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Free Docks Are Free For A Reason... | Wildlings Sailing

July 31, 2020 · 21 min · 29K views · River Seine

What this video covers

A 50-nautical-mile transit along the Saône river in France requires navigating multiple locks and managing shallow-water mooring at public quays. The crew motors for 10 hours to reach Chalon-sur-Saône, where they utilize a free public quay despite concerns over low water levels and potential hull damage from rocks.6:35 Depth checks with a boat hook confirm approximately 30 to 40 centimeters of clearance beneath the bilge, though passing boat wakes pose a risk of grounding.7:39 The crew later secures a spot at a free pontoon in Tournus, where local authorities charge a small fee based on boat length, measured manually by officials.18:07 Navigating these inland waterways involves managing bridge clearances and monitoring water levels, which fluctuate significantly and impact the availability of safe, deep-water mooring. The crew relies on mobile data plans for internet connectivity and notes that early morning departures help avoid the noise and wake disturbances common in popular riverside towns.20:13

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