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Port of Cannes (France) - Port Information (ID: 35476)
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CANNES.htm Cannes France France Cannes Port Information Selections Port Map Geographic Location Harbor as Haven Currents and Tides Visibility Hazardous Conditions Spring Summer Autumn Winter Protective or Mitigating Measures Moving to a new Anchorage Sortie or Remain in Port Scheduling Harbor Protection Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Wind Chill Table Heat Index Table Return To Ports List Untitled Document Geographic Location Geographic Location Coordinates: 43deg/32min N 07deg/01min E Cannes is located on the southern coast of France in the region known as the French Riviera, about 26 n mi southwest of the Italian border. Situated on an approximately 8 n mi long east-west section of the coast, the Port of Cannes is located on Rade de Cannes in the northeast part of Golfe de la Napoule, about 5 n mi west of Cap D'Antibes. Iles de Lerins are just south-southeast of the port. Prominent landmarks include a watertower with crenellated parapets situated on the summit of a 794 ft hill which is located about 1 1/2 mi northeast of the harbor, and the Observatoire du Grand Pin which stands on a 938 ft summit about 1 1/2 mi north-northeast of the harbor. Mountains with elevations to 5,827 ft backthe coastline some 15-20 mi inland. Anchorages used by the U.S. Navy are located about 0.5 n mi south of the entrance, north of Ile Ste. Marguerite, and east of Cap de la Croisiete in the western Golfe Juan. The inner harbor at Cannes is small and cannot accommodate deep draft vessels since it is dredged to only 16 ft. The harbor is protected on thesouth by a long breakwater that extends approximately 1,150 ft southeastward from Quai Max Lauboeuf on the western side of the harbor. A 575 ft long breakwater projects southwestward from Jetee Albert Endouardon the eastern side of the harbor. Both breakwaters have mooring facilities on the inner sides. The harbor entrance is about 345 ft wide west of the southern end of the breakwater on the eastern side of the harbor, and has a depth of 22 ft. U.S. Navy ships utilize the several anchorages located outside the breakwater which have space enough to accommodate 4 or 5 DD/FF size ships. A fleet landing is located inside the breakwater, and is only a 10-minute ride from the anchorages by motor whale boat. Harbor as Haven Harbor as Haven The inner harbor at Cannes is well protected from most waves, but east toeast-southeasterly winds can produce waves which create dangerous conditions in the inner harbor. Such events occur only once or twice a year but can cause cancellation of all boat traffic. The anchorages may be used depending on the direction of the wind as follows: No. 1 - 43deg/32.1min N 07deg/01min E. Located approximately 0.5 n misouth of the end of the southernmost breakwater in the northeast portion of Golfe de la Napoule. Best in calm, east, or northeast winds. The bottom is mud and provides good holding. Large aircraft carriers have used this anchorage. No. 2 - 43deg/31.8min N 07deg/03.5min E. Situated north of Ile Ste. Marguerite in the southwestern Port of Golfe Juan. Best in southeast, south, or southwest winds. Holding is moderately good on a bottom of mud or muddy sand. No. 3 - 43deg/32.3min N 07deg/03.3min E. Located east of Cap de la Croisette in the western portion of Golfe Juan. Best in northwestwinds. May be used to avoid Mistral effects. Bottom type and holdingproperties are similar to anchorage No. 2. The wind may change directions during a port call, making it advisable toshift anchorage location. The shift takes about 1 hour. Currents and Tides Currents and Tides Currents at Cannes are negligible. Tides are constant with very little fluctuation; the range is only about 7 inches. Mean tide level is 1.3 ft. Visibility Visibility Visibility is usually not a problem at Cannes, averaging 8 to 10 n mi. Normally, there is a light haze in morning and evening. Hazardous Conditions: Spring Hazardous Conditions: Spring The Cannes area experiences spring weather characterized by periods of stormy winter-type weather alternating with false starts of more settled summer-type weather. Low pressure systems continue to transit the area, but do so with decreasing frequency as the season progresses. The transiting depressionsbring associated winds and waves to Cannes, causing difficulties in thoseanchorages with insufficient protection. Mistral events still occur, but become weaker and less frequent after March, and rare by the end of may. Precipitation in association with passing low pressure systems is common through April, after which amount and frequency show significant decreases. Temperatures warm appreciably throughout the season. Hazardous Conditions: Summer Hazardous Conditions: Summer The extratropical storm track moves north of the Mediterranean Basin for most of the summer season. Consequently, extratropical cyclones and associated wind and inclement weather are not commonly observed at Cannes. Instead, relatively warm, settled weather prevails. Summer winds can vary from easterly to westerly, with occasional strong southerly winds occurring. Because the routes small boats must take to the anchorages they are afforded little protection from these directions. It may be necessary to secure small boat operations until the winds and swells abate. Local authorities state that a southwest swell is common during summer inassociation with a Ponant wind which occurs during mid-afternoon at force4 or 5 (11-21 kt). Due to the daily occurrence of the wind, it is likely the Ponant wind is a sea breeze. Precipitation is at a minimum for the year during