calais and boulogne

[MGambling]

Hoping to go to one or praps both soon. Havent been for some time but in those days you could just enter boulogne and calais you would follow a ferry in or out. Have things changed and is it necessary to get radio clearance now for entry/ exit. If so importantly do they speak english since my french is schoolboyish. Thanks for help

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Yes, both speak English, but neither seem to like doing so (understandably)..... you will definitely need to radio in/out for Calais...... Boulogne is a bit more relaxed...

Just in case you aren't aware, some issues with clearance of the cill at Calais after the lock gates failed earlier this year..... I think the Cill has 1m over it at LW from memory, but no doubt others will confirm....

 

[bendyone]

You dont need to talk to the Port control at Calais, just follow the lights on the breakwater. There is 2m over the sill when the bridge first opens.
If you do need to talk they speak engish on Channel 17 and are very helpful. ( they held up 2 ferries while I had to sail in with engine problems)

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Note the channel number...... 17..... many of the pilots and guide still have the old number in them, which I believe was 12.... as for very helpful, they were extraordinarily rude when I last spoke to them...... I was using 12 as per the pilot and almanac, and didn't know it had been changed to 17 at the start of that season (as apparently did Reeds not know either), and they eventually responded to my requests on 12 with the most curt and rude message i've ever had the displeasure of receiving over VHF.....

 

[PeterGibbs]

Calais is mostly a questsion of waiting (just west of the pier) whilst traffic dies down and the entry lights show green. Then scoot in holding to starboard until entering the pool before the gate, taking a mooring buoy if needed. Following a ferry closely is not recommended - they swing heavily in any direction to postion themselves!

Boulogne is mostly a question of not going aground by straying to port once entered the outer piers - the proper course is a dogleg to starboard shown by buoyage (rather indifferent) then heading for the inner harbour, not straying from a direct approach to avoid banks either side of the entrance. There are lights, and the fast ferry has to be watched for all the way from the approach to Boulogne until past the ferry quay.

No radio contact required, unlike Dover and Ramsgate (Dover for safety, and Ramsgate somewhat for safety but also to log each boat for charging purposes!)

PWG