Planning a quickie accross the channel in the coming few weeks (i'm a cross channel virgin) and open to any advice.
I am going in company (two RIBS), and will invite anyone else when i finalise dates.
Main concern is fuel - according to Almanic only Dunkerque has petrol on a barge, but that place is horriable isn't it? Any first hand experience or recomendations?
Neither Calais or Boulogne have petrol on the waterside.
There used to be a station in Calais about 200 metres up the main st. turn left at the square where there are some childrens rides and food stalls; BUT remember unless you are intending to go through the lock and bridge around high water you will need a dinghy to get ashore and this will make refuelling more difficult.Opening times of the lock and bridge vary but will be posted on the control kiosk. it can only be recommended entering for an overnight stay cos if you get the times wrong you wont be coming out until the next tide If you dinghy to the small pontoon just outside the lock then lift your dinghy onto the pontoon itself as the locals do because the scend in the harbour or the opening of the gates may be a problem .
Boulogne - the nearest petrol is a good 10/15 minute walk;after exiting the marina cross the bridge and turn right -keep walking! I would recommend a taxi if you need a lot of fuel.On my visit in summer a lady was persuaded to give us a lift back to the marina but dont count on it.
Hmmm. Interesting.
And I seem to remember that someone was arguing that "availability" was not an important factor to take into account when selecting a petrol or a diesel engine.
RIB Saffron
