Anchorage

la Plage des Américains

Shelter: NW, W, SW
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Sand anchorage on the east shore of the Bassin d'Arcachon, north of the Cap Ferret peninsula, opposite the village of Le Canon.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach from the main channel of the Bassin d'Arcachon, taking the lateral buoyage of the Chenal du Piquey. Bottom of sand, holding good. Sheltered from W to NW by the Cap Ferret peninsula; exposed to E and SE winds coming off the inner basin. Tides run strongly through the passes; check the étale before anchoring.

Practical

No services at the mooring. Port de la Vigne 0.9 NM N for landing by tender, water at the pontoon. Shops at Le Canon 2.3 NM N, including bakery and fish stall.

Ashore

Oyster-shacks of Le Canon village serve local huîtres from the Bassin d'Arcachon. Piste cyclable of Cap Ferret runs the length of the peninsula, 2 km from the anchorage. Ocean beach at Plage de l'Horizon reached by crossing the peninsula, about 1.5 km on foot.

History

The name comes from US troops stationed on the Cap Ferret peninsula during the Second World War, when the area served as a Luftwaffe radar and defence position within the Atlantic Wall.