Chichester Marina berths.

Have always regarded Chi marina as a lovely spot and work in recent years has improved the facilities. Lovely walks and cycle rides but the local bus service is fairly poor based on our experience as a visitor to this lovely location. The lock is fairly aged and small so when busy there do seem to be some mobo driving issues to be wary of on entry for the honest Moody owner however if you are lucky enough to be a mid week user this might not be an issue. Clearly a number of residents find the convenience of a quick motor to East Head to anchor up a real attraction and for those with younger crew members the proximity of this is a great attraction.
The other advantage is the ability to use other group marinas so I believe you can visit Ocean village or such like at zero cost.
I suspect the price is marginally less than Haslar for example but you are paying for more centralised location and no bar to traverse which would be downsides of Chi generally however with those with the luxury of time it has much to recommend. A mobo Bavaria of my acquaintance who was new to boating has been very happy there for past couple of years and not encountered many berthing issues so it would seem to be good on that score.
The grub is good a Dell quay but would book if looking to visit on your trip next week . Trust all goes well with relocation
 
Never known a security problem, never seen or heard of muggers (I would say nonsense, but that would be tempting fate!), and never heard of anything being nicked. As for mobos in the lock, that is a typical yachtsmans comment�� With twin engines, bowthrusters and occasionally sternthrusters, not to mention IPS, manoeuvering in the lock is a doddle for mobo drivers!!
 
I've sent the op a message, but I can't let Seajet's criticism pass. Those with long memories will remember that the dear boy has seen violent shenanigans nearly everywhere that he's ever visited by boat. I've been to most of them, but must have gone on a remarkably fortunate string of good days.

The greenery at Chichester Marina is there to screen the cars from view when you're on your boat, the muggers are the ones in the marina office who take your fees, the motorboat owners are no worse at boat handling than raggies and the walking distance along the towpath to the town centre is the same as the cycling distance of about three miles.

He's right about the traffic though. Can't fault him on that.
 
Have just returned from a nights stay at Chi . Entered on free flow and staff all helpful. Next time I will remember to ask for an extra swipe token for the facilities though which are worth the walk. It's not the muggers though but the local swallows which seem ready to hit the unwary and the decks which have to be looked out for. Apparently they and starlings are marina visitors which means some deck cleaning required. As for the mobos they just seem to roar out of the lock still as I remembered which I creates some wash I noticed but the harbour master does seem to patrol to keep some control around East Head. It is very sleepy there otherwise apart from lock exit which can become busy but just have to accept as part of location. if it wasnt for the long wind up the river it would be great location
 
The grub at the Crown and Anchor is terrific in quality terms but (in my opinion) poor in quantity terms! It's a lovely spot though. There's also the Blacksmith's in Donnington (a lovely walk down the Canal) which is terrific. As Seajet says all the places within a short walk know they can charge a premium and they do. (Or maybe I'm just stingy and greedy.)

+1 for the Blacksmiths. Excellent pub. I went there a couple of weeks back on my own having singlehanded to the marina. Staff really helpful. Arrived at low tide and you do need to watch the depth, near springs, I was reading 1.6 in places.
 
+1

By the way, are the old couple who sail Raggamuffin, berth D46 I think, still around? John and Deirdre. Great people, send my regards from their old neighbour if you can! :)


Hi,

Yep, still around and still sailing. I saw Deirdre at the helm only a couple of weeks ago. I hope I'm still as mobile as John when I'm in my nineties.

I'll pass on your regards.

Kevin.
 
Another +1 for D pontoon. I'm Kittiwake on D32 and chose it for the same reasons as everyone else it seems. Close to nice facilities, boatyard, cafe and CYC. Feel free to knock and say hello!

I saw John and Deidre yesterday! My Dad played matchmaker and introduced them to each other in the dim and distant past.

+1

By the way, are the old couple who sail Raggamuffin, berth D46 I think, still around? John and Deirdre. Great people, send my regards from their old neighbour if you can! :)
 
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