Such crossings require a minimum of preparation, especially since the river world has its own constraints and is governed by rules and customs that are not always well known to sailors.
Is it on?
This is of course the first question that comes to mind! Waterways are defined by a gauge: length and width of locks, but also admissible draught and height clearance under bridges. This gauge is not the same everywhere and it is advisable to check its continuity on the whole route. For example, the air draft on the Vilaine is 3.20 m, whereas it is only 2.50 m on the Ille et Rance Canal. This is therefore the maximum permissible for anyone wishing to cross Brittany by this route!
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Except for those who would like to reach the Baltic or the Eastern countries, the preferred waterways for a river convoying are the Dinan - Arzal link by the Canal d'Ille et Rance and the Canal des 2 mers, from Bordeaux to Sète (the Canal du Midi being only the part between Toulouse and the Etang de Thau). Here are the main characteristics:
Ille et Rance et Vilaine :
- Distance : 222 km
- Locks: 60
- Length of the locks : 25,80 m
- Width of the locks : 4,50 m
- Draft : 1,20 m
- Clearance height: 2.50 m
- Service des voies navigables de France (VNF) : 02 99 59 20 60
Canal des 2 mers :
- Distance : 433 km
- Locks: 116
- Length of the locks : 30 m
- Width of the locks : 5,50 m
- Draft : 1,20 m
- Clearance height: 3.30 m
- Service des voies navigables de France (VNF) : 04 67 11 81 30
Unemployment
Canals sometimes close for maintenance. These periods of work are called unemployment and usually take place in late fall. The dates and duration are announced in advance. In any case, it is advisable to consult the navigation service concerned before using the waterway, which will also be able to tell you whether the announced draught is respected (it may be reduced during low water periods).
VNF tolls
Lock passage has long been free, and still is on waterways conceded to local authorities, such as the Breton canals. Elsewhere, Voies Navigables de France charges a fee. This is a vignette, calculated on the length of the boat, which can be obtained online (www.vnf.fr) and which is available by the day, by the week or by the year. As an indication, it costs 62.00 euros per week for a 10 m boat.
The permit
Even aboard a sailboat, the license is required for river boats above 6 HP. For those who have a sea license, the river option is a simple extension that only requires training and a theoretical exam. Nevertheless, it is better to worry about obtaining it before approaching the first lock.
Guide cards
Inland waterways also have their own maps, which are a mine of information essential for smooth navigation. In addition to detailed cartography, they contain navigation instructions, a list of nautical stops, their equipment, and the resources available in the villages along the river. Fluviacarte (www.fluviacarte.com) and Éditions du Breil (www.carte-fluviale.com) offer their guides online. You can also estimate the duration of your trip using a route calculation tool called Fluviacap, which is available on the website of the magazine Fluvial (www.fluvialnet.com).
Opening hours of the locks
Whether they are manual or electrified, the locks are all subject to operating hours. They vary according to the waterways and the seasons. These schedules will give rhythm to your navigation; take them into account when planning your route.
The speed
In fluvial navigation, the speed is limited. On a canal, you should not exceed 6 km/h whereas you can go to 10 or 12 km/h on rivers (check the exact speed depending on the river). This is a bottom speed (the one indicated on the GPS and not on the speedo). Be careful in waters with current if it carries us or if we navigate against the current
But more than adopting the maximum speed, the most important thing is to find the right speed to avoid creating waves that damage the shoreline. Depending on your boat and its hull, you will have to adapt your speed to avoid wake waves.
The priorities
River transport is in such decline that you are unlikely to come across a barge loaded with freight. On the other hand, passenger boats, which are mostly found in tourist areas, have priority at the locks. This is not the case with rental boats, but their crews are often so inexperienced that you should be careful. Especially near the main departure bases, especially on the Mediterranean side of the Canal du Midi where you can sometimes see... folkloric maneuvers!
