Nivernais news

Hi Adrian 

Many thanks for the update. 

We leave Dezice tomorrow.  Your information has been extremely useful. 


See you soon.

Regards
Howard & Deborah
Moondance

We have just undertaken a brief trip from Auxerre to Vermenton and back (the only route open to us at the moment due to the closures on the Yonne north of Auxerre). 

A warning for boats coming up from the south that the water levels as one leaves ecluse 76 Vaux are very low. There is a line of red buoys and keeping as close to the buoys as possible seems to be the best strategy - this does of course depend on how much you draw. 

Going south to Vaux we seriously grounded just outside the lock - we draw 1.2. On our return we had a lookout hanging over the bow and managed to navigate our way through the worst of it as the water was surprisingly clear and the mud banks visible - but we still touched twice.

Also to note - works seem to be underway along the stretch of towpath where you will presumably be moored for the rally. Big bags of gravel plus tarpaulin mounds … 😕

Judy Evans
MV Mon Amie

Hello

Moondance asked for an any info so thought I'd post an update.

We have made it up to Baye (which is very lovely). We have had no further weed issues but there have been a few low water problems.  It seems, however, to be very patchy.  There were a couple of pounds just after Anizy which were a bit sticky, but then the next pound would be fine.   Typically we are only cruising around 5kp but it is very up and down.

Mainly it's been OK.  The worst was the pound running up to lock 8.  Here we were down to 2 / 3 kph (we draw 0.9m).

A few boats we have passed have said it is a bit problematic the whole way but things may change if they let a bit more water in.

All in all it's fine but I would bank on having to cruise for slightly longer days than you had planned.

See you in a few weeks.

A

Latest on possible delay to completion of works, from Aquarelle in Auxerre:


“No. The latest news I have is still to "open"  at 19h00  (ie closing time)  on June 21st , therefore navigation  from 09h00 on the 22nd.”

So fingers crossed everyone!

Judy EVANS
MV Mon Amie

Hi Adrian 

Many thanks for your update.  Always good to have information and to be prepared.
We are currently in Nevers and plan to head up the Nivernais to Auxerre for the rally. 

Would appreciate the odd update on your progress if that is possible. 

Regards

Howard Johns & Deb Keir
Moondance

Depending on what you draw (and where you’ve got to 😝) be aware of the latest AVIS today, attached.

Judy Evans
MV Mon Amie

We experienced the same thing last year, and were about ready to turn around. Once through the weeds, the rest of the canal was smooth sailing. Hopefully you'll find the same this year.

We have just set off going north up the Nivernais.  The first 10k out of Decize was very slow going.  We were only going about 3-4kph due to weed and had to go into the weed hatch a couple of times.

I thought if the whole Canal is like this it is going to be very hard work.  Above lock 32, however, it cleared significantly and we were able to trot along near 6kmp.

What the rest of the canal is like I have no idea but if anyone else does, then please let me know.

I only report this just incase anyone else is going this way to the rally and feels despair when they set off this way.