Croak
Well-Known Member
Holiday home.
Help just brought a small boat.
- Thread starter dowot
- Start date
Plevier
Well-Known Member
That coast is for surfing not sailing.
Long straight shallow sands, big breakers, virtually no refuges, usually a lee shore.
Apart from Hossegor https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=mi...gl=uk&ei=YYGSUoj3FMim0AXs7IDICw&ved=0CLsBELYD I don't think there is a mooring place between Arcachon and St Jean de Luz. Have a spin down it on Google Maps satellite!
saltylegs
Well-Known Member
I have sailed there a few times on family holiday, a very nice spot indeed but IIRC there is an exclusion zone down the middle of the lake which is bouyed off, I think it is to do with the closeby military air base.
But for that size of boat and at that price you are going to have some cheap holidays, Biscarosse at the bottom end and Arcachon near the top end, Bordeaux only about 3/4 of an hour away by road.
And as said above there is a canal (mast down i think) to Arcachon then you have a day sail round to Royan and the Gironde and the canals all the way to the med.
Enjoy.
But for that size of boat and at that price you are going to have some cheap holidays, Biscarosse at the bottom end and Arcachon near the top end, Bordeaux only about 3/4 of an hour away by road.
And as said above there is a canal (mast down i think) to Arcachon then you have a day sail round to Royan and the Gironde and the canals all the way to the med.
Enjoy.
Greenheart
Well-Known Member
Ah! Canal. That all makes sense then.
FairweatherDave
Well-Known Member
We have had several family holidays on the shores of that Lake. It is huge by English standards and there are loads of boat users of all sorts. We camped on one of the big sites in the Eastern corner and used our Wayfarer a lot. Great place for a holiday and relearning to sail. No tides makes it a doodle. Like Troubadour says the sea is not a great place to sail due to access, the shallows in the Arcachon entrance and the currents are best viewed from the top of a big sand dune (Dune de Pyla, biggest in Europe), (that said exploring the shallows in a rib/little mobo fishing boat inside the bar would be fun). No idea on the realities of big boat ownership down there but I can assure you for day sailing the Lake is ample and relaxing. The military zone is there but does not impact on your use much, it is just a bouyed area you keep out of that looks no different to the rest of the Lake. We call it Lake Sanguinet (that is its alternative name) and its also a great place to learn to windsurf, falling off is like dropping into a warm bath. The weather can change fast with exciting summer thunderstorms if you are unlucky. Good luck with the boat and don't forget the suncream........
Greenheart
Well-Known Member
Sounds heavenly. I'm just jealous really, tides make me a bit nervous however well-acquainted I am with them. I visited Dune de Pyla this century, and if I'd known the lakes were so attractive I'd have made a point of visiting them...but as the sea was so near, I overlooked them.
FairweatherDave
Well-Known Member
Dan. Sanguinet is heavenly for Osprey sailing.....trail it down..... I love the sea too for family holidays but we found it hard to tear ourselves away from the Lake, in two weeks probably went to the sea for 3 days. Swimming in the powerful surf is awesome there........
Greenheart
Well-Known Member
Sounds terrific, Dave. But...and I may regret saying this...
...the real reason I'd like to bring the Osprey down, would be because my trailer is so old and tired, I'd be tempted to take five weeks out of the summer and sail down. Yes...I am going to regret saying that. Although, I've a brother-in-law down there with a barn where I could leave the boat if the experience didn't tempt me to go home the same way.
A Solent-Channel Islands crossing was done in an Osprey...and (am I being obtuse?) I suspect after creeping in stages down the Atlantic coast, lake-sailing might feel a little staid?
Who am I kidding, I'd be relieved not to think each new day meant another near-death experience. On the free Navionics charts I looked at the depths in the lakes - Hourtin, etc, and they're deeper than I thought. Surprising because the land looks pretty flat.
I read that the Dune de Pyla is gradually creeping inland. I wonder how a mountain of sand encroaching on the lake will look? It gets a mention here: http://www.head4heights.net/blog/uncategorized/climbing-some-of-us-can-start-at-home
Best of luck to the OP, in fresh water or salt.
