Ep 43 Another day, another Port. Sailing Normandy & Seeing France by Sail. We keep going!
December 14, 2025 · 20 min · 635 views · Gravelines
Sailboat glides through Gravelines’ moat under cloudy sky
What this video covers
A Baltic Yachts 42 DP cruises the northern coast of France, performing coastal hops between Dunkirk, Boulogne-sur-Mer, Dieppe, and Le Havre. The crew navigates the English Channel, locally known as La Manche, while managing tidal currents and heavy commercial traffic. During the 43-mile transit from Dunkirk to Boulogne-sur-Mer, the vessel encounters turbulent water and sharp current lines near Calais.6:39 In Boulogne-sur-Mer, the crew berths at a tidal dock, noting significant water level fluctuations that require climbing steep ramps to access the town.8:46 The stop at Dieppe presents challenges for a 13-meter boat, as short finger piers leave much of the hull unsupported, complicating docking maneuvers in crosswinds.18:47 Route planning remains flexible to accommodate weather windows and avoid upcoming west winds, with the crew prioritizing safe passage through shallow, shipwreck-strewn waters.19:30 The journey highlights the importance of monitoring tidal charts and commercial shipping lanes when coastal hopping along the French shoreline.
Boats in this video
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