Marina Ways

[Peppermint]

If you moor, as a visitor in a marina is it reasonable to expect to be able to leave?

Cowes Yachthaven, mainly to fit in Sunsail boats, regularly rafts boats up between the long finger pontoons in such a way as to block the exit channel.

Of course being Sunsailors they all p**s off up the pub PDQ so leaving on demand goes out of the window.

Tom Walsh

(To avoid confusion)

 

[alanporter]

Why not cast the buggers adrift ?

Alan Porter

 

[Iota]

It is reasonable to expect to leave when you want and I am sure John Watson of MDL would agree and that it doesn't happen in his marinas. The other thing that perhaps John could comment on is that I would have thought that it breaks fire regulations so I suppose the questrion is did the marina put them there or did that well known and err loved sailing company just do it...

Courtesy is an iota but makes the world go round

 

[SloopJohnB]

And could John also comment whether he thinks it fair/reasonable to be charged full berthing fee for overnight stay where you are rafted up.
(John, apologies if you have answered this previously and no suggestion I have had this experience in an MDL marina. However, would be interested in knowing MDLs policy in this respect - thanks)

 

[Twister_Ken]

Especially when there's a Red Tunnel steamer due.

 

[Guest]

Sunsail -42 xxxxxxxx -??

Not so long ago ... rafted up on outer pontoon at CY ..... across between the pontoon inside of me and the 'inner' end of mine was a line with floating markers ....... blocking off the inner pontoons from any access.
Young lass collecting the dues said .... 42 Sunsail coming in tonight .... make sure your lines are set good and get in the shower block early ! Never was a truer word spoken and I really thank her for the shower comment !!!

Of course with the rafting up ... approx. 40ft maybe left across between pontoons to exit via and of course quite a few boats of 30+ ft wanted to vacate BEFORE 42 Sunsail's appeared.... I wish I had used the video ..... I could not believe the antics / the '3-point' turns that people were trying to make in such a small gap with boats only 1-2 ft shorter than the gap !!!! One boat had his anchor over the stemhead fitting, sticking out like a figurehead .... well that carved acroos the contessa's stays outside of me !

Of course later the line and markers was lifted and in they came - Sunsail...... most were sensible and slowed down and were pleasant as they went past to their 'privileged' slots .... but some were downright stupid, arrogant, showing off and actually showing how idiotic they really can be, in fact a few were even so bad .... I couldn't understand how the skippers had a job with Sunsail .....

But of course the Party started later and all was OK .... but before it ......the shower facilities being overcrowded / blocked solid for ages ......

OK its good to see more people getting out there and its a business they are running ..... I would like a flotilla hols etc. but 42 at one time !!!!!! PLUS the other Charter boats in as well ??????

It was a sight that I shall try very hard to avoid again - or at least have my video camera on to record the good, bad and the ugly !!!!

I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Peppermint]

Re: Sunsail -42 xxxxxxxx -??

A couple of weeks ago the same thing happened in the North Basin. They crammed themselves in like sardines. On leaving all but a very few insisted on turning 180 and going out ahead, even though that appeared to be tricky in the conditions prevailing. As luck would have it they were only crashing into each other and the pontoon ends. But these boats are owned by private individuals arn't they? Not much of an investment. I've found them to be fairly quiet at night though.

 

[jwatson]

Sorry all, rushing around putting out fies (not literally) - will get to this shortly. Best, John

 

[jwatson]

Sorry all, rushing around putting out fires (not literally) - will get to this shortly. Best, John

 

[jwatson]

Rafting up charging...hmmm.
To be honest, this has never come up directly to me before apart from at the Brixham visitors pontoon.
Let me get my brain in gear.
John
MDL