...the real reason I'd like to bring the Osprey down, would be because my trailer is so old and tired, I'd be tempted to take five weeks out of the summer and sail down. Yes...I am going to regret saying that. Although, I've a brother-in-law down there with a barn where I could leave the boat if the experience didn't tempt me to go home the same way.
A Solent-Channel Islands crossing was done in an Osprey...and (am I being obtuse?) I suspect after creeping in stages down the Atlantic coast, lake-sailing might feel a little staid?
Who am I kidding, I'd be relieved not to think each new day meant another near-death experience. On the free Navionics charts I looked at the depths in the lakes - Hourtin, etc, and they're deeper than I thought. Surprising because the land looks pretty flat.
I read that the Dune de Pyla is gradually creeping inland. I wonder how a mountain of sand encroaching on the lake will look? It gets a mention here: http://www.head4heights.net/blog/uncategorized/climbing-some-of-us-can-start-at-home
Best of luck to the OP, in fresh water or salt.
FairweatherDave
Well-Known Member
Dan. Even posting that thought is dangerous 
Sailing in Sanguinet is about good climate and taking it easy, hiking out in a good breeze and not having to worry about all the tricky bits like navigation, monster race fleets bearing down on you etc etc. Apparently the lake is remarkably deep, but also has lovely shallows where you have to wade out a long way to get a swim/ not clunk your centre board. Fishing and picnics. Really good place to learn to sail. Without a boat/windsurfer/children/camping the lake would probably be a bit boring after a couple of days but strangely the endless pines/sand/lakes and sea have a real appeal. More so in chilly Angleterre in November.....
Sailing in Sanguinet is about good climate and taking it easy, hiking out in a good breeze and not having to worry about all the tricky bits like navigation, monster race fleets bearing down on you etc etc. Apparently the lake is remarkably deep, but also has lovely shallows where you have to wade out a long way to get a swim/ not clunk your centre board. Fishing and picnics. Really good place to learn to sail. Without a boat/windsurfer/children/camping the lake would probably be a bit boring after a couple of days but strangely the endless pines/sand/lakes and sea have a real appeal. More so in chilly Angleterre in November.....
Greenheart
Well-Known Member
I believe it Dave. Although my sister said it's lately been bloomin' chilly where they are, a few more miles inland from there.
Channel-crossing plan is on hold. (Read that as "never gonna happen".
) I'd like to visit Sanguinet though, I guess it's like a vast version of Frensham Pond. Which I loved, age 11.
Channel-crossing plan is on hold. (Read that as "never gonna happen".
) I'd like to visit Sanguinet though, I guess it's like a vast version of Frensham Pond. Which I loved, age 11.
Mark G
Active Member
The lake is indeed beautiful, but remember this is France and there are lots of rules to obey
The OP is not guaranteed a mooring as they can not be transferred. There is a waiting list and local residents get priority.
You are not allowed to stay on the boat and you can't just drop the hook anywhere - you are only allowed to moor on a mooring.
As the engine is greater than 6hp, the OP will need a permis bateau or an ICC.
There is also a vignette required for navigation on the lake, though this is not very expensive.
And yes, it is bloomin chilly down ere at the moment
The OP is not guaranteed a mooring as they can not be transferred. There is a waiting list and local residents get priority.
You are not allowed to stay on the boat and you can't just drop the hook anywhere - you are only allowed to moor on a mooring.
As the engine is greater than 6hp, the OP will need a permis bateau or an ICC.
There is also a vignette required for navigation on the lake, though this is not very expensive.
And yes, it is bloomin chilly down ere at the moment
Jim@sea
Well-Known Member
I bought a French Boat and before I could insure it the Insurance Company insisted that I had it surveyed.
dowot
New Member
Hi Mark.
Seems you know the area, do you have a boat there?
When you say not allowed to stay on the boat, is that for overnights, weekends or months?
I tried the local mayor for information about moorings but got no reply, so who else can I ask?
Would a Paris address ensure a mooring?
I found a couple of old posts from owners that appear to have boats on the lake, are you one of them?
Please keep the information coming as I am struggling a bit here.
Seems you know the area, do you have a boat there?
When you say not allowed to stay on the boat, is that for overnights, weekends or months?
