Nantes

[enterprise]

i am retiring next year and will be based near the Loire valley anybody any idea about sailing in the area or which boat to buy i would like to do some coastal cruising near Nantes as well as some estuary sailing and mud plugging any information would be much appreciated

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, enterprise.

[boatman61]

How big... how many berths.. facilities required ie... overnight or 1 week plus capability.
The French make some nice seaworthy ply, ali and steel hard chine CB's.. perfect for your purposes

[enterprise]

Many thanks for replying.

I would like full head room 6 feet .One Good double berth and a heater
A wheel house would be good
Most I would ever have is 2 people.
Might try
5 day trips .Coastal and estuary France .
Steady when going up wind .Not worried about speed .
Would like a reliable engine and standing rig.
Was dismasted once didn,t like it .
Might try for Nantes to the Canaries or Kinsale when I get up to speed then again I might only talk about it .
Any age limit on all this??? I,m 65.
Would love to hear from oldies who have achieved this kind of stuff after long breaks from sailing .I stopped for 40 years and am dinghying my way to fitness .!!!!

[Hydra]

Sailing around Nantes will be estuary indeed. There is plenty of mud on the banks in river Loire. Since the bridges in Nantes don't open, it is not possible to go upriver without pulling the mast.

The main marina in the area is Pornichet, near La Baule, just west of the estuary, on the north shore. It is not really pleasant (I avoid the place as much as I can) but it is really convenient as a home port.

"La Baule Nautic" is a broker in Pornichet marina:La Baule Nautic, chantier naval et négociant en vente de bateaux neufs et occasions. Bateau à moteur, voilier. Location de bateaux et voiliers et vedettes. Magasin d'accastillage et pièces détachées et atelier de réparation., +33 240 610 378. "Lemerle Bateaux" is another one in Le Croisic: Bateaux White Shark, Four Winns, Sealine, Zodiac, Guy Marine, Ocqueteau, B2 Marine, Quicksilver, +33 240 629 212.

Alain