Lucky Duck
Well-Known Member
Noticed this mentioned in a recent almanac update, as I'm hoping to be down that way in a fortnight's time I was wondering if anybody had visited?
King point Marina, Plymouth
- Thread starter Lucky Duck
- Start date
RadiumRob
Well-Known Member
I stayed there for a week in August last year and the year before whilst working in Plymouth prior to setting off for cruising in France.
The marina is very well sheltered, and because it is behind Drake's Island it doesn't seem to suffer from the surge that affects some of the other Plymouth marinas.
It's only about three year's old so the facilities are modern, extensive and in very good condition. Individual toilet/shower rooms rather than stalls. The on-site restaurant is very good too.
It's a fifteen minute walk across the Hoe to reach the Barbican, less if you take the less scenic route.
It's very quiet by night. Princess Yachts perform finishing work on their boats on a couple of pontoons and whilst their employees are very considerate and mindful of yachtsmen they start work quite early in the morning so there is a fair amount of footfall first thing.
I'm a big fan and it would be my first choice of marinas in Plymouth.
The marina is very well sheltered, and because it is behind Drake's Island it doesn't seem to suffer from the surge that affects some of the other Plymouth marinas.
It's only about three year's old so the facilities are modern, extensive and in very good condition. Individual toilet/shower rooms rather than stalls. The on-site restaurant is very good too.
It's a fifteen minute walk across the Hoe to reach the Barbican, less if you take the less scenic route.
It's very quiet by night. Princess Yachts perform finishing work on their boats on a couple of pontoons and whilst their employees are very considerate and mindful of yachtsmen they start work quite early in the morning so there is a fair amount of footfall first thing.
I'm a big fan and it would be my first choice of marinas in Plymouth.
doug748
Well-Known Member
Check out the prices first (Sutton Harbour Holdings run it) though they are not as extortionate as Sutton Harbour itself.
It is not in a picturesque area and there will be some noise from the ferry terminal which is right next door, as are the waiting lines for embarkation.
As per RadiumRob, I have heard good reports about the catering on site.
It is not in a picturesque area and there will be some noise from the ferry terminal which is right next door, as are the waiting lines for embarkation.
As per RadiumRob, I have heard good reports about the catering on site.
ronsurf
Well-Known Member
It's also right next door to Plymouth's red light area, which may be a positive or a negative, depending on your lifestyle.
The restaurant is very good, we've been enjoying it before it gets stuffed full of yotties and is forced to go more upmarket. Was there yesterday actually - very enjoyable, except 5 quid for 3 slices of bread and a dip induced a bit of a frown.
The restaurant is very good, we've been enjoying it before it gets stuffed full of yotties and is forced to go more upmarket. Was there yesterday actually - very enjoyable, except 5 quid for 3 slices of bread and a dip induced a bit of a frown.
Lucky Duck
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the replies I had been put off from using the their other marina on the basis of the charges reported on this forum and rafting at QAB at MDL charges didn't appeal either.
TiggerToo
Well-Known Member
have you considered Mayflower?
Lucky Duck
Well-Known Member
Good point, I was a bit mindful that the tide can make approaching some of the berths interesting which would be desirable after a longish passage.
TiggerToo
Well-Known Member
no, don't worry about tides there. They are quite benign...
a Westerly gale might be more of an issue, if you are on one of the outer pontoons, but I think the staff are great at directing you to an appropriate berth, at all states of tide.
The only issue, is that a trek to the Barbican eateries is just that: a long trek. But if you are not bothered about that, Mayflower is a fantastic marina. And owned by the berth-holders
skip50
Well-Known Member
You don't need to trek to the Barbican eateries from Mayflower, you have the excellent Jolly Jack's on site.
ronsurf
Well-Known Member
You also have the restaurants at Royal William Yard on the other side of Stonehouse Creek. Some very good restaurants there.
KAL
Well-Known Member
Is this what used to be Millbay Marina?
Lucky Duck
Well-Known Member
It's in the same area but as far as I know they are different marinas
john_morris_uk
Well-Known Member
I can confirm that they are different marinas (but almost adjacent); we used to keep a boat in Millbay Marina.
KAL
Well-Known Member
We did as well, but it was when Millbay was very basic and I don't remember another one nearby, hence my question. Thanks for clearing it up!
no28
Well-Known Member
I have kept my boat there since it opened, well sheltered even over winter, far better than Mayflower or QAB, and the staff have been excellent, although they are not there after 17.00.
doug748
Well-Known Member
Yes, as above, Millbay is still there as a separate entity. It is Private, in the sense that they do not take casual day visitors.
King Point is in the old commercial dock, that some will recall, used to host the OSTAR competitors before the off. I notice this area is now transformed into the "Maritime Quarter" which has never been known in Plymouth and recently sprang from someone's fertile mind.
It is part of the council plan to develop the area into a "gateway" to the city centre - if you excuse the Estate Agent speak.
T_C
Well-Known Member
A friend of mine and I decided to head to King Point yesterday on his 34 footer to check out the catering (of which we had heard good things) for lunch. Phoned the marina from off Drake's island, and explained our intentions. Oh they said, we don't do short stay rates, not even for visitors to the restaurant, you'll have to pay the full overnight rate which was over £35...
We regularly take the same boat into Mayflower to visit Jolly Jacks for lunch - no charge.
We ended up going to Plymouth Yacht Haven to visit the Bridge for lunch for a change, "no worries Sir, just pop a donation to the RNLI into the box."
So I'm afraid the King Point restaurant won't be getting my trade (from seaward anyway).
We regularly take the same boat into Mayflower to visit Jolly Jacks for lunch - no charge.
We ended up going to Plymouth Yacht Haven to visit the Bridge for lunch for a change, "no worries Sir, just pop a donation to the RNLI into the box."
So I'm afraid the King Point restaurant won't be getting my trade (from seaward anyway).
TiggerToo
Well-Known Member
s'pose that's called Voting with your Keel.
ronsurf
Well-Known Member
To be fair, I think they are more interested in the Brittany Ferries customers
