Cap Finistère Ferry

[Deleted account Cooperman]

What's the form for boarding?

Do all the bikes have to wait together or can you just roll on with the cars?

 

[jbodin]

What's the form for boarding?

Do all the bikes have to wait together or can you just roll on with the cars?

Recently used Cap Finistaire, in which we boarded with all other bikes. Usually when arriving at the ports bikes are all directed into a lane together and then loaded as a group.
To be honest the positioning of the bikes on this boat left a lot to be desired.Everyone had to turn the bikes around in order to get off the boat,so my advice would be to try to get on the end of the loading area in the boat which just makes it a bit easier to get off. You only need one person to be late getting their bike moved and it can cause a bit of a bottleneck.I would also suggest you remain with your bike until it is securely fastened down. They tend to pack them in pretty tightly, so much so that on our outward trip from Portsmouth on the Pont Avon, some movement of bikes occured during sailing and mine got damaged, by another bike which was parked so close to mine. I would say however Brittany Ferries have been very fair and I am currently awaiting settlement of my claim for damage which they have accepted without question.
Slightly off the subject but just a bit of advice.
Have a good trip.

 

[ChrisH]

So are you saying it's best to try to board last? Also is this always the case where all the bikes must turn round to get off? Going in July, first time to Santander. Thanx in advance for any constructive comments...
Chris.

 

[hank]

Boarding this ship last year, the large hole in the floor was a bit daunting especially when we were directed toward it by the loading crew. There is a very steep ramp down to the lower deck of the ship where our bikes were parked. the tie down crew did a good job of securing the bikes. Wish I was going again this year.

Have a good one.

 

[cookie]

you wait where they tell you.

you get on when they tell you.

you put the bike where they tell you.

you put it on whichever stand they tell you.

there's not really much in the way of rider input, it's pretty simple

 

[Piaf]

you wait where they tell you.

you get on when they tell you.

you put the bike where they tell you.

you put it on whichever stand they tell you.

there's not really much in the way of rider input, it's pretty simple

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

you wait where they tell you.

you get on when they tell you.

you put the bike where they tell you.

you put it on whichever stand they tell you.

there's not really much in the way of rider input, it's pretty simple

Hmmmmm.......

I've only being used to P&O Ferries which is a DIY job (side stand, in gear, own ratchet strap).

 

[karlp]

Do not follow the bikes down the ramp like a heard of sheep.

make sure you have a clear run to the bottom - 'cos if anyone comes off going down the ramp you are stuffed.

Ohh and stick to the rough section on the ramp.

 

[t'other dave]

Anybody on this ferry 09/07/2011 Return from Bilbao?

 

[sdcastle]

I'm on the Cap Finistere this Friday 1700 to Bilbao,
any tossers on this one?

See you in the Queue
Red GSA 08, Yellow Dri-bag, SWMBO,

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

I'm on the Cap Finistere this Friday 1700 to Bilbao,
any tossers on this one?

See you in the Queue
Red GSA 08, Yellow Dri-bag, SWMBO,

How you getting SWMBO in the dri-bag

 

[sdcastle]

How you getting SWMBO in the dri-bag

Lookin at the rain forecast for tomorrow I'm going to be in there myself!!!

See ya in a few weeks tossers!

 

[Frodo]

Sailed Cap Finistere 7th/8th June from Bilbao to Portsmouth. No problems.
However as previous posters have said, you're down at the pointy end of the ship at the front of deck 2. Access to this is via a steep steel ramp. If the floor was a bit wet, the centre of this ramp would be dangerous, as its plain metal, so use the sides which have ruts on for car tyres. Make sure (as karlp said) that you have a clear run in case the person in front stuffs up. Commonsense stuff & I had no problems on my RT.
Down on the bike deck, its nose in, on sidestands, 1st gear. The usual single ratchet strap & cushion for the seat was provided & the crew will strap your bike down for you (although I always give it an extra click or 2 after they have finished... just me being cautious). The bikes are close packed though, so if the one next to you fell over, its close enough to matter so take note of it.
As jbodin posted, its nose in to the front of the ship, everyone needs to turn their bike round to disembark, so its good to be in the last bikes on so you dont get stuck behind someone late back to their bike.
Cabins are OK & I found the best place to eat was the salad bar next to the swimming pool. Good coffee, sandwiches/chips/pizza etc.

Have a good trip !

 

[Daffy]

As others have said, board last then you will be the first of the bike off (although most of the ship is empty by the time you get off)

Don't worry about the ramp, others have posted correctly but if you havn;t seen it you might be worried although my mrs did say in my ear "We are not going down there!"

We went with a mate on his Harley and he went down and up no problem so no issues on a GS.

It's actually a really nice boat as long as the weather is ok (no boats nice when it's not)

Enjoy