lustyd
Well-known member
Their search is actually very good once you find the "posts I've seen" option, although not as easy as Google against these forums
Cost of Sailing
- Thread starter Sailfree
- Start date
lustyd
Well-known member
I think you may be taking too few things into account on the value front. Cost of mooring and transport just tells you the cost, and while cost may be prohibitive, my post was specifically about objectively measurable value. I.e. if there are 3 times more destinations within 6 hour sail for 2 times the price then objectively that's better value if you look only at that one metric. Whether we like it or not the Solent wins out on a lot of metrics, and that's why it's so darned busy. Of course, that busy nature will detract from the value for a lot of people, but it's not as busy as most make out. Plenty of times I've needed multiple chandleries when needing a part at short notice that wasn't in stock in one or two, and that can be the difference between using and not using the boat (so extra value!). If there's only one day trip you can do, then that offers pretty poor value since you're likely to do fewer trips to the one destination within reach. I'm certain Cardiff is reasonably cheap and is convenient for lots of people, but the tides up the Bristol channel will effectively curtail options half of the time, or at the very least makes the trip less convenient timing wise. Emsworth is a smathing marina but the sill there meant I could only use the boat every other weekend, but it wasn't half the cost of my current marina metre for metre. I included jobs in my list because most of us need access to a well paid place of work to afford any kind of boating, so most of Scotland can be ruled out for a lot of people despite the great sailing and huge attractive coastline, it's also the reason Emsworth didn't work for me with the 2 hour drive from where my job is, had I been local I could have used the boat more flexibly and gotten more value. Most of the marinas in the south have their facilities sorted now, elsewhere it's pretty much just Portavadie on my list of good facilities so far (admittedly small sample size on this one!) although Falmouth isn't bad.Couldnt disagree more. I'll give you fewer options on chandleries, but you just need one, not options, and anyway the internet is amazing for buying shit. Worse for jobs? Id say its a far better place to work, but yes, there are less jobs and wages are lower...but thats not how I would choose a marina.
There are numerous other options with better value for money, which really means the cost of berthing and transport to and from said berth. Eg scotland, the east coast even (which I dont consider cheap) I simply would not pay those prices, there isnt enough "value" in it for me to stump that much out each year just to keep a boat.
If I lived in Glasgow, I could drive to tarbet marina in 2 hours, and pay approx £3k pa for a 13m boat, in beautiful surroundings with great sailing all round. If I lived in London, I would be tempted to fly up and hire a car and do the same rather than pay solent pricesStill be cheaper. But the point is, there is nothing special about the solent, its just busy. There are better places to sail and far cheaper places to keep and run a boat. If it suits you, (and it obviously suits lots of folk, then fine, its your money to spend as you please. And snce the solent pleases you, then great. But you can't seriously try and tell everyone else it is fantastic value for money, or the best value in the uk.
You're right, the sailing around Tarbert is lovelly, but it is somewhat limiting in comparison - to get to a "proper" foreign country you'd need to spend a week sailing up and down our own coast which in itself is a challenging and tiring sail before even starting the away trip. That compared to half a day either side of a week away. As I said I'm not knocking other places, and I love sailing in them, just clarifying that cheaper does not mean better value (my original point that Solent isn't overpriced). Value is, of course, in the eye of the beholder and the OP made a great case for the value of a foreign berth which I actually do think outshines the solent for value since it's cheaper, hotter, offers lots of local and not so local destinations, and isn't that much less convenient while also having a longer "season".
Fr J Hackett
Well-known member
Only if you want to go to one of those destinations 6 hours away and share it with the hoards that have had the same idea or worse still have had to make a booking for a berth. Whilst I grant you their are some nice places in the solent there are far too many boats competing for them.
lustyd
Well-known member
I never shared an overnight anchorage with more than three boats this year, and while booking was necessary due to Covid I've never previously failed to get a marina berth. More boats with more options leaves it about as busy in reality as most places, just with more bail out options if your chosen destination is full. Contrast that with arriving at Fowey when it's full and I'd say it's a win
Fr J Hackett
Well-known member
Never got turned away from Fowey but in the event I can think of several nearby anchorages.
Wing Mark
Well-known member
What's special about the Solent which drives the prices up, is the long season of high-end racing.
Not everyone wants that, but neither is everyone paying the high prices.
Likewise the commercial season for sailing schools etc is long.
