Noirmoutier — Anse de la Linière
La Linière · NE Noirmoutier anchorage
47°01.3'N 002°13.4'W
Depth (HW)
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m on sand. Tidal range 4–5m: calculate LW depth before anchoring — minimum 2m at LW for a 1.5m draft vessel. 7:1 scope recommended to allow for tidal depth change overnight. No Posidonia — no DONIA app needed.
About This Anchorage
Anse de la Linière on the NE coast of Île de Noirmoutier is a pleasant sandy anchorage sheltered from the dominant W and NW winds. Noirmoutier is a low-lying island connected to the Vendée mainland by the famous Passage du Gois causeway (covered at HW) and by a bridge at Fromentine. The NE anchorage catches the morning sun and is convenient for the island's main town. Oyster and mussel farms line the shores — navigation near the island requires careful attention to the marked channels. In July–August the anchorage fills quickly; June and September are far more pleasant.
Protected From
W · NW · N · NE
Exposed To
S · SE · E
Setting Your Anchor
7:1 Scope — Atlantic Tidal Standard
With a 4–5m spring tidal range, the depth at your anchor point can change by up to 5m overnight. Use 7:1 scope minimum — in 4m at HW, lay 28m of chain as a minimum (excluding depth + freeboard). At LW (potentially 1–2m), the scope ratio increases automatically, providing extra catenary. Always verify the anchor is set firmly before reducing engine revs.
Tidal Depth Calculation
Before anchoring, calculate the depth at maximum LW (spring LW) using the SHOM tide tables for the nearest standard port. Subtract the spring tidal range (4–5m) from your HW depth to get the LW depth. For a 1.5m draft vessel, you need at least 1.8m at LW springs (with 0.3m safety margin) — if the anchorage will be shallower, either move to deeper water or ensure you are comfortable taking the ground on sand.
Oyster Stake Avoidance
Always check your proposed anchor position against the SHOM chart for oyster farm boundaries. At HW, oyster stakes may be submerged or barely visible — a dragging anchor on a falling tide can set you into a farm before the alarm sounds. Keep a minimum 200m clearance from all oyster farm boundary buoys.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
- Anchoring allowed
- Yes
Restrictions: Keep clear of oyster farm stakes and marker buoys — severe hull/keel damage risk. Stay in marked navigation channels near shore. Tidal calculation mandatory — anchorage shoals at LW springs.
Hazards
- !Tidal range 4–5m: shoals at LW — minimum LW depth calculation essential before anchoring
- !Oyster farm stakes and buoys throughout — do NOT anchor near farm markers; hull damage risk
- !Gois causeway submerged at HW — keep clear of the causeway approach area
- !SE wind: anchorage open to SE — uncomfortable in SE above F3
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive at HW+1 to assess depth at LW: drop anchor, check depth sounder, calculate if you will take the ground at LW.
- →June is the sweet spot — island in full flower, few crowds, oyster restaurants open, tide tables easy to work.
- →The Passage du Gois (tidal causeway) is impressive at LW — worth a dinghy visit to see the markers that pedestrians follow.
Facilities
Restaurants in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île village, 2.5nm by dinghy or walk.
Nearest provisions: Noirmoutier-en-l'Île (2.5nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September. July–August crowded by 14:00 — arrive by mid-morning. Out of season (Oct–May) Atlantic gales are severe — experienced offshore crew only.
Recommended Anchor Types
Sleep peacefully at Noirmoutier — Anse de la Linière
With a 4–5m tidal range overnight, your boat's position relative to nearby hazards changes as the depth drops. In July–August, neighbouring boats anchor close and the anchorage shifts with the tide. Safety Anchor Alarm continuously monitors your GPS position and sounds an instant alert if you drift outside your set 80m radius — so you can rest without worry.
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