- Shelter
- NW, N, NE, E
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Sand anchorage in the outer roadstead of Les Sables d'Olonne, just south of the harbour entrance, on the Vendée coast.
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
Approach from the SW along the marked channel of Les Sables d'Olonne, leaving the Nouch Sud cardinal to starboard. Bottom is sand, holding good. Sheltered from NW through N to E, open to the S and SW where Atlantic swell builds quickly. Keep clear of the fairway used by the fishing fleet and the Vendée Globe fleet.
Practical
No facilities at the anchorage. Quai Garnier at 0.4 NM NW for short stops, Port Olona marina at 0.8 NM N for full services including fuel, water, electricity and 1,500 berths.
Ashore
Remblai beach promenade and the old Chaume district with its fishing fleet are a short row ashore. Musée de l'Abbaye Sainte-Croix at 900 m in the old town. The Vendée Globe starts and finishes from the Port Olona channel every four years.
History
Les Sables d'Olonne has been the start and finish port of the Vendée Globe solo non-stop round-the-world race since 1989.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 46.49028, -1.78506 (46°29.42'N 1°47.10'W)
- Country
- France
- Shelter
- Sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, east winds
- Seabed
- sand
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Services
- Beach
- Boaters' rating
- 4.0/5
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Petite Rade lies at 46°29.42'N 1°47.10'W, that is 46.49028, -1.78506 in decimal degrees.
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Petite Rade sheltered from?
Petite Rade is sheltered from north-west, north, north-east, east winds.
Can you anchor at Petite Rade?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Petite Rade.
How do boaters rate Petite Rade?
Petite Rade is rated 4.0/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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