Anchoring Rough - Med Just West of Marseille

[Blades-Dreaming]

Hi Everyone,

The weather is warming up here in the UK so t's time to think about the summer and what joys it may bring.

Looking to charter a 38" Catamaran in the Med. for a week this summer.

We will have friends staying on shore and would like to anchor each night in the bay where they will be staying.

Proposed bay anchorage faces the camp ground where friends will be.

I can see for google earth there is a nice sandy bottom and the option to tuck in behind a small head land if required.

My question is - can I just roll up and anchor?

We will be staying 5 nights at the start of August, so busy holiday time. Off on day trips each day.

Any advice on whether this is possible (legal) and the best way to approach anchoring rough in this area of the Med would be very welcome.

Thanks

Scott

[swagman]

Hi Scott,
Suggest you study a pilot of the area but as rule of thumb, unless the water space is cordened off for bathers, then for sure you can just rock up and anchor.
It obviously makes sense to get whatever protection you can but with a good sandy bottom and good tackle - no reason why you could not sit out some strong stuff if it arrived. Meteo France can keep you posted on whats due to arrive - pretty accurate locally.
JOHN

[Roaring Girl]

You should have no problems at all unless either cordoned off for bathers or its an area where posedeina weed is protected (also cordoned off, but also sometimes with mooring buoys).

In that area, keep very sharp eye out for mistral forecast and seek a well protected refuge if one comes along.

Many many anchorages in that area will get very full at lunchtime with day time folks. The swim and frolic and leave again around 1600. The best time to arrive at a place is therefore by about 1100 or between 1600 and 1800 (when the overnighters appear).

[mct]

Yes, no problem as others say. Not like spain where the marinas don't like people anchoring outside and sometimes come out demanding money!

BUT

The marseilles area is well known for being occassionally windy - the books say 200days a year the wind blows F6 or more, so listen to forecasts, usually directed to them from ch16. The seas can be very short and chopy, pretty nasty (usually from NW there) so need to choose the right spot to tuck right in. The drill seems to be to get into the marina, ask questiosn later.

Don't expect any response from marinas, etc between 12.30 and 2.30, really. It's seen as a bit rude to interrupt lunch unless a real argh medical emergency.

The yellow buoys (if present) mark the inner limit from sea where you can anchor. To go ashore use the channels up to the beach.

PS I found Grande Motte marina to be v v helpful, a guided tour of the facilities as i arrived, amazing. No prob just hoiking up (yes, i was in a catamaran as well) but it's al pretty relaxed all the way along, really.

[Blades-Dreaming]

Hi mct


Thank you for the great information and advice.

We shall look into the closest marina as a fall back position.

Scott