Use of the south slipway at Moulin-Blanc marina

Many pleasures sailor take advantage of the slipway to get their work underway. Here's a useful summary of the Moulin-Blanc slipway.

The careening slipway at Moulin-Blanc is an essential maritime facility for boat maintenance and repair, accessible to both regular users and visitors. There are two areas: a 360 m² area on the harbor office side and a 570 m² area on the north side. Here's a detailed explanation of how it works.

What is a slipway ?

A slipway is a harbor infrastructure specially designed to allow boats to be put out to dry for maintenance, repair or renovation operations. These operations are essential to guarantee the safety and performance of ships, by eliminating corrosion, repairing damage and applying new coats of paint.

Functioning of the slipway :

Access to the slipway is free. However, access to the slipway is subject to availability. Boats enter the slipway at high tide and must be correctly positioned and safely moored at low tide. The slipway consists of two areas separated by a yellow concrete bead and a collection channel. Careening can only be carried out in one of these areas. It is essential to be well beached to allow several boats to use the slipway simultaneously. Crutch boats are positioned in the center, leaving the quay space available for keelboats.

Once the boat is in position, the pleasure sailor waits until the tide is low enough to start work. When the tide goes out, an initial message announces the imminent washing of the area to remove the marine silt. This non-polluting deposit is returned to the sea. Next, the gutter and pumping station become visible, and emptying begins, draining the water directly into the sea. If careening work is started before authorization, the waste is discharged into the sea untreated, polluting the harbor waters. A second message indicates the availability of the area to begin careening operations.

As the tide rises, a third message warns that the hold is about to be rinsed, leaving a few minutes to stow the equipment. The fourth message, just before the washing water arrives, signals that it's time to finish. This water, pumped directly into the harbor, will return there after treatment.

Macro-waste, too heavy to be carried away by the water, must be collected and deposited in the skip provided for this purpose at the top of the hold. Waste such as paint cans, rollers and soiled paper should be deposited at the port's waste disposal center and never mixed with organic waste, as it is dangerous and requires special treatment.

Using the badge:

To use these services, you need to load a card with water, electricity or high-pressure washing units. This card, available for 10€, can be used at the kiosks located on either side of the slipway. The high-pressure washers operate on a fixed rate per fortnight. The badge can be purchased or recharged at the harbor master's office.

• Make sure that the emergency stop is not engaged and that the circuit breaker is switched on.
• Present the card to the reader, leaving it in contact throughout the operation.
• If the card is valid, a beep will sound. If it is invalid or has no units, a ‘pin pon pin’ signal will sound; go to the Port Office for assistance.
• To start the dispenser or washer, press the corresponding button for one second. A double beep will confirm the operation.
• Collect your card once the operation is complete.
• Please store the nozzles and hoses after use.

Key points to respect:

• Moor your boat in the right place.
• Respect your neighbors and sort your rubbish.
• Listen to and scrupulously follow the messages broadcast.
• Do not start work until authorized to do so.
• Use a valid and correctly charged card.
• Make sure your equipment is in good working order.
• Check the circuit breakers before starting work.
• Do not remove the card before completing the selection.

In short, the slipway at Moulin-Blanc is an essential facility accessible to everyone in Brest's marinas, offering a safe and practical place to carry out the maintenance work needed to keep your vessels running smoothly.