summer, increasing after August. Hazardous Conditions: Autumn Hazardous Conditions: Autumn As is the case for the rest of the French Riviera, the Cannes areaexperiences a short autumn season that usually lasts for the month of October. It is characterized by an abrupt change to winter-type weather. The extratropical storm track returns to the Mediterranean Basin from northern Europe, allowing eastward-moving extratropical storms to onceagain transit the area and bring unsettled weather to Cannes. Temperaturesdecrease during the month, but wind chill is not normally a problemuntil winter. Hazardous Conditions: Winter Hazardous Conditions: Winter Winter weather at Cannes is similar in many respects to that experienced in other parts of the French Riviera. Unsettled weather is the rule, withprecipitation and gusty winds common, although gale force (> =34 kt) winds are rare. The most hazardous weather at the Port of Cannes is caused by low pressure systems moving from the south toward the Gulf of Lion or the Ligurian Sea. Such depressions may pass through the Strait of Gibraltar or form north of the Atlas Mountains. High winds, rough seas, rain, and thunderstorms may accompany the passage of the system and last for 18 to 24 hours. Low centers passing south of Cannes can bring east to northeast winds to the anchorages, in which case anchorage No. 1 would provide the best protection. The inner harbor may be affected by strong winds/waves with easterly components. Winds at Cannes generally parallel the coast, and are most often northeast or southwest. Most of the winds with a northerly component (most often northeasterly) are caused by lows forming in the Gulf of Genoa or lows that have moved into the Ligurian Sea. Cannes is near the eastern edge of the area affected by the Mistral, but strong Mistral winds blow only a mile or so to the west, likely the result of wind flow through a river valley. White caps on rough seas can be observed in open water outside Cannes harbor. When Cannes does experience Mistral winds, the gradient is usually north to northeast (vice northwest). The wind direction at Cannes resulting from Mistral flow could vary from west to northeast. Prevailing winter winds are between westerly and northerly, with the northwesterly Mistral being strong at times. Anchorage No. 3 would be thepreferred anchorage during a Mistral. Low pressure systems moving into the Ligurian Sea or across Corsica into Italy generate a southerly (160 deg to 220 deg ) swell that affects the anchorages, and with enough easterly component the swell could enter the inner harbor. Swell height may reach 8 to 10 ft and persist for 2 or 3 days. The biggest problem with swell waves entering the harbor is that bythe time the swell arrives, winds in the local area are usually from a different direction than the swell is approaching. This frequently causesthe swell to approach the ships at anchor at critical angles (say 45 deg to 90 deg). The preferred anchorage would depend on the existing and forecast wind direction, but anchorages 2 or 3 would likely afford the best protection from southerly waves. Precipitation is common during winter in association with transient low pressure systems and/or fronts. Snow is uncommon, but approximately 10 inches (25 cm) fell during a 24-hour period in one recent year. Antibes, a community approximately 6 mi east of Cannes, had almost 16 inches fall in February 1956. Temperatures are moderate during winter, not often decreasing below the freezing point. If the cold temperatures coincide with a strong wind, such as a northeast wind called the Lombarde, wind chill (temperature combined with wind) can be very cold. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Protective/Mitigating Measures: Moving to a New Anchorage Moving to new anchorage: A shift from one anchorage to another may be required due to an existing or forecast change in wind or wave directions. The three anchorages combine to provide adequate protection in most wind/wave situations, so a sortie to a different port would likely not be necessary unless a prolonged spell of hazardous weather conditions are forecast for Cannes. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port Protective/Mitigating Measures: Sortie/Remain in Port There is no available sortie plan information for this port. Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling Protective/Mitigating Measures: Scheduling Scheduling: During summer, when the sea breeze is most common, small boatoperations should be scheduled at times that will minimize the chop raised by the wind. Where possible, runs made before noon or after sunsetwill avoid the worst effects. In most instances however, the sea breeze should not be of sufficient strength to pose any significant hazard to personnel or craft. Harbor Protection Harbor Protection The inner harbor at Cannes is protected from the effects of most wind andwave conditions, but is vulnerable to those from certain directions. The anchorages, which are located outside the inner harbor, are each protected from or vulnerable to winds and/or waves from a wide range of directions. A description of each of the potential situations follows. Wind and Weather: As is the case with most ports, wind alone causes only minor difficulty in the Port of Cannes. It is the associated wave energy that causes the biggest problems. Small boats moored in the inner harbor should experience no problems from wind if they are adequately secured and well fendered. Vessels in the various anchorages also should not experience major problems from the wind alone. But by using an anchorage that is protected from a given wind direction, they can usually also avoid the worst wave conditions. The following