Blankenburg to Dunkerque
We slipped our lines at Blankenberge early morning, aiming to make the most of the calm conditions and get a jump on the day. The sun was only just rising over the low Belgian coastline as we motored out of the harbour mouth. Light winds and flat seas greeted us offshore, perfect for an early morning push toward Dunkerque.
Once clear of the breakwaters, we set a southwesterly course, hugging the coast and keeping well outside any restricted zones. The wind was light and on the nose, so it was mostly a motor-sail along Belgium’s North Sea coast. The sea state remained comfortable, with just enough movement to remind us we were offshore.
The Belgian coast slid past, Zeebrugge, Nieuwpoort, then into the final stretch toward Dunkerque, where we arrived around mid-morning. We’d planned this stop deliberately to wait out the foul tide, the current through this stretch can be strong, especially near Cap Gris-Nez, and pushing against it isn’t worth the diesel.
We tied up in Dunkerque marina at 10:30, took a stroll ashore, and had meal ashore while checking tide tables and GRIB files. A few other cruisers were doing the same, waiting for the tidal gate to open westward.
Dunkerque to Calais
By early afternoon, the tide had turned in our favour, and we slipped out again with a gentle push behind us. As we headed out past the breakwaters, the breeze picked up just enough for full sail, and we switched the engine off for a glorious stretch west toward Calais.
The coastline here feels more dramatic, low cliffs and the distant hum of ferry traffic. We kept a sharp eye on AIS and VHF, especially near the approaches to Calais where commercial vessels cross paths with leisure craft.
Arriving in Calais toward late afternoon, the harbour entrance was calm, the lock gates open, and we were soon tied up with a well-earned drink in hand. The marina was friendly and functional, and the sense of satisfaction after the two-stage journey, planning the tide right and nailing the timing, was hard to beat.
Cruising Notes:
- Departure time: Early morning from Blankenberge
- Midway stop: Dunkerque – ideal place to wait for the tide in comfort
- Tidal Planning: Crucial — time your departure from Dunkerque to ride the west-going stream to Calais
- Shipping Lanes: Watch for traffic, especially near Calais
- Distance: ~28 NM Blankenberge to Dunkerque, ~18 NM Dunkerque to Calais
- Marinas: Both Dunkerque and Calais offer reliable mooring and shore facilities
Let me know if you’d like a matching map or the next leg from Calais onward!