Marina observations...

[ex-Gladys]

Arrived back yesterday from a club cruise, and thought I would share some observations here.

I led the cruise, and set out to go to Chatham and St Katz. In Feb Chatham declared themselves "full" for last weekend with two fleets already booked in. With some trepidation I arranged Gillingham... also to eat in the "Spinnakers" restaurant in the health club. The marina was great, all the staff and residents were very friendly and helpful. Manoeuvring was a bit tight due to some posts which are the remnants of the "box" moorings that have now been largely replaced with finger pontoons. The atmosphere in the marina was great, it's very "rural" with loads of trees and grass. Also the ablutions were very good.

The experience in the restaurant wasn't very good, particularly as we had to pay up front in full, and the food was decidedly ordinary. Gillingham town centre a mile away or so is to be avoided, but there is a Domino Pizza and Tesco Express immediately outside the marina.

St Katz, IMHO for this season needs to be avoided. Only St Katz could be refurbing their toilet blocks in the summer! We were in the centre basin and had a good 10 minute walk. East dock is next... As usual the lock-in arrangements were chaos. Why does it take an hour IN THE LOCK? You have to book ahead, so why don't they plan ahead? I'm personally debating ever going back there, and would try Limehouse or Galions instead...

Of course, this is just my opinion (and reflects some of the feelings of the fleet)

 

[oldgit]

Locking in at St Kats has always been chaotic and desperately needs firm organisation,somebody needs to take command.
You could forgive their prices once apon a time simply because of the location,but at their current rates you should expect a Rolls Royce service not a Boris Bike experience.
Chatham has been waiting for permission to add and extra 60 odd berths and think this took longer than anticipated.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Yeah, Chatham's extra berths on two additional arms are there

 

[Gitane]

I spent this Saturday evening in Gillingham. Marina staff really friendly and helpful as mentioned earlier.

We had a good experience in the bar and restaurant on the first floor of health complex, probably Spinnakers but can't remember name. We didn't have to pay up front and we thought the food, although the choice was limited, was pretty good. Not haute cuisine, but excellent belly filling stuff after a long day sailing.

I had an excellent steak and ale pie stuffed with good quality steak and my crew had a steak which he said was also very good.

Gitane.