Winter storage in France

[robinbarker]

Hi - am planning over the next year or two to relocate my 32 footer from Falmouth to the Med, beginning this summer with a cruise down to somewhere in Biscay (Les Sables D'Olonne plus or minus 100 miles ...)
Anyone have any tips for good boat yards to haul her out for the winter?
May then head for the Canal di Midi, but gather it's shallower than it was when I came through in 1992 - when 1.5 metres draft was Ok (just!) chough@netcomuk.co.uk

 

[jerryat]

Hi robin,

Nice trip to look forward to! It would be worth checking with the canal authorities re the Midi's depth before you commit to that route. It may well be shallower now, especially with the very dry winter/early summer they've had and the huge quantities they're removing for irrigation. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

We met a chap about three years ago who'd brought his Fulmar (1.6 metre draft) to the Med. via the Midi, but he'd had to rely on a couple of friendly MoBo's several times to drag the boat through the mud.

No damage or anything like that, but not knowing when the next 'problem section' was coming, or if there would be help available when it did, didn't make for a very relaxing trip. Adding this to the long queues/waits at most locks and he swore he wouldn't do it again. I'm sure others will have more up-to-date info to post here though, so you may be able to get first hand knowledge.

Not wanting to sound a Jonah about it, but also having a Fulmar, we wouldn't mind going that route ourselves having gone down the outside a couple of times so do let us know how you get on, it will be of great to help us and many others.

Whatever you do, have a great trip!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Cheers Jerry