Portbail
Port-Bail · Portbail harbour
49°20.0'N 001°42.2'W
Depth
1–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m on sand/mud. EXTREME TIDAL WARNING: 8m range, most of the estuary dries. Tidal entry/exit only (2h either side HW). Outstanding holding on mud at HW.
About This Anchorage
Portbail is one of the most characterful small harbours on the W Cotentin coast — a medieval village with a 10th-century church, a causewaythat reveals ancient stepping stones at low water, and an authentic Norman fishing atmosphere. The tidal estuary has excellent holding on mud but requires strict tidal timing — entry and departure within 2 hours of HW only. Not for the faint-hearted tidal sailor, but immensely rewarding. The exposed-rock landscape at LW (when the estuary drains to nothing) is remarkable. Between Carteret (10nm N) and Granville (25nm S).
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E
Exposed To
S · W · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: TIDAL: Entry/exit 2h either side of HW only — rest of the time the estuary dries. 8m spring range. Do NOT enter on a falling tide — being neaped (stranded) is a real risk for deep-draught vessels.
Hazards
- !TIDAL: Entry/exit within 2h of HW ONLY — estuary dries completely at LW
- !8m spring tidal range — neaping risk for deep-draught vessels
- !W/SW exposure at estuary mouth — do not attempt entry in W winds above F4
Skipper's Tips
- →One of the most authentic harbour experiences in Normandy — the village has barely changed since the 19th century.
- →Plan your tidal window before leaving the previous port — the entry is unforgiving of miscalculation.
Facilities
One restaurant in the village, open seasonally.
Nearest provisions: Portbail (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September. Strict tidal timing required. Experienced tidal sailors only.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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