To choose a dry port, several criteria must be taken into account, in addition to material considerations: the proximity of the navigation area, the services offered, but also access and ease of handling. So, how do you get out of the water in Cordemais?
An enviable geographical location
The dry port of Cordemais is ideally located in the Loire estuary, just a stone's throw from an exceptional sailing area: Belle-île, Houat and Hoedic, Quiberon Bay, the Gulf of Morbihan, the Vilaine River, Noirmoutier or even the Ile d'Yeu a little further south.
Its undeniable advantage is that it is connected to Nantes by train in less than 30 minutes and from there to the TGV station or the airport. To make matters worse, Cordemais and its surroundings are rich in culture and historical and natural heritage. It is a pleasure to walk along the Loire River and to eat at the water's edge.
Available services
In addition to the dry port service, there is a shipyard, Loire Technique Plaisance. The latter proposes its services of repair, construction and maintenance of boats. The shipyard intervenes in particular on the realization or repair of composite parts, painting, anti-osmosis treatment, gumming or sandblasting, carpentry work or interventions in electricity, electronics, fittings or rigging.
As for products and materials, a shipchandler offers a wide range of products through Accastillage Diffusion. For specific needs, the port also works with specialized professionals.
Finally, the port offers services such as tool rental, storage space, concierge service, winter watch and a clubhouse for a friendly atmosphere.
We tested the water exit at Cordemais, arriving by the sea. A rather easy access and well-tried maneuvers.
Approach of Cordemais by boat
When going up the Loire towards Cordemais, it is necessary to do it at high tide because the current can be strong. If necessary, it is possible to anchor in the Loire outside the channel, and it is far from being unpleasant.
The channel is well marked.
Commercial ships have the right of way and other boats are passing by. It is therefore prudent to be very vigilant during the whole navigation.
The arm of Cordemais is confused with the rushes of the Loire bank if one does not know it. Fortunately, it is located just downstream of a power plant, whose chimneys do not pass unnoticed.
In addition, the Villa Chimney, the work of Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi, marks the junction of the river branch.
As for the markers, a west cardinal, which is left on the starboard side on the way to the harbor, indicates the passage and red and green poles indicate the channel. The tide should be taken into account according to the draught, because at mid-tide, the water height is about 3 meters.
Before getting out of the water
When you arrive in the port of Cordemais, you will find a central pontoon, with water and electricity, dedicated to local boaters but also, in part, to mooring boats before and after handling.
Another pontoon, near the shore, is also used as a waiting pontoon. It runs aground at low tide in a very soft mud.
While waiting to get out of the water, the pontoon and the slipway are located in a beautiful environment with a restaurant in the immediate vicinity and the Terre d'estuaire center.
Water outlet on trailer
In Cordemais, the boats are taken out of the water on a towed trailer. This system is suitable even for relatively large units. When it is a first time, the maneuver can be impressive, but is carried out without any problem under good conditions.
Handling is done at high tide. First, the trailer is launched at the slipway. Its exact location is identified by its two poles, red and green, which indicate it. From there, the boat can present itself and move forward between the two poles.
The professionals of the port guide the captain of the boat throughout the maneuver to adjust the position of the boat on the trailer thanks to the skids. With small forward movements, using the jacks of the front and rear skids, the boat is rigorously positioned to be perfectly balanced.
When the right position is found, the boat's engine can be turned off and the tractor takes it out of the water. It stops to let the captain off the boat.
Then the tractor continues to the yard's careening area, where a good high-pressure cleaning is carried out by the professionals before the boat is wedged in its place. The whole maneuver is, as a rule, quite fast.
