Anchorage

Le vasard de Beychevelle

4.1FranceAtlantic coast

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Shelter: NW, NE, W, E
Seabed: mud
Anchoring: Allowed

Mud bank anchorage on the Gironde estuary off Beychevelle, in the Médoc vineyards of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

The Gironde runs a strong tidal current of up to 3 knots on springs. Time arrival with the flood if heading upstream to Bordeaux, and with the ebb if heading out to the Atlantic. Stay clear of the main commercial channel used by deep-draught shipping. Bottom of soft mud, good holding once the anchor sets.

Practical

No facilities on site. Closest refuges are Île Nouvelle 1.4 NM to the SE and Les Bernu 1.5 NM to the NE. The village of Beychevelle is within walking distance of the riverbank once ashore by tender.

Ashore

Château Beychevelle, a classified growth of Saint-Julien, stands close to the river with its 17th-century façade. The Route des Châteaux D2 links the main Médoc estates including Château Ducru-Beaucaillou and Château Branaire-Ducru, all within 2 km.

History

The name Beychevelle comes from the Gascon baisse-voile, an order given by the Duke of Épernon, admiral of France in the late 16th century, to ships passing his château on the Gironde as a mark of respect.

Story

Ships bound upstream for Bordeaux were said to lower their sails in salute as they passed the château, a gesture repeated on the modern estate's wine label.