Empty visitors marina in Cardiff

[ChrisE]

For those in the principality, you might be interested in a new vistors marina at tthe western end of the Mermaid Quay complex. Opened a couple of weeks ago, I beleive, and not a soul in it last night.

Looks as though it would be a useful stop for craft up to about 35 foot, a bit tight for anything much bigger. It charges via a pay and display machine.

 

[ParaHandy]

maybe the welsh divas and their mums around cardiff bay slagging off each other might be frightening everyone away ... all those heaving bosoms in full flow, shocking, frightening ....

 

[lockwood]

Thankfully, the Church 'Harlot' has moved from Mermaid Quay.

 

[bedouin]

Does Cardiff get many visiting boats?

 

[ChrisE]

I'm not a local but on my trips down to Cardiff Bay, to sample the local brew for medicinal purposes you understand, I've noticed a number of visitors both from the UK and abroad. Most I've seen mid-week, I return to the south coast at weekends, is about five.

Someone like Conch_Pearl would probably know better.

 

[ChrisE]

steady on, para, your imagination is working overtime, suggest you take some water with your Sonategen before posting.

 

[Sybarite]

Does Cardiff get any visiting boats?

 

[Twister_Ken]

"Does Cardiff get any visiting boats? "

People pop down from Port Talbot to get some fresh air.

 

[lockwood]

Cardiff has become a great place to visit since the development of Mermaid Quay. Plenty of visitors berthing and lots & lots of restaurants & pubs. And all within 5 mins of the city centre.

The Bay itself is a great place for sailing, not very big, but excellent for beginners or dinghies.

 

[F_McMillan]

What's the water quality like these days? I'm told you wuldn't want to fall in.

 

[lockwood]

Personally, I wouldn't want to fall in anywhere - but you are correct there has been problems - most of which are apparently rectified now.

Underwater fizzers keep the water moving and it seems to have stopped the algae growth.

 

[graham]

In the first few years after the Barrage was completed the quality was bad.The Harbour Authority recommended washing hands before contact with food.

Also the balance of nature was upset causing first a huge summer invasion of flying insects(fortunately they dont bite)followed not surprisingly by an influx of spiders .The spiders got everywhere inside boats sail covers anywhere.

Now with fish stocks taking hold and a massive system of air pipes oxygenating the water things are improving.The flies/spiders are much reduced this summer and for the first time they are allowing windsurfing and other watersports where you may be immersed in the water.

i was on the point of removing my boat from Cardiff about 2 years ago,now I am glad I stayed.

geographically cardiff doesnt lend it self to huge numbers of visitors from afar the bay does get a lot of visitors from other Bristol Channel ports and rivers for weekends or longer.Obviously some long term cruising boats come our way .

There cant be many places with so much within a 5 minute walk from the pontoon.Restaraunts ,Opera House ,bars,multi screen cinema, clubs,10 minute bus to Cardiff City Center. Then lock out at almost any state of tide and find peace and quiet within a short day sail.

But no the detractors are right its crap so they should all stay on the crowded South Coast.:-]

 

[janeK]

Maybe having the reputation of being the 'binge drinking capital' of GB might have something to do with no weekend visitors

 

[lockwood]

I thought that was Newcastle.

Anyways, The Bay is a bit more reserved than the teeny alcopop soaked pubs in the city centre.

 

[bilbobaggins]

Maybe the visitors are all at the Cardiff Bay Yacht Club..... Who are most hospitable. And the beer's good, too.