The Herel marina is located in the heart of one of the most beautiful sailing areas in France. The archipelago of Chausey Islands includes 52 islands and 365 islets. It is a vast aera for seascape observation and a paradise for fishermen. Beyond Chausey Islands, the Channel Islands come into sight and unveil Jersey, Guernesey, Sark and Alderney.

The marina extends over 7.2 hectares, sheltered by the Roc Headland. It has an underwater sill maintaining a permanent stretch at low tide. In addition, there is a 10 hectare practise area, between the marina and the Roche Gauthier Point, ideal for sailing dinghies and windsurfing.

Two depth gauges are located on either side of the entrance gate, and two luminous panels on the main dyke indicate the depth of water available .

Anchoring harbour

The capacity of the mooring dock is :

• 1 000 places among which 150 places for short term stay (visitors' pontoon G)
• The port is fully equipped with water and electricity and can take in boats up to a maximum size of 15 metres and 2.50 metres draught.
• 100 mooring places in the outer port.

Two dykes guarantee it remains perfectly calm. Pontoon G, reserved for visitors is located opposite the entrance of the port, just in front of the Dock Office and the Yacht Club. 

The drying walls

These are equipped with handles and rings. It is strictly prohibited to moor on the handrails and their stanchions. The two posts located along the slipway are equipped with keel blocks.

If you wish to use the careening area, you must come forward at least one hour before the gate closes, depending on the draught. There is room for up to 13 boats.

Mooring

Ships must be moored to the rings and handles intented for this purpose and must not go over onto the pontoons, since their owners will be liable in case of an accident. Mooring lines must be in good condition and of a length and thickness suitable for the size of the boat and the weather conditions.

Fixed fenders may be used as long as they are an approved model (please inquire at the Port Office). Tyres are not considered to be fenders.

Dinghies must not be placed on the pontoons under any circumstances since users must be able to circulate freely at any time.

At Chausey

The Centre and South Manche Chamber of Commerce and Industry has put buoys at the disposal of yachtsmen all over the sound, west of the "Roche au Cable" marker.

It is vital that you moor to 2 buoys, at the fore and aft to prevent the boats swinging in the current.

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Onshore berthing

The use of the pits is mainly reserved for people wishing to carry out work on the hull. Considering the large number of requests, please limit the time you need.

The space occupied by the boat on shore must be left clean after work is completed. The parking of ships is limited to 4 weeks except in July and August when there is no restricted time. After this period, penalties will be opposed.

Movement within the port and the harbour

When at sea, boats sailing in the channel and intending to leave are given way, as are those intending to return to their berth. When carrying out manoeuvres to enter or leave, the buoyed channel must be followed by passing over the lowering gate. This gate works solely by the action of the tide and moves automatically with a ballast float. Two depth gauges are placed on either side of the gate and two luminous panels on the main dyke indicate the depth of water available.

Sea levels are given according to the sea chart datum.

When the tide is coming in, the gate is completely closed until the sea reaches a level of +6.10. From 6.10 onwards, the gate starts to go down gradually and is completely down when the level of the sea reaches 6.65. This descent takes an average of 11 minutes during Spring tides (French tidal coefficient 95) and 25 minutes during neap tides (French tidal coefficient 45). When the gate is completely down, it thus gives free passage at a level which is 0.75 metres lower than that of the sill.

When the tide ebbs, the process is reversed. In Spring tides, the outward current accelerates the lifting movement.

In the port area, stretching from the Roche Gauthier via the Tourelle du Loup and up to the Roc Headland, the speed limit is 5 knots. The channel reserved for commercial use goes across this zone, so when sailing, beware not to interfere with the movement of cargo.

Opening hours :

From 8.00 am to 12.00 / from 2.00 pm from 6.00 pm
From 8.00 am to 10.00 pm (without intermission in season)