishermen so that they do not have to go through the lock to unload their catch. Unfortunately they are too close together so are little used. It is perfectly acceptable to use, with caution, one or fore and aft while waiting for the lock to open.

Boulogne 50 43.87 N 1 35.18 E Jane Russell (Royal Harwich Yacht Club) - 19/06/2017

It has been reported that Boulogne marina has had a "catastrophic failure" (their words); half of the berths are out of use following bolt failures. This means that space is very limited. Boats are currently arriving, seeking shelter and finding no space, with no where else much to go.Two walkways have broken in half and several fingers broken off as a result. Another is expected to be closed after an inspection.

Netherlands & Belgium Terneuzen 51 19.93 N 3 49.37 E Stephen Lennane (Dulcibella) - 11/11/2018

Small marina at end of Zijkanaal A. Supermarket nearby.

Mast Down route to South Holland 52 19.63 N 5 3.944 E Stephen Lennane (Dulcibella) - 11/11/2018

From Muiden use River Vecht rather than Amsterdam - Rhine canal to avoid heavy commercial traffic. Join canal at Maarssen. Almere Poort 52 20.26 N 5 7.830 E Stephen Lennane (Dulcibella) - 11/11/2018

Marina Muiderzand. Good marina with Harry at Shipshape Yanmar agent and able to do engineering work. Very good chandlery

Urk 52 39.50 N 5 35.81 E Stephen Lennane (Dulcibella) - 11/11/2018

Arrive early and take up berth on Western breakwater. Nice town worth a visit.

Lemmer 52 50.62 N 5 42.65 E Stephen Lennane (Dulcibella) - 11/11/2018

Route through town pretty with alongside moorings. Approach to lock tortuous for large yacht. Main canal may be easier.

Stavoren 52 53.14 N 5 21.32 E Stephen Lennane (Dulcibella) - 11/11/2018

North harbour quieter. Chandlery nearby

Harlingen 53 12.11 N 5 25.23 E Stephen Lennane (Dulcibella) - 11/11/2018

The passage going N.E. from the harbour along the coast is particularly difficult in the part past Polder de Koning. Less than a metre found at high water springs. Time of actual high water there difficult to ascertain.

Schiermonnikoog 53 28.26 N 6 10.03 E Stephen Lennane (Dulcibella) - 11/11/2018

Winding approach to harbour should be taken carefully. Harbour - soft black mud. Does not dry at centre pontoons but only about 20cm depth. Pleasant walk across dunes to Lighthouse and North beach.

Amsterdam - Convenient friendly low-key central berthing 52 23.05 N 4 55.13 E James Morrow (Tai Tai) - 29/07/2018

RCC EYES ONLY W.V. Aeolus. Amsterdam. A small club-run marina in central Amsterdam. Situated about 300m east of Sixhaven. Mostly box berths capable of accommodating 12m yacht. Some alongside berths with restricted rafting. Waiting piles to port on entry and harbourmaster will find you.

Adjacent supermarket. Metrostation 600m walk, and ferry to Central Station close by. Coded gate into marina. Cllub house and adequate showers/toilet facilties.

A great spot for exploring the city or leaving a boat for a week or so. Vastly cheaper than the Amsterdam marina and more central. Euro 1.5 per metre per night.

James Morrow

Roompots 51 36.12 N 3 40.78 E Hugh STEWART (Mikara) - 04/11/2017 anchored in 3.5m to W of Roompotsluis, at S end of dam, off sandy beach on which there is a holiday resort but far enough away not to disturb; useful stopping place in right conditions; reasonable shelter from SSW to N

France - Dunkirk 51 2.531 N 2 22.44 E Hugh STEWART (Mikara) - 04/11/2017

Can pre-order fresh croissants from the Marina East office; Operation Dynamo museum interesting and well curated; excellent restaurant, Le Marmiton, short taxi ride away in Place Jeanne d’Arc.

Netherlands & Belgium - Netherlands General Holland - canals 51 36.34 N 3 40.17 E Hugh STEWART (Mikara) - 04/11/2017

If following the Maaste Stande route ensure you have charts before arriving in Holland; none of the places we stopped at had even simple ones, until we reached Amsterdam; Navionics was helpful but we were wary of some of the reported depths.

Netherlands & Belgium - Amsterdam Amsterdam chandlery 52 23.76 N 4 54.46 E Hugh STEWART (Mikara) - 07/11/2017

Well-stocked chandlery "Rien de Wolf" 15 minutes bike ride from Amsterdam Marina Go via small bridges behind ferry to Central station and along parallel with main waterway Amsterdam Marina 52 24.27 N 4 53.14 E Stephen Lennane (Dulcibella) - 13/11/2017

Amsterdam marina good alternative to Sixhaven. Ten minute free ferry ride from Central Station. Two restaurants, small bakery and very small supermarket (Hema) nearby.