First trip to Calais

[aquaholic]

Weather depending we will be off to Calais next weekend, wondered if there were any tips or advice that may not be in reeds.....
we managed Dunkerque last year and got a real taste for it.

 

[Otter]

Best tip I can give is to call in at Gravelines, beautiful harbour and town. Not all tide but about 2.5 hours either side.

 

[Summer Solstice]

We went to Calais at Easter 2007 and had a really good time. Not the prettiest of entrances to a harbour but once inside the yacht harbour I thought it was good.

We waited on the north side of the approach channel for the port lights to go green (don't call on the radio). On the way in the port lights didn't go green so we followed the instructions in Reeds and followed a ferry in, tried to ensure that another one wasn't waiting to exit. Once inside the harbour wall take a sharp right towards the lifting bridge for the yacht basin. Bridge opens as per the times in Reeds, you can pick up a buoy while waiting. Once through the lifting bridge go for a berth on the right hand side just passed the yacht club building, bit of a scramble once the bridge opens...

The office at the marina was closed for the whole weekend (Easter Holiday) and therefore there was no one to collect mooring fees, which was nice.

We explored the town and thought it was interesting, saw The Burghers of Calais by Rodin outside the town hall

 

[johnalison]

You need to be careful if leaving without paying. They used to keep a list of defaulters and display it for all to see!

 

[minquiers]

the lock gate is broken into the marina, and there is a sill to keep water in. once the tide comes over the sill, it can be quite uncomfortable inside the marina, due to the wash from the ferrys, however the facilitys are very good in the marina, and the people in the clubhouse are nice, have a good trip. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[Athene V30]

I was in Easter 07 and couldn't pay as no one to collect dues. When I went back in May 07 & 08, no one was worried and not had a bill posted to me as in Ramsgate!

 

[bendyone]

[ QUOTE ]
the lock gate is broken into the marina, and there is a sill to keep water in. once the tide comes over the sill, it can be quite uncomfortable inside the marina, due to the wash from the ferrys, however the facilitys are very good in the marina, and the people in the clubhouse are nice, have a good trip. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

The cill is working well, but can have a good flow of water running over it. Check the depth and go for it. The visitors pontoon on the right has at times limited depth ( lowest 0.5m) but is soft mud underneath. There is also a pontoon on the left with plenty of water but away from the marina facilities.
With the lock gates open you can get a swell in the marina with a strong northerly blowing but otherwise not a problem. I have never notice a problem with ferry washes.

 

[bendyone]

Cill