Anchorage

Île du Large (Ouest)

Shelter: NE, E
Seabed: rock
Anchoring: Allowed

Rocky anchorage west of the Île du Large, one of the two Saint-Marcouf islands off the east coast of the Cotentin peninsula in Normandy.

Mooring buoys
Visitor buoys

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the open sea at mid to high water to clear the rocky plateau around the islands and to stay out of the tidal streams, which run strongly between the islands and the mainland. Rock seabed, holding poor, use in settled weather only. The visitor buoys have been removed and it is now anchor only. Sheltered from NE and E winds, fully exposed to the prevailing westerlies. At low water it is a calm pool once the western shoals dry, but at high water the swell runs over them and the anchorage rolls.

Practical

No services on the island. Nearest ports are Quinéville 5.7 nm to the W and Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue 7.1 nm to the NW with full marina and tidal gate.

Ashore

The Saint-Marcouf islands are a protected bird reserve managed by the Conservatoire du littoral. Landing is prohibited on both islands, with a derogation for the Île du Large only when accompanied by a member of the association that restores the fort. Navigation is also restricted around the neighbouring Île de Terre. Remains of Napoleonic and 19th century fortifications stand on the Île du Large.

History

The Île du Large was fortified from 1803 under Napoleon to guard the Baie de Seine against the Royal Navy. The stone fort and gun batteries remain visible.