Île de Ré — Anse du Pas du Bœuf
Pas du Bœuf · N coast Ré
46°13.1'N 001°21.1'W
Depth (HW)
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good Holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m on sand. Good holding. Tidal range 4–5m — calculate LW depth. Exposed to N/NW Pertuis d'Antioche: monitor N wind forecasts overnight.
About This Anchorage
Anse du Pas du Bœuf on the N coast of Île de Ré lies close to Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island's fortified capital (a UNESCO World Heritage Vauban fortification). The anchorage opens onto the Pertuis d'Antioche, the channel between Ré and the Île d'Oléron to the S. It is sheltered from S through W by the island mass, making it a useful alternative when SW/W swell rules out the NW ocean anchorages. Saint-Martin's colourful harbour, ramparts, and market are easily reached by dinghy.
Protected From
S · SE · SW
Exposed To
N · NE · NW
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: Respect mooring zone around Saint-Martin-de-Ré harbour entrance — do not anchor in the harbour approach channel. Speed limit 5kt within 300m of shore.
Hazards
- !Exposed to N/NE/NW via the Pertuis d'Antioche — leave if N wind builds above F3
- !Tidal range 4–5m — calculate overnight LW depth
- !Ferry traffic from Sablanceaux ferry terminal (SE Ré) generates wash
Skipper's Tips
- →Dinghy into Saint-Martin-de-Ré for the morning market (Tuesday and Saturday) — one of the finest island markets in France.
- →The Vauban citadel and ramparts of Saint-Martin are UNESCO listed — allow half a day to walk the walls.
- →Fuel available at the Saint-Martin marina — best fuelling option on Ré.
Facilities
Excellent restaurants in Saint-Martin-de-Ré village (1nm by dinghy). Vauban fortification and market.
Nearest provisions: Saint-Martin-de-Ré (1nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September. Convenient for Saint-Martin provisioning. Moderate crowds. Best when N is light and a S component provides extra shelter.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Sleep peacefully at Île de Ré — Anse du Pas du Bœuf
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 75m radius — so you can rest without worry.
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