I tried the local mayor for information about moorings but got no reply, so who else can I ask?
Would a Paris address ensure a mooring?
I found a couple of old posts from owners that appear to have boats on the lake, are you one of them?
Please keep the information coming as I am struggling a bit here.
dowot
New Member
Yep, found that myself, especially fully comp insurance, so how do you get a survey done before you own the boat?
I have managed to find a 3rd party insurer but at a cost.
TBH this is all getting a bit complicated and an unrealistic idea.
I have managed to find a 3rd party insurer but at a cost.
TBH this is all getting a bit complicated and an unrealistic idea.
dowot
New Member
I eyed that up on google, but it looks a difficult passage, and may be blocked at its Northern end by a road bridge even with the mast down. Maybe a local can advise further as the idea of getting into the canal system appeals.
dowot
New Member
Just a general thank you to all the replies and sorry not to have said so to each reply.
From what is being said, maybe owning a boat there is not such a good plan as, just visiting the area and watching others sail.
I suppose I could dig out the old tent to overnight if staying aboard is not possible, assuming I can get a mooring.
Any other ideas?
From what is being said, maybe owning a boat there is not such a good plan as, just visiting the area and watching others sail.
I suppose I could dig out the old tent to overnight if staying aboard is not possible, assuming I can get a mooring.
Any other ideas?
Alan ashore
Well-Known Member
I'm still wondering what obligations you have entered into by paying for this boat at auction.
Apart from the Ebay transaction itself, has any other correspondence or paperwork passed between you and the seller?
I hope you'll tell me that this is all safe and sorted, but I believe it is entirely possible that you could find yourself legally responsible for various things that might make this bargain not so attractive after all.
Apart from anything else if you can't get a mooring straight away, where she is, you will presumably have to shift the boat pretty darn soon to avoid both paying for the mooring anyway, and incurring the wrath of the mooring owner. Incidentally is the boat insured at the moment?
Cheers
Apart from the Ebay transaction itself, has any other correspondence or paperwork passed between you and the seller?
I hope you'll tell me that this is all safe and sorted, but I believe it is entirely possible that you could find yourself legally responsible for various things that might make this bargain not so attractive after all.
Apart from anything else if you can't get a mooring straight away, where she is, you will presumably have to shift the boat pretty darn soon to avoid both paying for the mooring anyway, and incurring the wrath of the mooring owner. Incidentally is the boat insured at the moment?
Cheers
DownWest
Well-Known Member
The lake is indeed beautiful, but remember this is France and there are lots of rules to obey
The OP is not guaranteed a mooring as they can not be transferred. There is a waiting list and local residents get priority.
You are not allowed to stay on the boat and you can't just drop the hook anywhere - you are only allowed to moor on a mooring.
As the engine is greater than 6hp, the OP will need a permis bateau or an ICC.
There is also a vignette required for navigation on the lake, though this is not very expensive.
And yes, it is bloomin chilly down ere at the moment
The area is about 1.5 hrs drive south of us, and I only know it a little bit from around Arcachon. Though a mate has sailed on the Biscarrosse section.
Do you really need a permis bateau? Normally, if the primary motive power is sail, it is not required. BUT, being inland, the ICC might apply.
Would Mark G like to expand on the comment about not being able to stay on the boat? Sounds odd, and very un-french.
DW
Daydream believer
Well-Known Member
Let me get this right
You have bought a boat sight unseen in a place you know little about
you know little about sailing
you know nothing about french rules
you have not checked if you can actually keep it there- If not --how to move it & where to
you have no idea if it is a wreck or not
you are thinking of making a holiday home of this boat -
I cannot help wondering---- are people really that stupid!!!
You have bought a boat sight unseen in a place you know little about
you know little about sailing
you know nothing about french rules
you have not checked if you can actually keep it there- If not --how to move it & where to
you have no idea if it is a wreck or not
you are thinking of making a holiday home of this boat -
I cannot help wondering---- are people really that stupid!!!
Reptile Smile
Well-Known Member
Really think that's unnecessarily rude.
Op - good on you. When you're spending that little on a boat, I wouldn't blink about doing what you've done. It's a gamble, and if I'd seen it first, I'd have taken it. Good on you.