Unloading yacht from truck and refloating in northern France

[BacktoBoats]

I am getting quotes to ship my yacht (42') overland from Port Napoléon S. of France up to around Cherbourg. I will then restep the mast and sail to Portsmouth.

Does anyone know of any good marinas to aim for on the N. Coast of France for relaunching and stepping the mast and a few days tied up before setting off? It might be further east of Cherbourg, I guess Le Havre could be a good bet too with French canal traffic passing through needing masts stepping/unstepping?

 

[Tranona]

Cherbourg would be the best as they have all the gear for such things and plenty of visitor space in the marina.

 

[capnsensible]

Some years ago I did the opposite route for an owner who wanted his yacht overland across France. We used Cherbourg. Easy.

 

[Koeketiene]

As others have already said, Cherbourg would be your best bet.
All the facilities: crane, rigger, etc.. and plenty of free berths off season.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Another option could be Carteret. Similar road distance.

 

[BacktoBoats]

Thanks, I'll certainly look further into Cherbourg !

 

[MontyMariner]

guess Le Havre could be a good bet

If you're looking at places E of Cherbourg, consider Rouen, facilities are good, plenty of space, and they are used to dealing with masts from yachts entering / leaving the canal. Port de Plaisance de Rouen - Port de plaisance de Rouen

 

[capnsensible]

If you're looking at places E of Cherbourg, consider Rouen, facilities are good, plenty of space, and they are used to dealing with masts from yachts entering / leaving the canal. Port de Plaisance de Rouen - Port de plaisance de Rouen

There is a much bigger advantage for Cherbourg. The op wants to sail back to Pompey. He could get the ferry from there to Cherbourg. Short taxi ride to marina. Straightforward passage home.

 

[Elessar]

I did this a few years ago and used coast to coast for the transport and carteret for launch/ heavy works. Radar arch in my case not a mast but the yard were great.
It all went well. I wasn’t there for the unload and arch fit, and I don’t speak French. So lots of potential for cock up but it was fine.
I tried cherbourg and Le Havre but found it all too difficult to organise.