Best time to go past Weymouth 2012

[Champagne Murphy]

Toying with the idea of starting a circumnavigation in 2012. Idea is to take it very steady and overwinter on the West coast of Scotland.
At some time though we've got to endure the South coast in the midst of Olympic year. We're fine with skipping Weymouth and Portland (going clockwise from Harwich) but I reckon all the useful ports on that coast will be crowded, more so the nearer you get to Portland itself.
Anyone got any ideas about how crowded or problematic its going to be in June? Will places like Yarmouth or Dartmouth/Torquay be heavily affected that far ahead- the dates are 29/7 to 11/8.

 

[tom_sail]

I would also like to know these answers, as I'm doing an anti-clockwise circumnavigation, starting in north Wales.

Hopefully setting off in may that should be enough time to get north of the Thames before the Olympics start.

 

[colhel]

Toying with the idea of starting a circumnavigation in 2012. Idea is to take it very steady and overwinter on the West coast of Scotland.
At some time though we've got to endure the South coast in the midst of Olympic year. We're fine with skipping Weymouth and Portland (going clockwise from Harwich) but I reckon all the useful ports on that coast will be crowded, more so the nearer you get to Portland itself.
Anyone got any ideas about how crowded or problematic its going to be in June? Will places like Yarmouth or Dartmouth/Torquay be heavily affected that far ahead- the dates are 29/7 to 11/8.

I don't know about Dartmouth and Torquay, but in June I can't see you getting turned away from Yarmouth, if you do there's so many other options from Poole to Portsmouth. I've tried to keep up with whats going on in Weymouth itself this year, but can't... I can only hazard a guess and suggest Portland Marina will be fine in June, not sure when the price hikes come into force though. I haven't heard of any marinas in Poole or the Solent putting prices up this year.

 

[TrailerSailer]

Options are Weymouth harbour/marina and Portland (marina and moorings). I am on a Portland mooring, but use the marina during the winter.

Prices increase in Weymouth harbour (the council run bit) from 16/07. Prior to that it is around £2.4/m

Prices of berths (per metre, per 24 hour period): Must be pre booked due to Olympic security.
Vessels berthed alongside from 16 - 25 July 2012 and from 13 August – 9 September 2012
Vessels up to 15m in length £5.00
Vessels 15m – 24m in length £6.00
Vessels over 24m in length £8.00
Vessels berthed alongside from 26 July – 12 August 2012
Vessels up to 15m in length £18.00
Vessels 15m – 24m in length £21.00
Vessels over 24m in length £30.00
Serviced anchorage from 26 July – 12 August 2012
Vessels up to 15m in length £10.00
Vessels 15m – 24m in length £12.00
Vessels over 24m in length £20.00

The "Spirit of the Sea" festival is from the end of June up to 15/07 and may attract a few extra visitors.

Personally I like Weymouth and like rafting up againt the harbour pontoons, but if you are happy to anchor and don't need access to any facilities then Worborrow Bay is a good option for a stop prior to going around Portland if you don't want the long haul from Poole to the other side of Lyme Bay. Just make sure the ranges are closed! And except in mirror like conditions don't overnight in Lulworth

 

[Seajet]

I'm afraid I have to differ from the poster suggesting Yarmouth IOW...been turned away from there even in a few 'normal' times since 1972; Lymington opposite is a much better bet, 2 big marinas, the town quay and lots of moorings outside to pick up; have done this myself.

I'd normally suggest anchoring in South Deep, Poole but I get the impression even Poole will be crowded out as Weymouth becomes a no-go area apart from emergencies and possibly available spots if willing to fork out mega-bucks !

As for the Olympics & Weymouth, do check up as I've heard the prices & berth availabity are going to be a problem for most of the summer, not just a couple of weeks, as there's the 'Paralympics' etc as well...

 

[Theta]

I'm afraid I have to differ from the poster suggesting Yarmouth IOW...been turned away from there even in a few 'normal' times since 1972; Lymington opposite is a much better bet, 2 big marinas, the town quay and lots of moorings outside to pick up; have done this myself.

I'd normally suggest anchoring in South Deep, Poole but I get the impression even Poole will be crowded out as Weymouth becomes a no-go area apart from emergencies and possibly available spots if willing to fork out mega-bucks !

As for the Olympics & Weymouth, do check up as I've heard the prices & berth availabity are going to be a problem for most of the summer, not just a couple of weeks, as there's the 'Paralympics' etc as well...

Your bit about Weymouth is not true. Prices outside the Olympic period will be as normal and the local harbourmaster says that he will be surprised if berth availability is a problem.

 

[Seajet]

Your bit about Weymouth is not true. Prices outside the Olympic period will be as normal and the local harbourmaster says that he will be surprised if berth availability is a problem

Read up a bit more, particularly about what exactly is 'the Olympic period' - ie including preparation & Paralympics - rather than just asking the spokesman; how about Portland berth owners being forced out, and other locals offered deals to move out ?!

Might be worth enquiring about road travel, parking & hotel prices too.

 

[Theta]

Seajet "Read up a bit more, particularly about what exactly is 'the Olympic period' - ie including preparation & Paralympics - rather than just asking the spokesman; how about Portland berth owners being forced out, and other locals offered deals to move out ?!"

I know that the Olympic period is longer than the 2 weeks of the main event, as does the Harbourmaster (presumably he is the spokesman to whom you refer). I am saying that over the summer outside that 2 weeks, I expect, whatever you may think, that prices will be normal and there will be space here (which is what the op was talking about). I'm not talking about hotel prices, car parking, ice creams or anything else. Some of the Dean and Reddyhoff Marina bertholders in Portland are having to move out of their berths but they've known about that for some time now and it's got nothing to do with Weymouth. I don't know of anyone here in Weymouth who's been offered a deal to move out. What have you heard?