yerffoeg
Well-Known Member
Last weekend we decided to go to Harwich and moor up at Halfpenny pier. We were not sure what to expect, but really enjoyed the experience. Never been there before.
It is just inside the mouth of the Stour River. So if you arrive coming from along the recommended leisure craft channel, you do not have to cross the main shipping lanes - ferries to Parkstone and commercial boats going into Felixstowe dock. Harwich Haven Authority provide a download about the quay.
http://www.hha.co.uk/leisure.html
It is sited in the heart of Harwich dockside, with easy access to Old Historical Harwich, and the shops in Dovercourt. The main jetty is sturdy and takes four or five yachts on either side - more if rafted up. We tied onto a motor boat the first night, took his place the following day, and were rafted onto by another yacht the same evening. There is no need to ring the pier master - first come, first served. Maneuvering is a little tight, but not a problem for anyone used to marinas. When we were there the other boatowners were genial and helpful.
Obviously , it is more exposed and lively than a marina. Nevertheless, our 27 foot boat was not flung about that much during our stay. It is important to fender up adequately on the quayside; there are extra fenders there in boxes you can use to supplement your own. The inside of the pier if significantly more protected than the outside. There are rubber fixed rubber fenders on the inside and outside of the pier, but on the inside, surrounding the poles that anchor the pier, there are some vicious, exposed metal girders.
There is no electricity to plug into. The fresh water tap is near the coffee shop at the top of the quay. A hose won't reach; you need water bottle. The two shower/toilet rooms at the top of the quay are excellent.
The piermaster turns up at unpredictable times of day to charge you for the pleasure of mooring there; he is obliging. There is a grand view across to Shotley point, Parkstone quay, Felixstowe Harbour, and on up the Stour.
For a short stay it is definitely worth considering as an alternative to Shotley marina.
It is just inside the mouth of the Stour River. So if you arrive coming from along the recommended leisure craft channel, you do not have to cross the main shipping lanes - ferries to Parkstone and commercial boats going into Felixstowe dock. Harwich Haven Authority provide a download about the quay.
http://www.hha.co.uk/leisure.html
It is sited in the heart of Harwich dockside, with easy access to Old Historical Harwich, and the shops in Dovercourt. The main jetty is sturdy and takes four or five yachts on either side - more if rafted up. We tied onto a motor boat the first night, took his place the following day, and were rafted onto by another yacht the same evening. There is no need to ring the pier master - first come, first served. Maneuvering is a little tight, but not a problem for anyone used to marinas. When we were there the other boatowners were genial and helpful.
Obviously , it is more exposed and lively than a marina. Nevertheless, our 27 foot boat was not flung about that much during our stay. It is important to fender up adequately on the quayside; there are extra fenders there in boxes you can use to supplement your own. The inside of the pier if significantly more protected than the outside. There are rubber fixed rubber fenders on the inside and outside of the pier, but on the inside, surrounding the poles that anchor the pier, there are some vicious, exposed metal girders.
There is no electricity to plug into. The fresh water tap is near the coffee shop at the top of the quay. A hose won't reach; you need water bottle. The two shower/toilet rooms at the top of the quay are excellent.
The piermaster turns up at unpredictable times of day to charge you for the pleasure of mooring there; he is obliging. There is a grand view across to Shotley point, Parkstone quay, Felixstowe Harbour, and on up the Stour.
For a short stay it is definitely worth considering as an alternative to Shotley marina.
