Boulogne

[Toutvabien]

Has anybody been to Boulogne recently? I used to be a fairly regular visitor, but have not been there for about 6 years now and I am aware that it has changed with the demise of the ferries.

I see from the almanac that larger boats are directed towards the locked harbour, what are facilities like for visitors now in the outer harbour round by the bridge? It used to be fairly tight for anything bigger than about 9 metres. I want to take an 11m boat in and not be constrained by lock times for leaving.

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[AndrewB]

I was there yesterday. The outer harbour pontoons are the same as they have always been, but most local boats are now in the Bassin Napoléon so there are plenty of free slots - at least at this time of year. The first set of berths on the right are quite capable of taking an 11m yacht. The second set are shorter (and some finger pontoons are currently missing) adequate for a 9m yacht but no more. The third set are shallow and are used only by local sports angling boats. Boulogne remains a popular port to visit, so I expect that as usual in the height of the season yachts will, as in the past, raft in between the rows of pontoons so that everyone has to leave together.

New for this season - the sewage works has been fixed, the infamous "pong" which has characterised Boulogne marina for the last 25 years has all but disappeared. Locals are complaining about the lack of atmosphere. Also the supermarket (and most other shops) is now shut all day Sundays, booze runs must be timed to allow for this!

The outer harbour is shallower in places than last year, and to assist with finding the entrance channel to the inner harbour, a large white back mark has been painted on the outer wall.

Incidentally ferry services will resume on 19th May. Expect aggrevation if you proceed against the lights: some visitors seem not to appreciate the distinction between green - green - white, and green - white - green. Calling Boulogne Radio on Ch12 is not compulsory but always an option, English is spoken.

 

[snowleopard]

in 2001 they found me a berth but it was very tight. went in there last year and had no problems berthing on the pontoons round the back of the ferry terminal. we are 12m loa and 7m beam so you should have no problem unless it's full

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[waterbuffalo]

Visited in July 2002. Finger pontoons had been removed so as to allow rafting between the pontoons, hence increasing capacity.
A new toilet shower block had been provided. Clean and functional.
Above the offices was the yacht club bar, again new.
Northern part of harboured dried a long way out. far enough to allow sand yachting to take place. very shallow if you stray to north of main channel.

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[Gunfleet]

English may well be spoken but the last time I was there they called me in against a ferry!

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[cartman]

I was there a week or so ago... it stank, but mainly as they were dredging... the water was like black treacle!

Depth was fine in the tidal basin, I need 2.0m and had at least 1m under me all time whilst we were there. Facilities only open during office hours though so be warned about that.

To enter, make sure you follow the outerwall along until the inner harbour entrance is fully open.. then depth is OK.

Steve

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