South of Franc experts pls!

[Roberto]

I am buying a boat in S of France, and as pointed out in other threads I came to face the mooring/berth problems.

If possible I would like to keep the boat there for one/two years at most, then move it to Italy or Croatia where I have a mooring. If impossible then I could move the boat this summer, but not earlier than July.
I am not interested in a permanent berth, so no point in queing 3/5years in a waiting list.

I would not mind leaving the boat a 2/3 *weeks* here, then moving it for another 2/3 weeks to another port, and so on: but four days mean I should retire now, hence no boat.

I called at least 10 random ports, from Leucate to Nice, and the answer was invariably Monsieur desolé but there are no berths available, if you want we can help you for 3, at most 4 days but not more. No visitors places available either.

I understand this may be a sort of official answer, but is that the -true truth-?
What if you do not call them and just show up at a port saying: I am cruising can I leave the boat here for a month ?

In southern france ports I saw many UK, Spanish or German flagged boats, are they all flying twice a week?

As most of the marinas are public, and berths rented to private individuals on condition they do not sublet them, what can one do?

Any advice really appreciated

 

[MedMan]

It is over two years since we were there so my knowledge may be out of date. I think its not so much that the berths are rented to private individuals on condition they do not sublet them, though thay may be the case in some marinas. Rather, the majority of berths have been sold to private owners as a means of raising capital when the marinas were built. These berths thus belong to private owners and, even if they are empty, the marina company cannot let them out without the owner's permission.

We had to return home in May 2000 for a family emergency. We left our boat in Beaulieu Marina as the Marina Manager was sympathetic. However, when we got back a week later our boat had been moved as the owner of the berth we had been put into objected. An hour after we returned the owner of the second berth arrived and kicked up an unholy stink with both us and the manager. No wonder the managers don't like to chance their arms.

Sorry to be so negative, but it is very difficult. Your best bet is to go to a marina office in person, speak to the manager and ask to be put in touch with an owner who might let you use his berth. They are not supposed to tell you, but that appears to be the way in which it is done. Alternatively, walk the pontoons and ask around - you may strike lucky.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.geocities.com/yachtretreat/>http://www.geocities.com/yachtretreat/</A>

 

[Anchorite]

Re: No room at the auberge

At December's Paris Boatshow I asked all the Med marinas present
whether they had berths available. All replies negative, even the unbuilt
(new) marina at Marseilles already has a long waiting list. Toulon said
they could not manage a permanent berth but offered monthly contracts
involving moving the boat from one to another of their marinas (they have 3
or 4).
There always seem to be berths for sale at Cogolin Marina, about £23 k for
a 10 meter slot. Or you can buy a house at Port Grimaud and get the anneau
free.
Corsica might be a solution.

 

[sgball]

Have a look at the Anglo Information site, it is a site for xpats in the South of France. Post an advert on the forum.

http://www.angloinfo.com/

Good Luck

Trudie

 

[davidbains]

Re: No room at the auberge

I agree with the Corsica suggestion.
I kept my boat at Campoloro on the east coast for three winters
very economically, especially if you promise to be away in high summer,
The season is only really Bastille day to late August. The bars were
shutting on 1st Sept when I was there. There will probably be room at
Solenzara as well although Bastia is rather smaller. Daily flights from
Marseille to Bastia and overnight car ferry too. I used to manage
Brighton to Campoloro in 48hrs driving at Easter.
I have now moved on to Preveza near Levkas where nearly 600
yachts are lfted out every winter. Last summer we cruised Croatia
and found it delightful, maybe you should just use the berth you have.

 

[Roberto]

Thanks all for your help!

I have now a few ideas to work with

thanks again

 

[chrisc]

Spent some time in the area last autumn. At the time we would have had no problems getting a berth for the winter at Port Napoleon, Port St. Louis. Our impression of the harbour and speaking to people who spent time there, is that it would post no problem for the summer season either. A lot of people spend a few months based there while they are preparing to return northwards into the Rhone and canalsystem again. Post Napoleon seems an excellent harbour if you intend to leave the boat for some time unattended. Very sheltered. All the staff speak excellent English if your French is scant. The main Port St. Louis harbour was at the time another alternative. A third place to try is in Martigues (across the bay of Fos). They have a very large "dry" harbour, very good rate, which also administers the "floating" harbour in the lovely town. Last year there were some places that were unused, don't know if they were owned though.

 

[Roberto]

Thank you Chris! (nm)

nm

 

[LadyInBed]

Re: Port St. Louis

The biggest and most vicious mosquitoes I've ever come across.
If times are hard, you can lock through onto the Rhone (mast up) and park for free. But it is exposed to the wind when it whips down the Rhone.

 

[Anchorite]

Re: Arms of massive destruction

I'll second that...anyone transiting through PSL should come fully armed to
do battle with these monsters. Sprays are not enough, you will need every
known chemical weapon to keep them at bay. And this breed also attacks
during the day....

 

[persson]

Why not concider the Port a Sec in Martigues for a while. The launcing is very quickly and reasonable priced