A lot of people there keep their boats afloat 12 months and get some use 'off season'.
Some people live in London, or Manchester or Glasgow or wherever and then make a decision where to base their sailing.
Other people decide where to live and then base their boat nearby, or decide where they want to sail and move there.
There's quite a difference between someone like me, with an old boat worthless than a lot of cars, and someone who's paid a six-figure sum for a boat that's costing them a lot every year in depreciation etc.
I won't get enough value out of my boat to justify top-end marina prices from my point of view.
But that's not the same for everyone.
A lot of boats are not owned and operated by single private individuals. I suspect that draws boats towards the Solent area too? Chartering, sailing schools, racing, boat sharing, all have more opportunities in the area?
And the berthing costs are part of bigger equations.
Not everyone wants that, but neither is everyone paying the high prices.
Likewise the commercial season for sailing schools etc is long.
A lot of people there keep their boats afloat 12 months and get some use 'off season'.
Some people live in London, or Manchester or Glasgow or wherever and then make a decision where to base their sailing.
Other people decide where to live and then base their boat nearby, or decide where they want to sail and move there.
There's quite a difference between someone like me, with an old boat worthless than a lot of cars, and someone who's paid a six-figure sum for a boat that's costing them a lot every year in depreciation etc.
I won't get enough value out of my boat to justify top-end marina prices from my point of view.
But that's not the same for everyone.
A lot of boats are not owned and operated by single private individuals. I suspect that draws boats towards the Solent area too? Chartering, sailing schools, racing, boat sharing, all have more opportunities in the area?
And the berthing costs are part of bigger equations.
roblpm
Well-known member
Are you 20?
lustyd
Well-known member
lol I wish! It took me an hour to find that option, and I work in tech ?
Kelpie
Well-known member
It's interesting how broad a church this forum is.
I've spent my entire working life earning barely above minimum wage. If I lived in London I doubt I would have earned significantly more, and my costs of living would have been much higher. There would have been nothing left for a boat, let alone enough to keep one at Solent prices.
But since I don't live down in the land of 'opportunity', I have owned and cruised a yacht since my late 20s, on a very low budget. My home cruising area does not have as many pubs, restaurants, clubs, or racing opportunities, but that doesn't really bother me. We have abundant beautiful deserted anchorages and fantastic wildlife. The only downside was the weather, so I've now sailed straight past the Solent and am happily living at anchor in the Algarve. Whereas if I lived near London I expect I would still be looking to get a foot on the property ladder, and sailing would still be a distant dream. But I'm sure the Solent has its attractions, for those who can afford to live there.
I've spent my entire working life earning barely above minimum wage. If I lived in London I doubt I would have earned significantly more, and my costs of living would have been much higher. There would have been nothing left for a boat, let alone enough to keep one at Solent prices.
But since I don't live down in the land of 'opportunity', I have owned and cruised a yacht since my late 20s, on a very low budget. My home cruising area does not have as many pubs, restaurants, clubs, or racing opportunities, but that doesn't really bother me. We have abundant beautiful deserted anchorages and fantastic wildlife. The only downside was the weather, so I've now sailed straight past the Solent and am happily living at anchor in the Algarve. Whereas if I lived near London I expect I would still be looking to get a foot on the property ladder, and sailing would still be a distant dream. But I'm sure the Solent has its attractions, for those who can afford to live there.
roblpm
Well-known member
Hmmm. OK...... However I am gonna buy a boat in the next couple of years and park it west so I will be tracking you down.... ?
DownWest
Well-known member
The OP started an interesting thread, but, have to say, while his choice of spot is very nice place to live, it doesn't offer much choice for day sails or even short cruises. The Tejo estuary is slightly better and the Algarve is somewhat better as less lightly to get severe swells (Don't mention the Levante..) But really just a stopping off place for more attractive areas, unless you want to live up the Guardiana, but that is not cruising.
steveeasy
Well-known member
I keep my boat on the Hamble in a great yard. pontoon berth. showers, good facilities. safe as can be. 7 months in the water 5 months out. Total cost works out at around £300 per month. Boat is 8.5 mtrs long. I dont quibble about paying it. its cheap and good value. I have a 7 hour round trip to my boat so cant have it bobbing on a swinging mooring. I want to sail in the best waters and can afford too by being sensible and not having a boat way to big. Could not be happier.
