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Martinique
Mouillage 3 ilets
general chart
Mouillage Anse Mitan
 

 

 

Coast and anchorages
For navigation purposes, the coast can be divided into three sections:
The Leeward coast From Cape Martin to Diamond Pt, mostly focused on the Baie de Fort de France.
The south coast From Diamond Pt to Cabrits It, including the natural haven of Cul-de- Sac de Marin.
The Windward coast Fringed with coral reef as far as the Pointe de la Caravelle, beyond which there is no shelter except la Trinité, to the NE as far as Cape Martin.

I. Leeward coast


Saint Pierre
Les canons de St PierreThe bay of St Pierre, dominated by Mont Pelée, is over a mile long from N to S. More than a dozen wrecks from the 1902 eruption litter the bottom in depths of 10–50m (see plan). Very often rolly, especially in winter, the anchorage is close to the dock or further N near the Roxane river. The shore is steep-to, quickly dropping off to over 20m. Holding is poor and you’ll need to anchor with a long chain to avoid mishaps. Buoys have been installed for the diving boats and there are plans to add more for visitors. You can also anchor S of the cathedral, near a road tunnel and at the foot of the cliffs on top of which there is a small statue of the Virgin Mary. But note that this is a fishing zone, as you will see from the boats on the beach, the floats marking the wrecks and the numerous lobster pots all over the anchorage.
Ashore The presence of customs officers to complete formalities can no longer be relied upon but the tourist information office has a computer for the purpose. There are few specialist services for boats except a repairs handyman. St Pierre itself is not as lively as it once was but even so, there are several restaurants and some wellstocked shops, a supermarket and a local market for provisioning. Near the pontoon, to the S, is the barrestaurant Escapade which offers internet connection. A diving club caters for amateurs hoping to see the wreckage of the 1902 volcanic eruption. In good weather, a short stop will enable you to see the tourist sights or make an excursion. Cars are available for hire in the town.

     

Fort de France Bay
Along the leeward coast the trades are irregular and occasionally non-existent. To find a reliable E’ly you’ll need to get well into Fort de France Bay after rounding Pointe des Nègres. A few tacks hard on the wind will bring you safely to Fort de France even at night. Once past Pointe des Nègres and its light, 1M to starboard comes Banc Mitan buoy marking a 7m shoal only of concern to large ships. Use Fort Saint-Louis (lit Fl(4)WRG.15s11-14M) as a leading mark to enter Baie des Flamands in the centre of Fort de France.
CautionAt night there are many unlit vessels in the anchorage.

map

Baie des Flamands
Fort de France has had a reputation as a yachting centre for a long time. It was the meeting place for everyone who sailed in the Caribbean and one met legendary figures there, amongst them those bathing in the glory of a recently completed circumnavigation come to Martinique to write the last chapter of the epic. That’s how Fort de France became one of the cradles of yachting and chartering. Nowadays things have changed with chartering a business for professionals who have all the relevant certificates and who work for wellorganised companies whose most exotic dream is the profitability of their investments. Their fleets, for obvious reasons of maintenance and efficiency, are now moored in well run marinas. That leaves this anchorage, where you swing round in mad circles, the closeness of Fort de France being its main appeal.
Marina Pte du BoutThe anchorage is limited in the SW by the new cruise ship jetty and its manoeuvring area. To the E you must also leave access for the ferries running to Pointe du Bout. These restrictions reduce space for anchoring to the E of the bay only; near La Française beach and Fort Saint Louis Point. After a short stop for provisions or a visit, yachts usually move on quickly to less crowded mooring. The usual places to go to are on the other side of the bay near Pointe du Bout, where there’s a small marina, or Anse Mitan with its good anchorage. From there it’s easy to return to Fort de France thanks to the fast and frequent ferry service at Pointe du Bout.

AshoreThe quays N of the cruise ship jetty are for service boats. Dinghies can be tied to a quay E of the ferry landing stage, opposite Place de la Savane. Formalities are currently dealt with at the chandlers in Rue Ernest Deproge, near the root of the cruise ship jetty. As it is a major business centre, Fort de France has everything you need for provisioning, offering the widest choice in all the Antilles. Several shops and small supermarkets are close to the Baie des Flamands.