Can't book - won't book!

[wheneverIcan]

Can\'t book - won\'t book!

What do other members do when planning to stay overnight as a visitor. I have found that most of the marinas I go to don't take advance visitors bookings (Weymouth, Hasslar for example). I can quite understand that people may not turn up etc but when you are plannig a 2 or 3 hour passage with the family the last thing you want is to be turned away.

Thankfully I have never been turned away but the thought is always there and we tend to arrive early, before lunch, to guarantee a space. We would prefer to stop on route and have lunch at anchor, mess around in the dinghy and then arrive for tea - but would there be space?????

Are these two mariners typical or am i just unlucky to select these two as my normal destinations (they are great when you get there though)

simon



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[jimg]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

Always had a policy of just turning up, usually late afternoon or early evening and do not recall having any real problems. Most harbours marinas usally find you somewhere.

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[oldgit]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

Am always happy(more or less)to jump on plane and worry about first nights kip if/when we arrive.In 30 odd years have never had to sleep in bus shelter etc yet.
But when it came to going away with boat no matter if near or far,always worried about berth availabilty,and will book ahead if possible.

<hr width=100% size=1>Two boats please one here n one in the Med

 

[hlb]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

Plan!! What plan...?/*?*!!

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[h4nym]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

Coming into Lezardrieux a couple of summers ago, I was just about to (VHF) call the harbour for a berth when a voice crackled over the airwaves in very entertainingly pigeon French asked for 10 slots as he was leading a party in. After much ado, spaces were found for all when the harbourmaster announced he was full for the night.

Took my best grovelling in my (fortunately fluent) French to secure the right to tie up to a pile. Was only luck that she didn't beach in the 5am low tide!

If only 2 or 3 hours in advance, surely they'll accept that kind of "advance" booking... esp if u call them with a credit card number!

Agree with Haydn, tho.. plan? plan?! Welcome to boating!

H

<hr width=100% size=1>Life balance?

 

[DepSol]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

Should have just carried on up to Pontrieux

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

Now where is that Brendan hiding?

 

[hlb]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

Not if the tides out, can he........./forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[DepSol]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

No, not if the tides out.


<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

Now where is that Brendan hiding?

 

[byron]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

I have never ever experienced being turned away when arriving unannounced at a port/marina. There is always somewhere to tie you up for the night. If not use this formula if they say they have no room.
"If I was Princess Anne would you find room for her?" When they answer "Yes!" then say "OK! she isn't coming as her boat is in Lymington, I will have her place, she won't mind"

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[milltech]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

I always make my passage plans to (A) arrive in daylight, and (B) arrive as soon after 14.00 as possible. Usually departers have departed and arrivals haven't. Being motor driven we have the capability of stage managing these things regardless of our cruising speed.

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[h4nym]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

What's in Pontrieux that I've missed? Worth a visit? I guess it must be given that u remembered it!

H

<hr width=100% size=1>Life balance?

 

[DepSol]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

Peace and Quiet, a lovely town.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

Now where is that Brendan hiding?

 

[hlb]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

Pontrieux Is alot less ear ake than ear. Highly recomended. Dont knock it till you've tried it!!

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[h4nym]

Re: Can\'t book - won\'t book!

hb

Will certainly put it on me plan - haven't been there... yet - but will now!

H

<hr width=100% size=1>Life balance?