PERTUIS DE ANTIOCHE

• Latitude: 46.0697
• Longitude: -1.25141
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Anchorage in France

Location: Charente-Maritime Nouvelle-Aquitaine France

The Pertuis d'Antioche is a notable strait located on the west coast of France, in the Charente-Maritime department. It separates the Île de Ré to the north and the Île d'Oléron to the south, and it opens into the Atlantic Ocean. The strait is a crucial maritime passage and plays a significant role in local maritime activities, including commercial shipping, fishing, and tourism.

Description:

• Geographical Location: The Pertuis d'Antioche is positioned between the Île de Ré and the Île d'Oléron, forming a part of the larger Charente-Maritime region.
• Access Points: Major access points to the strait include the ports of La Rochelle, Rochefort, and the smaller harbors on Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron.
• Navigational Characteristics: The strait offers relatively calm waters protected by the islands, which offer shelter from the stronger Atlantic currents. This makes navigation easier compared to the open ocean.

Specifications:

Key Ports in the Vicinity:

1. Port of La Rochelle:

   • A significant commercial and passenger port.
   • Facilities for container shipping, bulk cargo, and ferry services.
   • Equipped with modern infrastructure to handle large vessels, including cruise ships.

2. Port of Rochefort:

   • Primarily known for its historic importance and shipbuilding.
   • Also serves commercial and recreational boating.

3. Port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré (Île de Ré):

   • Mainly serves recreational boating and fishing.
   • Provides docking, refueling, and maintenance services for smaller vessels.

4. Port of Boyardville (Île d'Oléron):

   • Primarily focuses on tourism and fishing.
   • Offers marina services for yachts and other leisure boats.

Navigational Aids:

• Lighthouses and Buoys: Several lighthouses and buoys help guide ships through the strait and ensure safe passage.
• Pilot Services: Available for large or unfamiliar vessels to navigate the strait's waters safely.

Depth and Tidal Information:

• Depth: Varies, with deeper channels accommodating larger vessels near major ports. Depths can range significantly, with certain areas requiring careful navigation.
• Tides: Subject to Atlantic tides, which can cause substantial variations in water levels. Mariners must account for tidal changes during navigation.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Protected Areas: The surrounding regions, including parts of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, are environmentally protected. Efforts are made to mitigate the impact of maritime activities on local ecosystems.
• Weather Conditions: While generally calm, occasional Atlantic storms can affect the strait. Mariners should stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings.

Economic and Regional Importance:

• Commercial Shipping: While not as busy as some other major straits, it still sees considerable commercial traffic, particularly to and from La Rochelle.
• Tourism: The region is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its natural beauty, beaches, and historic sites.
• Fishing: Local economy benefits from fishing activities, with the strait providing rich fishing grounds.

In summary, Pertuis d'Antioche is a vital maritime passage on the French Atlantic coast, offering safe navigation routes through its protected waters, along with access to several key ports and marinas. Its combination of commercial importance, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities makes it a significant feature in the Charente-Maritime region.