They should have put the lock gates right at the entrance with the harbour office next to it. Then the entire marina would have had more room & been wave free. Seems silly to have the lock half way in. It works for other marinas with similar vessel movements , so surely it could have worked here. Or were they worried about waiting craft obstructing ships?
I think they'll have to move when it (tidal basin and Granville) gets filled in for the new lorry parkThe whole project was based on the new marina being full 24 hour access so no lock was acceptable. The original plan had a single gate into the old Wellington dock but that was changed during construction to give a full lock in facility but it only operates a couple of times a tide outside the free flow period. They need to have a tariff for 24 hour access to justify the cost of the scheme which must be huge, and they need to "sell" the new marina to their existing berth holders who are probably quite happy with the old marina. The current tidal basin gives full 24 hour access and is very secluded and sheltered but the new marina is a bit of a goldfish bowl and a bit exposed to the elements. Not sure Id want to move.
Quite so, but they might move to Ramsgate--------?I think they'll have to move when it (tidal basin and Granville) gets filled in for the new lorry park
Unless you like anchoring. Lots of good places to anchor between North Foreland and Beachy Head and beyond. Some of my favourites are off Deal (The Downs in wooden RN ships). East of Dungeness. Either side of Rye fairway and perhaps not quite as comfortable off Eastbourne itself.Dover is pretty indispensible for anyone going west in day sails, otherwise the only easy option is Ramsgate-Eastbourne. The old tidal basin and Granville, plus 24-hr fuel, made it useful if not always salubrious. I would have no objection to the new marina but it's a rough old bit of sea with a tendency to funnel the wind, and the least I expect to pay for is a decent night's rest.