Gravelines

[Spuddy]

I like Boulogne but coming from the East Coast and tight on time I was thinking of striking across from the Foreland to Gravelines. Googling reveals drying entrance and a locked basin; trouble is one source says basin ok at HW 3 hours either side and another says only 90 mins side.
Can anyone put me right and also give me any more information?
Boat is 30' loa and draws 5' 6".

 

[bluerm166]

The marina site at http://www.portvaubangravelines.com/Plaisance/navigation/ -use google translate which works ok - states 2hrs each side to enter the channel for a 1.5 M draft,which is basically up on a ledge from the deep water,so that gives you say 90mins each side by the time you arrive at the marina sill.Normally those leaving will pour out quickly thro the marina lock before those entering can proceed.The lock is often left open as there is a further lock onto the canal beyond.

 

[AndrewB]

Yes, even 90 minutes is getting tight, get in earlier if possible. It takes the better part of an hour from the entrance.

I guess 3 hours is about the point all the water has gone. It's soft slushy mud, a fin keeler will settle into it OK but maybe with some heel. I've taken a 1.85m draft yacht in there a few times.

Sometimes they close the lock shortly after high tide, and then re-open it about two hours later, to scour the channel.

Incidentally the tide doesn't work very well coming from the west as it runs strong westerly up to high tide. A stopover in Calais beforehand might be useful.

 

[LittleSister]

Don't get put off by the tide window and 'drying' - it's a great place. Take a wander into town, and around the walls/moat.

 

[Lucky Duck]

Given the marina all but dries (although we did find one berth where we floated) I have never really understood the point of the opening and closing the gates

 

[Spuddy]

Thanks all. much appreciated

 

[Supine Being]

A bit late to this, but we were in there the weekend before last. It’s all very straightforward if you time it right. We draw 1.5m and came in 1.5m before HW a couple of days before neaps. The shallowest part was just after the entrance to the canal, after which there was plenty of depth. Also, the bridge going in to the marina is out of action so no need to worry about calling up to open it.

Just be sensible on timing and don’t push your luck going in too late... not like the poor chap who I met there who, due to extenuating circumstances, decided to chance it. They ended up spending the next few hours less then vertical and getting bashed about by the waves. Eek!

Also, I can thoroughly recommend Le Turbot if you fancy a nice meal out.