Calais anyone?

[lindsay]

After retirement 21 years ago I arrived in the Mediterranean boringly simply - and by myself- from the UK by scurrying across the Channel from Dover to Calais, loading my 29 footer onto a French truck bound for Hyeres, in the South of France, and once the mast up at destination, anchoring at the delightful island of Porquerolles just two days after arrival, where I really felt that I had arrived.

I am seriously thinking of doing the same thing, but now in reverse, before I get too decrepit. NHS oblige!

In 1997 Calais was very easy to handle. What's it like now?? Any up to date experiences will be appreciated.

I know I have the option of disposing of the boat in the Med, but having it available as a flexible but official "residence" on return to the UK after a long absence would far, far outweigh the transportation costs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ibbo]

I know nothing about calais currently, but I'd like to say I'm impressed. Don't mess about spending time and money getting all the offshore kit, just nip across, and get it on a truck. Stroke of genius.

Do you have time to tell the whole story?

Mike

 

[lindsay]

Appreciate your interest. The guy who knows a lot about this is Michael at

www.michaelbriant. com....go for the "lorry option" option

There are several French haulage companies who do this. Google yacht transport. They do it all the time, crisscrossing France north, west and south. It is no big deal. You just have to get to a port in Northern France and they will take you anywhere where there is a port with the facilities.


I used Augizeau which still exists at
www.altead.com

another French company I know is Morlin

www.transports-morlin.fr
Don't be afraid of giving them a call, or through internet of course, even with minimal French, to find out approximate costs. They are not cheap but an option for a modest sized boat with an impatient skipper. Mumble something about not speaking their wonderful language and they will find someone. It really is routine for these companies.

This, of course costs. In 1997 it cost me 700 quid. Now I think it would be a lot, lot more so it has to be measured against the cost and time of going through the canals or going round Gib. I originally planned to go through the canals but to avoid the frigging around decided to get to the sunny Mediterranean as soon as possible. As things turned out I spent the first winter in St Tropez and met a guy with a 11 metre yacht who wanted to cross the Atlantic to Guadeloupe to see his daughter for her 21st birthday who was looking for help, so I joined him in doing this. Another story!

Good luck

 

[ibbo]

Many thanks for the interesting info.

Sounds like you have the makings of a good book. It's nice to see someone getting something out of their retirement.

Mike

 

[greeny]

Now I'm getting worried about my age / eyesight!
Read the thread title and thought it said "Cialis anyone?"

 

[lindsay]

Thanks guys. Perhaps a psychological slip on my part? At 82 I might be able, with such a mis-spelling, to be getting even more out of retirement!

 

[bendyone]

We keep our boat in Calais. They had a new 35T travelhoist last year operated by Fred in the shop. Also a 3T static for the mast/smaller boats. Plenty of room on land not sure about berths but being French you need to be there ask. PM me if you would like to talk.

 

[lindsay]

Thanks bendyone. The fact that you are there now is recommendation enough.

When I came through 20 years ago they had to wheel in another crane from another part of the harbour just for a 5 tonne 29 footer. Glad to learn of progress. They had no paid staff but there were plenty of onlookers to help with getting the mast down.

It was a pleasant and entertaining stay of three weeks in the berthing area through the lock gates while I phoned around for a haulage company. ......a long time before internet.