Port of Cap d'Ail

Other names: SPPC, Société du Port de Cap d’Ail

Introduction: The Port of Cap d’Ail has 250 berths for boats from 6 m to 60 m in length. It is the homeport to many boats and excellent place to stop in to appreciate Monaco and the Eastern part of the French Riviera.

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Towns close by: Cap d’Ail (06320), Monaco (98000), La Turbie (06320)

Neighbouring ports: Port de Fontvieille (Monaco) / Port Hercules (Monaco) / Port de Beaulieu-sur-Mer / Port St Jean Cap Ferrat

Latitude/Longitude: 43°43'26.81" N ; 7°24'59.50" E

Cruising Distances Pyramid:

Road Travel Times Pyramid:

Town: Cap d'Ail

Summary: 

The Port of Cap d’Ail is often mistaken for being one of the ports of Monaco due to its proximity to the principality and the resemblance of its walls its neighbour, Fontvieille. However, the red, white, and blue beating on top of the harbour office is there to remind you that you are in France despite the only road access to the port is currently through Monaco. Despite the vast differences between the resident boats and yachts (6 m to 60 m LOA), Cap d’Ail has remained a small, warm and sociable port where users tend to know each other for years and where the port staff are particularly courteous.

 

The residential area to the North of the port, in the town of the same name, is currently in the final stages of a transformation. This area was previously occupied by the French railway lines which are now underground. Important works have taken place over the years to create a school, apartments and shops which are sure to bring more life and facilities to the port. These works are currently in their final stages and cannot really be seen or heard from the port as the surrounding buildings (such as the hotel) shelter it. This is a peaceful marina for many residents of Monaco and French towns nearby.

 

Most of the port’s berths are on pontoons accessible on foot from the Eastern Quay. These pontoons are equipped with access to fresh water, power and fingers (or “catways” in French) for the convenience of the users. The berth sizes there range from 8.5 m to 15 m in length. The jetty on which the port office is offers berths for 18 m boats. A row of 20 m berths stretches along Quai Nord (where the Marriott is) with a few berths for larger yachts towards the shipyard.

 

The Port of Cap d’Ail was initially built for boats from 6 m up to 20 m in length. Following extremely severe storms in the early 1980s and further to the expansion of yachting, the basin at the entrance of the port was renamed “Bassin d’Honneur” and has since been home to yachts of 50 m, 55 m and 60 m in length. As prior to the construction of the Fontvieille district (reclaimed from the sea in the 1970s, this location was in fact right at sea, Cap d’Ail is the deepest private marina you will find on the French Riviera with a maximum depth of 20 m and even 25 m at the port’s entrance.

Approaches: The Port of Cap d’Ail is located to the West of the strip of buildings formed by Monaco, next to the conspicuous arches of the Louis II stadium and the Monaco heliport. Approaching from the West, the port is below the peak of the « Tête de Chien », half a mile to the East of Cap d’Ail (the cape). Caution: The waters surrounding the cape are shallow as far as 200 m out at sea. Remain clear of the area marked by the yellow buoys as you approach the port’s entrance.

Number of berths: 250

Smallest size: 6 m

Maximum size: 60 m

Depths: 5 m to 20 m

Power supply: 220V-400V / 16 A, 32 A, 125 A and 250 A, monophase or triphase

Water supply: Water is supplied to all berths

Services: 

• Power is supplied to all quays and pontoons (220-380 V)
• Two Shower blocks (Men/Ladies) in good condition located at the Eastern part of the port (between the heliport and “La Cambuse”)
• Shipyard facilities: 50 T Travelift   /  Hardstand   /  Slipway   /  Refuse dump
• Fueling Station on the Capitainerie’s quay (at the entrance)
• 24h/24h surveillance
• A Club-House is located on the end of the outer wall
• Sailing Club (dinghy sailing) on nearby Plage Marquet
• A choice of bars and restaurants in the harbour



 

Getting there (car, train, plane):


 

By Road :

The port’s car park operates on a ticketing system with automated road barriers. Port users can subscribe to have a magnet badge to let them in. Nowadays, the only road access to the port is through Monaco. To find the entrance, follow directions to the Marriot hotel or the Louis II Stadium, which are both very close to the port. The redevelopment of the district directly North of the marina will soon create a second road access, more directly from France.

 

By Train :

Though the town of Cap d’Ail has its own train station, if you are on foot, you may prefer stepping off in Monaco’s station. Though both stations are more or less the same distance away from the port, using Monaco’s underground pedestrians alleys leading to Fontvieille, you are 15 minutes away from Cap d’Ail’s harbour.

 

By Air :

Nice Airport is the closest. Access to the port by the air is made easy thanks to Monaco’s heliport which is located les than 100 metres away. Daily flights are run between this heliport and Nice’s international airport.

Moorings nearby : 

 

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