anchorages are recommended. Anchorage No. 1 - Use if calm or strong east to northeast winds are occurring or forecast. Anchorage No. 2 - Use if strong southeast, south, or southwest windsare occurring or forecast. Anchorage No. 3 - Use if strong west or northwest winds are occurring or forecast. Since each of the anchorages afford little protection from certain easterly, westerly, or occasional strong southerly winds during summer, conditions frequently develop which necessitate the securing of boating until wind and swells abate. A change in wind direction may necessitate a change in anchorage. The shift takes about 1 hour. Waves: The inner harbor at Cannes is protected from wave action from mostdirections, but is vulnerable to waves from east through east-southeast. Waves from those directions can pass through the harbor entrance and create dangerous conditions for small boat operation. Past occurrences ofsuch situations have resulted in cancellation of boat runs to/from ships in the anchorage, and necessitated having personnel on liberty sleep ashore in the Gare Maritime (marine station) at the harbor. Anchorage No. 1 is exposed to the effects of waves from the south quadrant, but is well protected from any waves from west through east-northeast. The promontories of Cap D'Antibes and Pointe de la Croisette provide limited protection from waves with an east component, but some wave energy could reach the anchorage by passing through the narrow and relatively shallow passage between Pointe de la Croisette and Ile Ste. Marguerite. Anchorage No. 2 is afforded good protection from waves with a southerly component by Ile Ste. Marguerite. It is exposed to waves with a northeastly component. Anchorage No. 3 affords good protection to vessels during Mistral events,and also from waves with strong south components. It is exposed to waves from the east quadrant. Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Local Hazardous Weather Conditions Because Cannes is not in an area normally subjected to wind during an initial Mistral onset, most of the more technical guidelines for Mistralshave been omitted from this listing. If a more comprehensive listing is desired, the reader is referred to the Local Indicators of HazardousWeather Conditions sections of the port studies for either Marseille orToulon, France. Mistral: 1. Cannes is near the eastern edge of the area affected by the Mistral, but strong Mistral winds blow only a mile or so to the west. White caps on rough seas can be observed in open water outsideCannes harbor. When Cannes does experience Mistral winds, the gradient is usually north to northeast (vice northwest). The wind direction at Cannes can vary from west to northeast. 2. Northwesterly Mistral flow is strong at times at Cannes. 3. Conditions which favor the formation of a Genoa low are conduciveto the start of a Mistral at Marseille. A strong Mistral at Marseille may spread eastward to the coastal waters near Cannes. 4. For Mistral winds to affect the Cannes area, they will first be observed at Marseille and Toulon. Alongshore pressure gradient is important in predicting Mistral extent. When a 10 mb difference exists (higher pressure to the west) between Toulon and Nice, the Mistral will spread eastward. With only a 2 mb difference between Marseille and Toulon, the Mistral will cease near Toulon. 5. The Mistral will start at Marseille when one (or more) of three surface pressure differences is achieved: Perpignan-Marseille, 3 mb;Marseille-Nice, 3 mb; or Perpignan-Nice, 6 mb. A difference usually occurs from 0 to 24 hr after a closed Genoa low appears, but can occur earlier. 6. Eastward from Iles D'Hyeres there is a rapid decrease in the frequency and in the average force of the Mistral. It blows at timesall along this coast but because of its reduced frequency and intensity it is not the same threat as around the Rhone Delta. The general climate of the French Riviera benefits from being sheltered from the most intense form of Mistral which is experienced farther west. 7. The eastern boundary of the Mistral extends downwind from the western edge of the Alps through San Remo, Italy. Non-Mistral: 1. The early stages of lee cyclogenesis south of the Alps commonly result in southwesterly 30-40 kt winds in the region between the southern french coast and Corsica. 2. The most hazardous weather at the Port of Cannes is caused by lowpressure systems moving from the south toward the Gulf of Lion or the Ligurian Sea. Such depressions may pass through the Strait ofGibraltar or form north of the Atlas Mountains. High winds, rough seas, rain, and thunderstorms may accompany the passage of the system and last for 18-24 hours. 3. Winds at Cannes generally parallel the coast, and are most often northeast or southwest. Most of the winds with a northerly component(usually northeasterly) are caused by lows forming in the Gulf of Genoa or lows that have moved into the Ligurian Sea. 4. Low pressure systems moving into the Ligurian Sea or across Corsica into Italy generate a southerly (160 deg to 220 deg) swell that affects the anchorages, and with enough easterly component could enter the inner harbor. Open sea swell height may reach 8 to 10 ft and persist for 2-3 days. The swell may arrive after the wind changes direction, reaching the anchorage at angles of 45 deg to 90 deg to the wind and, consequently, to the longitudinal axis of the anchored vessels, resulting in a rolling motion. 5. Weather forecasts for Cannes are transmitted on VHF channel 16(primary) and channel 12 (secondary). Cannes is located on the southern coast of France in the region known as the French Riviera, about 26 n mi southwest of the Italian border. Port of Cannes (France) - Port Information