Anchorage

Les Hemmes De Marck

1.6France

Shelter: S, SE
Seabed: sand
Anchoring: Allowed

Open anchorage off a long sand beach between Calais and Gravelines, on the Côte d'Opale in Hauts-de-France.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Shallow approach over a sand bottom that dries far out at low water on spring tides. Plan the arrival on a rising tide and sound your way in. The Calais-Dunkerque traffic separation scheme lies just offshore, so cross it at right angles and keep clear of commercial shipping. Open anchorage, protection only from S and SE winds. No shelter from any northerly weather or from the heavy swell of the North Sea.

Practical

No facilities. Gravelines marina is 3.4 nm south-east through the channel of the Aa river. Calais marina is 7.9 nm west.

Ashore

The beach of Les Hemmes de Marck stretches for several kilometres and is backed by a belt of dunes classified as a Natura 2000 site. A coastal footpath runs along the top of the dunes. The village of Marck lies 3 km inland with basic shops. Fort Vert nature area is 4 km west, a stopover for migratory birds on the Channel flyway.