Depth at Boulogne

[westhinder]

We nearly came a cropper when we left as the sand bank on the north side extends right onto the line from the inner harbour entrance to the white flash on the outer wall (which I presume is a leading line?). So take care on entry and head south before turning east for the inner entrance.

your presumption of a leading line is wrong, I’m afraid. That sandbank has been there for the 35 years I have visited Boulogne. Even the fishermen go in and out on a curve. I fail to understand why there is no buoy to indicate that, the French do not normally skimp on buoys and beacons. Now it is something you’re supposed to find out for yourself, or learn from someone else.

 

[LittleSister]

We nearly came a cropper when we left as the sand bank on the north side extends right onto the line from the inner harbour entrance to the white flash on the outer wall (which I presume is a leading line?). So take care on entry and head south before turning east for the inner entrance.

your presumption of a leading line is wrong, I’m afraid. That sandbank has been there for the 35 years I have visited Boulogne. Even the fishermen go in and out on a curve.

You are both right*. You do indeed have to make a curve or dog leg between the breakwater entrance and that for the inner 'river' harbour (and vice versa) to avoid the sand bank, but there is a leading line, marked by a white mark on the inside of the southern harbour wall (aligns 123 degrees on the inward passage), to clear that shoal.

At least that's what's shown in the 2009 Reeds Almanac (the most recent one I have at home), and tallies with was in a more recent almanac and what I found there visiting about a couple of years ago.


(*or both wrong! )

 

[Habebty]

 

[LittleSister]

On Habebty's chart above, the white daymark on the inside of the southern harbour wall is located where the small circle is, just north of the wreck (on the other side of the wall).

The white daymark is shown on the current Navionics chart.

 

[LittleSister]

West Hinder's memory is playing tricks on him!

Aug 2020 (above) -

your presumption of a leading line is wrong, I’m afraid. That sandbank has been there for the 35 years I have visited Boulogne. Even the fishermen go in and out on a curve. I fail to understand why there is no buoy to indicate that, the French do not normally skimp on buoys and beacons. Now it is something you’re supposed to find out for yourself, or learn from someone else.

Jun 2011 ( Dover to Boulogne - Recommendations )

Entering Boulogne

When entering Boulogne, do not be tempted to go into the inner harbour in a straight line. There is a pretty large shallow sandbank in the outer harbour. From the entrance, steer S unti you pick up the leading line. Do not overdo your bend either, as I have seen yachts aground close to the south of the inner entrance.

 

[westhinder]

West Hinder's memory is playing tricks on him!

Aug 2020 (above) -


Jun 2011 ( Dover to Boulogne - Recommendations )

I stand corrected.
I can only plead advancing age and the sin of familiarity: I have been there enough times not to pay attention to leading lines any more. I hope it is not going to bite me in the bum one day..

 

[Sea Devil]

The pontoons in the marina area have just been replaced. There is 3 metres plus around the first 2 after that the pontoons are for small boats and the fuel pump which is closest to the weir is only viable 1 hour either side of HW. You can jerry jug any time...

Normally you will moor up in the main marina but if staying for more than a few days the capitainerie might send you round to Bassin Napoleon which is used for permanent berths. The lock works 3 hours 20 before high tide and 4 hours 30 after high tide. Around HW you can just drive straight in. The office will give you details...

My boat Golden Haze - Benateau 323 has her permanent berth there for which I pay 1500euro PA... and there is a 35 ton travel lift located there as well as a several hundred tons lift for big fishing boats...

The marina office folks all speak great English and are very welcoming. I live in Boulogne and love the place as well as the modern marina so do email or PM me if you need any information - help