Limehouse Marina.and Other Thames Marinas.

[oldgit]

Our of interest..
Limehouse has indicated that it is not interested in any organised visits or visitors from boat clubs this year.
What changed from previous years ?
Suggestions that the management of the marina has been sold/ franchised/ been palmed off to a a separate entity.
Has anybody any idea of what is going on.
The option of West India has also gone, suspect for not unrelated reasons.
Two remaining destinations, both not that attractive , one because of cost and the other due to location.
Do wonder if other capitol cities around the world able to be visited by boat would put up with this farago. ?

 

[PeterBoater]

In September last year, St Katharine's was actually cheaper than Limehouse (albeit not cheap, but you get what you pay for in most marinas) and more welcoming. Rumour has it that Limehouse is not interested in visitors; far more interested in the income from permanent liveaboards. Gallions was cheap and cheerful, with the best tide window of them all and welcoming ,but hardly the most salubrious surroundings. That destination has been closed by the developers; in the long term, it remains to be seen whether any plans for reinstatement of the marina will come to fruition. The vast expanse of the Royal group of docks, entered via Gallions or elsewhere, is crying out for a marina, but don't hold your breath. West India apparently charges many hundreds of pounds for the lock (each way). South Dock isn't the best location but public transport isn't far and of course the clippers depart from right outside for Tower Pier etc. Nobody mentions Chelsea as a destination, except one report I saw ages ago that the lockie had to travel from Poplar and was none too reliable nor pleasant (allegedly!).

 

[Sumara of Weymouth]

Our of interest..
Limehouse has indicated that it is not interested in any organised visits or visitors from boat clubs this year.
What changed from previous years ?
Suggestions that the management of the marina has been sold/ franchised/ been palmed off to a a separate entity.
Has anybody any idea of what is going on.
The option of West India has also gone, suspect for not unrelated reasons.
Two remaining destinations, both not that attractive , one because of cost and the other due to location.
Do wonder if other capitol cities around the world able to be visited by boat would put up with this farago. ?

Sadly South Dock Marina has just been granted planning permission by Southwark Council to go 100% residential. I went along to the council meeting to give a protest speech asking for at least the few visitors berths to be saved, but to no avail and it was waved through:
South Dock Marina Berths Now 100% Residential – Sumara of Weymouth
However the new Harbour Master is still keen to welcome visiting yachts should there be a berth available. There is normally space for a yacht or two but it wouldn't really be feasible to organise a rally on this ad hoc basis. It is true that Limehouse are no longer taking any visiting yachts and they are alongside the Cruising Association, which is a bit embarrassing. It is such a shame that a port city like London is so unwelcoming to visiting boats.

 

[oldgit]

OG might well have been the last " visitor" to get through that lock at Chelsea into the marina.
That was in the early "90s".
Did attempt to go in again a few years later but was firmly advised that bouncing around on the landing stage outside would be all they would offer now.


Update.
Apparently Cart is no longer directly managing Limehouse Marina.
Rumour is that the opening and closing of the lock is now the bone of contention, not sure if its money / staff or both .
Although why the lock and moorings have sddenly become two seperate entities seems a mystery.
Also some concerns that Carts existance as a charity is in question. ?

 

[PeterBoater]

The development plans for the area around Gallions Point do include a boatyard and marina: Albert Island – Royal Docks (albertisland-royaldocks.co.uk) but they're only development plans, so as I wrote, don't hold your breath.

Sumara - thanks for your efforts on South Dock. It's a pity that the RYA didn't say anything in support but as dinghy racing isn't involved, that's not surprising.

 

[Flynnbarr]

Thanks for at least trying Sumara your efforts are appreciated
You have a very pretty yacht……and built out of one log….wow!

 

[SkylarkX]

Just seen this post.
Limehouse Marina is now operated by Aquavista Marina’s a chain that operates some 20 odd marina’s.
They appear to be very unhelpful re locking in and out.

 

[Outinthedinghy]

If LH are no longer doing visitor moorings then presumably one would need to have a Canal River Trust licence or registration to use the lock.

 

[oldgit]

A mole within CaRT has indicated that whoever is in charge of operating the lock at LH has been awarded £75 K per annum to cover all staff and running costs.
Presumably this excludes repairs and sinking fund for replacement.