Beware the Monaco Seawall

When sailing to Menton last time we had the unfortunate experience of being all too close to the Monaco seawall so I’m here today to tell of this tale and save you from making the same mistake we did.

The Monaco seawall is a large structure laid as a divider in the Mediterranean to keep the megayacht marina calm and protected and one day three years ago it became our worst nightmare as we sailed past, originally Menton bound.

With an unexpected storm brewing every extra large vessel in the area made a beeline for safe harbor, kicking up large waves in the process.

As the seas offshore called for heights past my comfort level we opted to hug the shoreline… big mistake.

The waves from every yacht in France and Italy hit that seawall and immediately bounced back at us.

There we were being tossed about in the washing machine, which is when I learned the term “confused seas” one I wish to never hear aboard a vessel again.

My husband, a seasoned mariner, cackled with delight as our equipment was launched from one side of the boat to the other, including myself though he did not laugh at that thankfully for his sake.

Having enough and fearing for my life, we radioed Monaco to seek shelter from this storm and were admitted entry.

It took me a full day to recover from the adrenaline spike at what I perceived as a near death experience though my husband assured me I need not panic until he has panicked and he never panics.

All this to say during our trip this year we gave that seawall a wide berth to say the least and this is why you should too.