Marinas: best or worst you have been to???

[jswindel]

Poole Quay Haven is good. Good facilities, friendly staff and right in the centre of town. Cost? I can't remember, I have a little boat, so it cost less than the round of drinks I bought in the pub and I can't remember what that cost either. I think there is no charge for a stop of 20 minutes or less (gives you time to go to the shops and use their loo). I often pop in to go to the chandlers, even though I have a mooring in Poole Harbour.

 

[EuanMcKenzie]

re marinas

another vote for Portavadie

Largs is a good example of a big marina, good facilities and handy for the, the kids like the park on the way into town. Far superior to Kip which I avoid

Oban marina on Kerrera is worth a mention for its food. Last time we were in, a fisherman had set up a temporary restaurant and bar in a marquee. He went fishing for shellfish and fresh fish every day then cooked it up for you at night. Superb!

Found Croove haven (spelt wrong) disappointing. The pontoons are too close together and they put oversized boats in them which makes turning really difficult even if you're good at it. (I'm not!)

 

[PhilipF]

be interested to hear what you think of the groups (MDL, Dean & Reddyhoff - Yacht Havens etc...) instead of individual marinas. what makes a good marina?

Rather surprised more do not appear to appreciate such as these. One great advantage being the often free use of others within the group - MDL for example allows a month of visits to others. Good policy, because one is already paying for a berth, and they can use the empty berths of customers also cruising away from 'base'.

Its a wonder that some independents, don't band together to offer this benefit.

Philip

 

[Elessar]

So I take it you won't be visiting Dives/Cabourg then? (twinned with Salcombe by the way)

looks nice! Don't get me wrong I don't mind tide constrained entrances at all (brought up in the bristol channel), just last but one time I went to Deaville I was heading at 20 knots towards the entrance (no one else about), about to come off the plane just before the entrance narrows to a channel and saw someone walking across in front of me. I blamed my calculations but no it had silted up about 2m above the charted depth, and they didn't bother to do anything about it. Even if dredging had been too expensive they could have stuck a gauge at the start of the channel. Half a meter more water and the lack of a pedestrian, I would have probably gone aground. That scenario with on onshore blow could really spoil your day.

 

[Marsupial]

Is the fisherman's chandlery still there? I've still got the anchor and chain I bought to replace the one we left off Dungeness. That was in 1987 so I think one or two things might have changed.

Yes and he still has parts for HMS Victory

 

[prv]

The trouble with Danish marinas is that they are all 'box' moorings, which is not so good if you are singlehanded.

Never singlehanded, but I have come into a Scandinavian box berth under sail before. Not as a result of mechanical failure, I hasten to add - the skipper was demonstrating how he used to do it before he had an engine.

Pete