French phrases

[tim]

I'm sailing to France for the first time this summer. Is there a good resource online or published for the kind of phrases French harbour masters or marina offices might expect? For example, asking for a berth for a few nights, bridge opening times etc.
Thanks.

 

[Champagne Murphy]

I’ve always found that the staff on the French coast ports closest to us are more than capable of sorting out the issues for berthing. You’re more likely to hit issues in the restaurants.

 

[tim]

What's French for "Can I have a berth for a night?"

 

[Poignard]

What's French for "Can I have a berth for a night?"

Probably not pukka French but "Vous avez une catway pour moi s'il vous plait? " seems to work.

Be prepared for the HM asking for your boat's name and dimensions.

I don't have much difficulty framing the questions, it's being able to understand the answers that causes me difficulty.

 

[awol]

What's French for "Can I have a berth for a night?"

Je voudrais réclamer l’asile politique de mon stupide pays dysfonctionnel ?

 

[[3889]]

What's French for "Can I have a berth for a night?"

Voulez vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?

 

[James_Calvert]

Getting a berth is often just a matter of following the signs marked Visiteurs.

After that at the Capitainery you will want to say that you've just arrived and want to pay for one (or whatever) night(s). There'll be some kind of form to fill in. Know your length, breadth, draft in metric. (Eg longueur neuf metres soixante.)

Some places you might want to pay for tokens for showers, rarer now than it used to be. (Jetons pour les douches)

That's all. But you'll probably be met by a charming young man or woman who speaks English anyway. I do believe it's worth making an effort though.

 

[johnalison]

I usually find that saying Bonjour followed by talking slowly and loudly in English does the job.

 

[Graham_Wright]

I usually find that saying Bonjour followed by talking slowly and loudly in English does the job.

You forgot the waving arms bit.

 

[Daedelus]

A friend who has quite good French asked for a berth but failed to understand the resultant machine gun French replies and eventually in desperation said "Avez vous un place pour le nuit? Oui ou non?

 

[LadyInBed]

I usually find that saying Bonjour followed by talking slowly and loudly in English does the job.

Exactement ainsi
You can use the right words but unless the accent and grammar is also correct, they will look at you as if you are speaking a foreign language !

PS Understanding the answer is a whole different kettle of fish.

 

[EU_Cruiser]

I'm sailing to France for the first time this summer. Is there a good resource online or published for the kind of phrases French harbour masters or marina offices might expect? For example, asking for a berth for a few nights, bridge opening times etc.
Thanks.

Although aimed at the inland waterways, you might find something of assistance here http://www.nordpasdecalais.vnf.fr/I...avec_les_plaisanciers_etrangers_cle0d4fd1.pdf

 

[Fr J Hackett]

What's French for "Can I have a berth for a night?"

Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir Try it you never know it might work.

Sorry beaten to it.

 

[Humblebee]

Does Reed's almanac not have a brief dictionary of French words and possibly other languages too?

I speak fluid French - bier, vin rouge, café etc

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Does Reed's almanac not have a brief dictionary of French words and possibly other languages too?

I speak fluid French - bier, vin rouge, café etc

It certainly used to, German, Spanish and Italian as well if I remember well. However I think he should start of with the phrase in post#13:encouragement:

 

[awol]

I'd forgotten about Lakesailoring!

 

[Giblets]

I always found that "Bonjour monsieur, cinque grand bière à la pression s'il vous plaît." worked very well for me over the years! :encouragement:

 

[Wansworth]

Bonjour,I hav a boat I would like to stay in your marina,spoken with inspector clueso French accent,always works!

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

If officialdom is taking its time and you're wanting to catch the tide, a polite 'À l'eau, c'est l'heur' always goes down well.

 

[XDC]

Been going for years and, as has been said, you’ll be unlucky to find a non-English speaking harbour office.

The problem with trying your best French is they will often reply in THEIR best French and you’re screwed.

If you REALLY want to give it a go try:

Bonjour/Bonsoir

C’est le bateau ....

(by now they’ve sussed you’re English)

Je voo dray (mumble un or une) ponton, catway, place (they KNOW what you want, they’re a marina) pour xxx nuits sil voo play.

Now it’s easy cos they start with “English” ... yes I know!

They will want to know how LONG you are, luckily it’s longeur.

Still simple is they might want your beam which is largeur

Never been asked for draft but it’s tirant doh.

Nights? You’ve told them but they were “tuning in”

If they get really technical they may even talk port and starboard = babor and trebor.

C’est tout!

Bonne chance.