Robin
Well-Known Member
Re: All gets a bit full
I'm sure you know this but for others contemplating a visit:-
For work reasons, we are always there in August so at the very height of the French holidays. It is therefore very busy, but the locally based boats are also in full use so if the weather is good as it usually is they are off out themselves and their berths vacant, so if you really need to get a marina berth there will be one if you go about it the right way.
Firstly not a lot moves until 1030/1100 but then those leaving all seem to go together. This is therefore a good time to arrive and find a spot in a dedicated visitor's area.
Le lunchtime is NOT a good time to arrive! The Capitanerie will be closed and there will be no HM guy in a dory to find you a vacant berth.
If you want a finger berth as opposed to alongside and rafted (though rarely more than 3 up) then you need to either radio ahead on Ch9 normally and/or catch the HM guy in his dory. Ask for a 'Catway' and with luck he will say follow me. However some marinas (and all 3 Morbihan bay area ones belong to the same outfit, Sagemor) nowadays will not give you a 'Catway' until after 1600 because I believe the deal with their berthholders is that their berth will be let after that time unless they have previously advised they will be returning. As a resuly 1600/1630 is also a good time to arrive, if you get there earlier you will normally be directed to the visitor alongside berths and they will call you later if a berth is available - IF you don't by then have another boat outside!
Some places are always going to be a pain regardless at the busy periods, just the same as places in the Solent or the West Country back home. Le Palais (ugh) on Belle Isle is very much one of these IMO as is Sauzon although it is a nicer place, you need a sense of humour, laid back and have plenty of fenders. However there are FAR nicer places on Belle Isle with a bit of homework to anchor, just take note of both wind and swell directions, but they are not close to shops and restaurants if that is what is needed.
Robin
I'm sure you know this but for others contemplating a visit:-
For work reasons, we are always there in August so at the very height of the French holidays. It is therefore very busy, but the locally based boats are also in full use so if the weather is good as it usually is they are off out themselves and their berths vacant, so if you really need to get a marina berth there will be one if you go about it the right way.
Firstly not a lot moves until 1030/1100 but then those leaving all seem to go together. This is therefore a good time to arrive and find a spot in a dedicated visitor's area.
Le lunchtime is NOT a good time to arrive! The Capitanerie will be closed and there will be no HM guy in a dory to find you a vacant berth.
If you want a finger berth as opposed to alongside and rafted (though rarely more than 3 up) then you need to either radio ahead on Ch9 normally and/or catch the HM guy in his dory. Ask for a 'Catway' and with luck he will say follow me. However some marinas (and all 3 Morbihan bay area ones belong to the same outfit, Sagemor) nowadays will not give you a 'Catway' until after 1600 because I believe the deal with their berthholders is that their berth will be let after that time unless they have previously advised they will be returning. As a resuly 1600/1630 is also a good time to arrive, if you get there earlier you will normally be directed to the visitor alongside berths and they will call you later if a berth is available - IF you don't by then have another boat outside!
Some places are always going to be a pain regardless at the busy periods, just the same as places in the Solent or the West Country back home. Le Palais (ugh) on Belle Isle is very much one of these IMO as is Sauzon although it is a nicer place, you need a sense of humour, laid back and have plenty of fenders. However there are FAR nicer places on Belle Isle with a bit of homework to anchor, just take note of both wind and swell directions, but they are not close to shops and restaurants if that is what is needed.
Robin