Honfleur and St. Vaast

[ricsearle]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me (with a reasonable degree of confidence) what the lock-opening/bridge-lifting times at Honfleur (vieux port) are at this time of year? I'm popping over there around 17th-21st Feb, and I can't find much information about the off-peak season.

I'm also considering a visit to St. Vaast, but I have a deep draught (2.3m). My almanac says that the inner basin in maintained at 2.3m, but other sources seem to differ. Does anyone have a more accurate observation to help me save a little embarassment?

Thanks, Ric

 

[Redmond]

I draw 2.2 and have no problems as long as I wait half an hour after the gates open in St Vaast. There is a rock about 10 meters inside the lock which we have just caught and seen others catch.

 

[ricsearle]

How much do you have under the keel once you're inside? Are there any parts of the marina to avoid?

Ric

 

[LadyInBed]

Honfleur lock is open about 1 1/2 hrs either side of HW Le Havre. There is about a 2 hr stand.

 

[Skysail]

St Vaast gets shallow ie 1.6 m or less the further in you go; with a draught of 2.3m you could berth with the bigger visitor boats on the first pontoons to starboard, which should be no problem. I expect it will be empty at that time of year and the HM will be helpful - why not contact him, the St Vaast website is v useful.

 

[brianhumber]

Lock is 24hour operation and works on the hour and half hour.
with your draft I would be thinking 2 hours before local HW for poodling up the river
Inner bridge opens in the morning in winters


BUT

its winter and you should check with the HM for maintenance work disruption.

St Vaast - keep to the first couple of Pontoons to your right after gates or you will bottom before the gate closes - gets shallower as you go further into the Marina

 

[milltech]

I used to get 2.4m into St. Vaast no problem, get close to the harbour office, hard right turn on entry. Worth phoning if your language is up to it.