This is an old favorite with UK sailors, and it’s not hard to see why. Although access is tidal, there’s a large well sheltered marina with plenty of room for visitors, an attractive setting and a pretty town. Time spent chilling out in St Vaast is never wasted.
The capitainerie is on your right as you enter the marina, and there is usually a sign indicating where visitors should berth.
Beware the French pontoons when coming in to berth. They are short and very narrow and I have seen many people take a swim when jumping on to them!
Have a short midship line handy and a stern rope and feed both through the metal hoop at the end of the pontoon, make sure you have plenty of fenders! You can then secure the bow onto the cleat at the head of the pontoon.
Once installed enjoy the picturesque marina with its fishing boats and restaurants or, when the mood takes you, wander the grey stone streets in a leisurely fashion or if feeling more active explore the footpaths, beaches and the oyster beds to the north and south of the town.
On the north side of the marina you will find the Yacht Club which is a restaurants/cafe and it also has some showers although the ones at the capitainerie are better.
Best restaurants are the excellent France et Fuchsias (20 rue Maréchal Foch, T 01 33 54 40 41) a little inland from the front, or the simpler La Chasse Marée (8 pl. Gen de Gaulle, T 02 33 23 14 08) on the main roundabout.
Of course no trip to St Vasst is complete with visiting Monsiur Gosselin’s food and wine store. His wine cave is wonderful and he will deliver right to your boat for you. He also specialises in Calvedos.
