Air draft Seine

[GeorgeP]

I'm thinking of taking my family up the river Seine this summer. Does anyone know how far I can get with a 16 metre air draft? I'd rather not take the mast down - it's a major exercise. And I couldn't find anything with Google.

Thank you
George

 

[jerryat]

Rouen. Then you're stopped by the bridges there.

 

[GeorgeP]

Thanks Jerry

Any advice on pilot books?

 

[Jobs_a_ good_ un]

The only book Ive ever seen is the navicartes famously incorrect for fuel and water supplies but good for geography bridges etc
I know the air draft to Paris is 5.25 m
Ive got the navicartes if you need anything looked up
Regards

 

[Mrnotming]

Re: Air draft Seine,not the only surprise!

There is only one reef on the Seine.On that particulare page of the VNF guide the North arrow is transposed to south. So what I hear you say? Well you line up the pilot book with the steering compass on the binnacle to be doubly sure you have the right branch of the river selected.Then the boat suddenly stops! Need I say more!Also some marinas do not exist or are dangerously defective.On a more positive note PORTL'ILON some way after Rouen, is delightful, and has a warm water upwelling in the lake for swimming! Staff are most helpful and Beauvais Airport (Ryanair etc) is 50km away. Book your hire car online though,( nearest town Mante-la Jolie, a cycle ride away), as the local lady in Avis or whatever lays it on thick!You can safely leave a vessel at Port l'Ilon.If the mast is heavy you could leave it in Le Havre and collect on the way back.The Marina Capitan is good at organising the mast off business but allow 2 days ast least.

 

[GeorgeP]

Thanks Mark. I think I'll send off for the first Navicarte, covering Le Havre to Paris.

 

[GeorgeP]

Re: Air draft Seine,not the only surprise!

Thanks Paul

Sounds like you've been up the river. Anywhere interesting between Hornfleur and Rouen?

 

[Sea Devil]

Hate to say this ---- I have that Navicarte in stock - I think cheaper than any UK supplier but ........ Whether you buy from me or someone else it is well worth having it on board for the trip... Apart from anything else after Rouen you need a waterways licence but the lower Seine is considered the sea... It also gives you the tidal gate you need.........

 

[chamac]

"Sounds like you've been up the river. Anywhere interesting between Hornfleur and Rouen? "

There are a couple of nice looking villages but don't know if I would stop. The ships go full tilt on the river and cause a big wash. You would also have to recalculate your tides. Avoid the Tancarville Canal...long delays. Go under the new bridge instead. Honfleur is nice but very very tourismo with high prices. Good shelter. Good wine shop up the town. You can tie up free outside the marina for 24 hrs.

 

[Piers]

Les Andelys - visit Chateau la Roche Guyon where Romel had his HQ; Vernon - visit Monet's house; The river here is so, so beautiful.

Air draft? I have a feeling the bridges on the SE end from Rouen's marina island to the mainland (both directions) does not allow for a 16m air draft, which will be a problem if approaching the marina on the flood tide. In this case you have to go around the island anti-clockwise and approach the marina into the tide. That would mean going under these bridges.

As I say, my memory is not absolute - just check the navicarte.

 

[Sea Devil]

[ QUOTE ]
Anywhere interesting between Hornfleur and Rouen

[/ QUOTE ]

For most people it is probably the least interesting part of a trip down to or back from the Med.. Not many mooring places, very fast flowing current with all the debris of a major river estuary.. Gets good from Rouen onwards.

The biggest problem is finding somewhere safe to leave the boat whilst you go ashore... Have a look at Navicarte as others suggest. I have been up and down there a few times and generally looked at just getting that stretch over with asap. But .... different strokes for different....

 

[GeorgeP]

Many thanks to all contributors!

I'm now going off to talk to the boss.