robertj
Well-Known Member
having not visited Salcombe for a number of years due to expensive moorings etc., though harbour staff excellent when last visited, i was wondering is it still expensive to anchor or moor there for visitors?
I'd rather die at sea than voluntarily go into Salcombe again -
Seriously, Salcombe is beyond a joke. Their people are not just ill-mannered - they're downright offensive!
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I'd rather die at sea than voluntarily go into Salcombe again
But the problem is spreading. Not a month ago, I had occasion to visit the Dartmouth Harbourmaster's office,
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But the problem is spreading. Not a month ago, I had occasion to visit the Dartmouth Harbourmaster's office, seeking a copy of their really superb met forecast *booklet*. While there, and in the spirit of shared public concern, I happened to mention we'd been seriously and serially 'buzzed' by a low-slung high-speed powerboat without lights, driven by serious drunks at well over 25 knots, when we'd passed through the narrows, under sail, late the previous evening. Now, I'm aware that the Harbour Patrol is 'gazetted' in Reeds to cease at twilight, so we didn't start to 'bleat' in the VHF.
I was more than a little surprised when the Harbourmaster Himself came bustling out of his inner sanctum and challenged me as to why I hadn't reported the problem there and then, and what was he expected to do about it the following morning, and it was all my fault anyway for finding fault.... There was no interest whatever shown in the name and description of the boat, and I wandered away, after I'd apologised profusely, thinking that that was the last time I went anywhere near that particular Harbourmaster.
And maybe that was the idea.....
Only a rather more laid-back and worldly-wise companion prevented me from filing a written complaint with the MAIB. After all, we all know from their excellent 'Safety Digests' what happens in West Country estuary-harbours when a culture of late-night drunken powerboat driving is permitted, unchecked, by the local management.....
After all, I was quietly informed by one of the excellent lady desk staff, it was probably 'that time of the month again' for her deeply-respected and hugely-endearing boss, and that the multiple demands of visiting cruise ships, unhandy warships, and bl**dy visiting yotties might all be getting a bit much for 'im. Poor old fellow!
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