De Panne
La Panne · De Panne anchorage
51°06.1'N 02°35.2'E
Depth (CD)
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m minimum on firm sand in 2–5m (CD). The large tidal range means conditions change rapidly — at LW the boat will be much closer to the breaking surf line. Set the anchor in at least 3m at chart datum. Monitor tidal state at all times. Leave well before any wind shift to N or NW. The 100m alarm accounts for tidal swing and scope variation.
About This Anchorage
De Panne is the westernmost resort town on the Belgian coast — a small beach town with extensive dune nature reserves immediately adjacent. The anchorage off the beach is the most remote spot on the Belgian coast — primarily used by yachts transiting between Nieuwpoort and French Channel ports (Dunkirk is 8nm SW). The beach is famous as the evacuation beach in the 1940 Dunkirk evacuation — British and Belgian forces withdrew from here alongside the main Dunkirk beaches. The dune landscape behind the beach (Westhoek nature reserve) is the largest natural dune system remaining in Belgium and a protected Natura 2000 site. The anchorage is only viable in calm conditions with E or NE winds — any shift to N or NW makes it dangerous. No facilities at the anchorage — self-sufficient.
Protected From
E · NE · SE
Exposed To
N · NW · W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Open North Sea coast — leave immediately in any N or NW; Natura 2000 dune area — do not land on dunes; French TSS immediately to SW; Belgian coastal shipping lane; monitor tidal state continuously.
Hazards
- !Fully exposed to N and NW — North Sea swell; leave immediately in any northerly; this is a fair-weather-only anchorage
- !Tidal range 4–5m — monitor tidal state constantly; anchor position in relation to beach surf line changes dramatically
- !Shallow approach — minimum 2m CD; approach on rising tide; shoals extend 200m off beach
- !French–Belgian TSS boundary nearby — stay east of the TSS limit; commercial traffic in coastal lanes
- !Isolated — nearest harbour Nieuwpoort (8nm NE) in worsening conditions; plan escape route
Skipper's Tips
- →De Panne is a transit stop only — use it in E wind as an overnight when Nieuwpoort marina lock timing is unfavourable
- →The Dunkirk evacuation beaches are visible from this anchorage — the historical significance of this 8nm stretch of coast from De Panne to Dunkirk is immense
- →Westhoek nature reserve: dinghy ashore and walk the dune reserve (designated paths only — Natura 2000 protection applies)
- →Check the Belgian tide tables carefully — anchor in at least 3m at chart datum (LW); add 4–5m at HW springs: you will be in 7–8m at HW with your keel
- →From De Panne, the French coast towards Dunkirk is an easy day sail SW — clear the Dunkirk TSS by staying inshore of the coastal lane
Facilities
No facilities at anchorage. Town centre De Panne is 1km from beach — restaurants and small supermarket. Nearest full provisioning: Nieuwpoort (8nm NE).
Nearest provisions: De Panne town centre (1nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August
June–August only — exposed North Sea coast; settled weather only. Rarely used as a destination; primarily a transit anchorage between Belgium and France.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
On the Belgian coast, 4–5m tidal range and 2–3 kt tidal streams make anchor drag a real overnight risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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