Canal du Midi with yacht

[lindsay]

I was thinking of spending some time in the Canal du Midi for some bucolic R&R. Length 8.7 metres, draft 1.2 metres, breadth 2.9 metres. Any problems? I am already sailing in the Mediterranean. I would prefer to sail to the nearest point to join the canal system, would that be for example Port la Nouvelle rather than Port St Louis?

Thanks in advance.

 

[vyv_cox]

I assume height is not a problem? In which case you should be fine. We are 10.6 , beam 3.1, draught 1.4. We touched bottom a few times but always got off.

Port la Nouvelle was a problem for us. Silting in the entrance, under the bridge to the canal, had reduced the depth to well under a metre. That was in May when dredging had not been carried out. Otherwise go in at Agde. Several de-masting options there: we used Cap d'Agde, who were cheap and efficient.

 

[Grehan]

Canal du Midi

No, you shouldn't have a problem. I cover the various Mediterranean Entry Ports on the french-waterways.com website.

 

[All_at_Sea]

Mast lift/storage

If you need it go up the Herault river and use the yard on the right, they will take the mast off and store it for you whilst you travel about, and very cheaply too. Article in this months YM cruising log, details the yard.

 

[lindsay]

Canal du Midi

Thanks for the detailed replies. I am now sorted!