For its 2024 edition, the Submeeting takes place at the foot of the Esterel, starting from the port of Boulouris in Saint-Raphaël.
For researchers in underwater robotics, it’s an opportunity to test simulations outside the test basins and validate their prototypes and methods in an open marine environment.
Experiments take place in an area between the Lion de mer island, off the port of Saint Raphaël, the tip of the Dramont and the port of Boulouris. The experimental sites are oriented in all directions, and can be either protected or exposed to currents and winds.
The depths of the sites are varied: we can find wide plateaus 10m deep, and plunging drop-offs that dive rapidly to 60m. The seabed is dotted with interesting natural structures: a series of dry stretches, canyons, passes, arches and caves. You’ll find all the variety of bottoms typical of the Mediterranean coastal zone: sandy bottoms, red rock (ryolite), Posidonia meadows.
The selected area also features immersed artificial structures: water outfall, model village submerged for the purposes of a film, wrecks (barge, sailboat), statues.
Boulouris Harbor
- To the east of the quay, a beach gives access to a shallow rocky area, extended by posidonia.
- South of the quay, on the seaward side, the depth is approximately 7 m.
- The large western pontoon runs from the beach to the harbor entrance, at a depth of 3 m.
- From east to west (bottom right of image), we can make out an outfall running from the coast to the mouth of the harbour, ideal for pipe monitoring tests.
The Sea Lion Island
- A 20-minute sail west of the port of Boulouris
- West: drop-off, coral grotto, sailboat wreck, sandy bottom approx. 40 m
- South side: scattered dry reefs and bicolored gorgonians
- East side: protected “swimming pool” area, approx. 10 m deep, arch, submerged sculptures
The pyramids
- A 20-minute sail east from the port of Boulouris.
- South side: a series of rocky promontories, characteristic of the area, known as “the pyramids”. These rocky blocks, of which there are 6, extend over 200 m and are clearly separated by sandbanks. Depths vary from 15 m to around 45 m. Pyramid tops range from 3 m to 20 m.
- West side: a protected area with scattered rocks and a sandy bottom, around 10 m deep.
- Dotted with coralligenous, sponges and gorgonians.
