Booking of Berths in Advance?

[JamesS]

Having just enjoyed a remarkable winters sailing off the South Coast, the numbers of boats out last week-end are a pre-cursor that things are about to change.

This bring to mind the increasing nuisance of marinas alowing the advance booking of berths.

You know the sort of thing, you arrive at the half empty mooring after a good days sail only to be told ' Sorry we're expecting a rally'. Certainly listening to Ch80 confirms this as a growing problem.

What's the view on this?

I read that even Yarmouth are now considering taking bookings - something they have avoided in the past - although I haven't heard the final decision.

 

[HaraldS]

I don't think reservations are such a bad idea.

It allows you to plan ahead a bit. It is of no help to arrive late at a marina just to find that there is no space left. And I still remeber the crazy races in the Med where several yachts charge for the harbour at full throttle, to be first, and that at 3 PM, rather than enjoying the rest of the day out.

I try to avoid marinas all together when I'm cruising and anchor out at nicer places at about a 1:6 ratio, going for a marina berth about once a week to fully charge the batteries and waste some water.
I think I could argue I pay for the watermaker and the genny by avoiding the marinas. With a fast dingy pubs and shops are easy to reach, even if a few miles away.

If there is a good marina nearby and I'm ready for one, I call and check if they have space, or otherwise just anchor again. I don't have to go there to find out.