Brighton Marina

[[2068]]

Toying with the idea of a visit to Brighton.
Slight concern ... is it a building site? (dust, noise, etc?).

I know the depth is a bit compromised, so I'm avoiding low tide, as I quite like my propellers to be propeller-shaped, and not cauliflower-shaped.
Anything else worth watching out for?

 

[Simond S]

We went to Brighton this weekend (and a fortnight ago!)

At the weekend there didn't seem to be any work going on. The flats to the West of the marina basin appear finished. The new blocks outside the entrance didn't have any impact on our time there.

Visitor pontoon (13) can get quite blowy if you are at the sea end of the fingers. Depending on size may be worth asking to go linear on pontoon 8 as plenty of depth or try to get close under the office if on 13.

Looking forward to go back this weekend or next. For us the combination of Brighton being ten minutes away and the harbour facilities make it a winner.

 

[paul salliss]

Was there back in December, I don't like it, it's a tired old place and its miles from the town. It has value as a stop over place if heading east or west but in my opinion not much good for much else. Eastbourne is close and far more up to date and modern.

 

[[2068]]

I can see Zizzi and a Gourmet Burger Kitchen ... so not a complete disaster
There must be other redeeming features?

Anyway it was Mrs FP's idea, so at least I won't lose any limbs if things don't turn out well.

 

[Simond S]

I can see Zizzi and a Gourmet Burger Kitchen ... so not a complete disaster
There must be other redeeming features?

Anyway it was Mrs FP's idea, so at least I won't lose any limbs if things don't turn out well.

You have the generic restaurants. Also have Bella Italia in the marina that is privately owned and great food.

The city is a couple of miles away, buses are frequent, taxis are a tenner. In Brighton there is plenty to see and do, live music on the boadwalk most weekends, the lanes for food, drinks and shopping, Seven Stars pub for local beers and award winning "street" food.

In the Marina itself in the pub that also has live music and decent pub food. For breakfast you have the Cherry Tree cafe that do a great breakfast / brunch using local produce.

For us (and we berth at Eastbourne) there is a lot more to do at Brighton as you are on the doorstep of a vibrant city.

The downside within the marina itself is that a lot of it is past its best. The live aboards do make the place look untidy but the staff are welcoming and the yacht club friendly.

 

[[2068]]

On the way, I discovered some interesting things relating to the way the autopilot operates.
I engage, immediately find a ridiculous string of pot markers in front, and disengage.
I try to re-engage, and the auto pilot (doing 22kts) executes a perfect 180 heading back towards the first waypoint.
Okay, that's exactly what I asked you to do, but it's not what I wanted, which is a subtle but important difference.

Brighton is either deserted, or busy, depending on which way you point the camera.
Similarly, the boats are either quite tatty or very smart, depending on which way you look.

The staff are professional and friendly, which helps a lot, and the shower blocks, although not at the luxury end of the scale, were clean and recently refurbished, with mini-bathrooms that had little fold down stools to help reassemble yourself. Mrs FP approved.

It's a similar story on the main beach.
You can see regeneration and neglect only a few hundred yards away.
But I do sense that the regeneration might be winning, overall.

Booking a flight on British Airways has never been easier. Plenty of legroom, but no free drinks, sadly.

The new neighbours have a mounting point for an Oerlikon Cannon, but standard fit-out only includes 3*GPMG's, which would still cause issues for a Sealine in case of a disagreement, so let's be friendly, just in case.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Nice photos. Well done for making it both up and down on the i-360 (known locally as the i-sore, and not without good reason), to have a journey not interrupted by some technical fault is something of a novelty. How long you in town for?

 

[[2068]]

Nice photos. Well done for making it both up and down on the i-360 (known locally as the i-sore, and not without good reason), to have a journey not interrupted by some technical fault is something of a novelty. How long you in town for?

Flight i360 was a relaxed experience. No turbulence, and a smooth landing.

With hindsight, the four fenders down the Starboard side "in case the pontoon gets so rammed we end up rafting" now look a bit daft. Ho humm.

Returning early tomorrow before the tide runs out

.

 

[jimmy_the_builder]

Flight i360 was a relaxed experience. No turbulence, and a smooth landing.

With hindsight, the four fenders down the Starboard side "in case the pontoon gets so rammed we end up rafting" now look a bit daft. Ho humm.

Returning early tomorrow before the tide runs out

.

A ride on the i-sore without the deployment of the 'emergency toilet' is always a good thing...

Have a safe run back tomorrow.

 

[henryf]

Lovely photos. I particularly liked the i360 looking up. Very arty

Henry

 

[CharlieAlpha]

..........
With hindsight, the four fenders down the Starboard side "in case the pontoon gets so rammed we end up rafting" now look a bit daft. Ho humm.

You never know if it got out you were visiting Brighton there may be a hoard of fans rock up in their boats

 

[Simond S]

Glad you made it. Photos look fantastic.

We moored same place as you facing opposite way about this time last year. The sea crashing over the wall and onto our foredeck during Storm Katie wasnt the best way to be woken up!

 

[rafiki_]

Nice pics David. We were close by on Saturday, but not close enough to the marina unfortunately. Hope to meet up soon somewhere Solenty.

 

[girlofwight]

The downside within the marina itself is that a lot of it is past its best.

The depressing thing is I remember it being opened. Big. New. Snazzy underground loos.