Holyhead Marina - anyone berthed there? (pt 2)

mjkinch1

mjkinch1

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Hi everyone

Thanks for those who picked this question up in the 'Lounge' but in case I missed anyone - anyone on Scuttlebutt that moors in Holyhead Marina?

Just want to make sure I get it right, as feedback so far isnt presenting Holyhead in the best light! - I actually thought it was great position and also the only real 24/7 marina on the North Wales coastline, so would appreciate any other views (any positive ones if any exist) before I make any move

Also if not Holyhead which Marina in the area has the widest +/- High Tide access?

Thanks

Martyn
 
Pwhllelli is the only alternative I can think of. More or less 24/7.

The only problem with Pwhllelli is that it is quite a walk to town for entertainment and shops.

I quite liked Holyhead on the occasions we have called in over the years.

Good club. Pub across the road, another pub and a general store under the bridge and up the hill. Still a long way from town.

Facilities are being updated and a block of flats is being built, (might be finished now). I would guess there will be some boaty shops with the flats.

£25 for 1 night in April last year, 13.1m.
 
We've just moved to Holyhead from Conwy. Initial reaction is that the management are very laid back (which you may or may not appreciate). There's building/renewing work going on meaning that you might have to search for a berth that has power wired up but we had no trouble finding one and the new pontoons are apparently being wired up in the near future (whatever that means, like I say they are quite laid back). It was quite refreshing to be told to go and find a berth we liked and let them know! If we change our minds, no problem just find another free berth and keep them updated.

The chandlers are soon to be moving into their new premises and the local post office is moving into one of the new units and will be selling provisions and papers.

For us it was the all tides/weather access and easer access to western Anglesey, Cardigan Bay and Ireland.

If you like an ultra-efficient marina with rules and regs for everything then from my first impression Holyhead might not be for you. If you can go with the flow and appreciate that it is the only all-states marina with berths available and compares favourably on price with its near neighbours then I don't currently see any reason to discount it. I'll obviously have to go and have a look on the lounge (first time for everything) to see what the detractors are saying.
 
Chandlers, Post Office, Provisions and Papers, Yacht Club Bar, 2 Pubs, some reasonably nice walks, access to very nice sailing area - not sure it gets much better than that in the Wales/North West area.
 
Well said Richard and I have to agree!

One point not mentioned is that the water is clean, very clean by marina standards. It can suffer from winds from the NE but not very likely during the summer months. Staff are always helpful (IMHO)

It probably is the best sailing ground within the Welsh area with lots of bays to call in to.

I'm going back again for the summer months and I am looking forward to it.

There seems to be a lot of old wives tales about Holyhead and I had to think long and hard before going there..........this year it took me about five seconds to decide!

Oh well ......to each there own I suppose

Tom

Martyn I sent you a PM give me a ring!
 
to be honest I really liked it with the updated marina, lots of new moorings with electric and water - but I was planning all year mooring, and the general consensus seems to be great for Summer, but not so good for winter. Perhaps its better to move to Conwy or similiar for the winter.

I am not looking for the worlds best run marina, just a safe and secure one, and Holyhead looks better than it has been in the past. The tidal flows around south stack and Carmel head look a bit iffy at times, but I guess like all these things its about timing and weather.

I was also looking forward to getting across to Ireland and IOM, which I guess Holyhead is a great starting off point.

Thanks for all your comments - it helps me decide if its right or not
 
I have sailed out of Hollyhead for the last 33 years and not had any problems at any time. Yes if the weather is from the wrong direction it is not so good but that apples to any where in the world. The one thing going for HH is it is accessible in all states of tide and weather within reason of prudent planning and definitely better than most.
 
I have heard negative comments about the behaviour of the pontoons in a blow from the North East.

My own experience of a month's stay, plus a few overnight visits, is very positive. Management are keen to accommodate the punter's wishes, very pleasant, and as already pointed out, pleasantly relaxed. If you're arriving by train, though, it's well over a mile from the station.
 
I have been in Holyhead twice, and I generally found it a safe all-weather harbour. During a blow from north-east in april 2005, the pontoons however danced and we were very glad that we had choosen a mooring inside close to the life-boat.
We found the marina office very friendly and pleasantly welcoming and relaxed, and probably the sanitary facilities (which were clean but a bit basic and cold in a container) will improve once the housing is finished.
Generally a good place, but not what I would call cosy and not as lovely as Conwy.
 
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