Steveeasy
Steveeasy
dslittle
Well-known member
The local Prefecture accepted our yacht as our home and the Marina supplied a letter stating that we could live on board.
The online application did require copies of our passports, proof of monies and insurance cover but, all in all, a very slick operation which was quite ‘unFrench’ (in a good way…)
Sailfree
Well-known member
I agree there must be lots of better places. I merely spoke about, with my factual knowledge ,of cost. Just want to float an alternative thought especially with flights currently at the ridiculous price of £4.99!
We live here as found the Silver coast a great place with great social life and much cheaper cost of living. 5 to 10 deg C warmer than UK but rarely exceeds 30 deg C. Suits us as a retired couple with limited income but not for everyone.
Can believe how good the Autumns have been in recent years (ended up sunny all day today and 19degC not the forecast 17 deg C) with mostly (if any) overnight shower but recent Springs have been wet with more rain in February than UK but that's why its agricultural here and green. Its also why I do a 35 night cruise to the Caribbean in January/February! Another thing we enjoy it but again not for everyone.
If we all liked the same you would all be after my wife!!
PS the Mk1 wife is still available!! Will someone please save me the maintenance payments!! Please!!
Last edited:
DownWest
Well-known member
Tend to agree abut a nice spot with low cost of living. Whilst I lived in the Algarve for quite a while, it was busy turning itself into S of Spain, less so in the East and West. I very much preferred the mid and north, did some round trips, including the very desolate areas. We looked at a place on the upper Tagus, great house, needed quite a bit doing to it. Two problems not covered in the description...The railway went passed the end of the property and the nearest shops were very far away.
Daydream believer
Well-known member
No thanks. I tried her out the week you went sailing with your mates.If we all liked the same you would all be after my wife!!
PS the Mk1 wife is still available!! Will someone please save me the maintenance payments!! Please!!
She was Ok at house work & cooking, but put too much starch in when washing my undies- made me itch like hell
Asked if I would go up the corner shop to get a tin of peas- Obviously not properly trained
She even had the cheek to expect me to take the bins up the garden for the refuse collector
Then there was the incessant nagging
I decided to do a runner after day 5 - sorry mate , no deal
Last edited:
Sailfree
Well-known member
No thanks. I tried her out the week you went sailing with your mates.
She was Ok at house work & cooking, but put too much starch in when washing my undies- made me itch like hell
Asked if I would go up the corner shop to get a tin of peas- Obviously not properly trained
She even had the cheek to expect me to take the bins up the garden for the refuse collector
Then there was the incessant nagging
I decided to do a runner after day 5 - sorry mate , no deal
Obviously put too much starch in hoping it would transfer and make other parts it was in contact with stiffer!
Daydream believer
Well-known member
Apparently a technique she had been using for years.Obviously put too much starch in hoping it would transfer and make other parts it was in contact with stiffer!
Poignard
Well-known member
Another "when I was in the RN" story:
When I was in HMS Gambia the ship's laundry was run by one "Tug" Wilson. He was on the books as an Electrical Mechanic but volunteered to run the laundry as it gave him opportunities to make a few quid on the side and to escape from doing electrical work under the beady eye of his chief.
One of the officers liked his shirts starched, and was always complaining to Tug about his shirts not being starched enough.
Tug eventually got fed up with this and made up a 'saturated solution' of starch and water in which he soaked the officer's shirts before folding and pressing them on the steam press.
The officer had a batch of immaculately white shirts delivered to his cabin which, when he tried to unfold one, could not be prised apart.
He never complained again
When I was in HMS Gambia the ship's laundry was run by one "Tug" Wilson. He was on the books as an Electrical Mechanic but volunteered to run the laundry as it gave him opportunities to make a few quid on the side and to escape from doing electrical work under the beady eye of his chief.
One of the officers liked his shirts starched, and was always complaining to Tug about his shirts not being starched enough.
Tug eventually got fed up with this and made up a 'saturated solution' of starch and water in which he soaked the officer's shirts before folding and pressing them on the steam press.
The officer had a batch of immaculately white shirts delivered to his cabin which, when he tried to unfold one, could not be prised apart.
He never complained again
Sailfree
Well-known member
Apparently a technique she had been using for years.
No she sprinkles blue coloured sugar on my cornflakes. Always tastes more like tablets than sugar to me
