mooring in kent

[jana]

I'm moving to Kent and don't know the area or waters at all. I had a shock looking at the marina prices in Dover and Ramsgate. Can anybody recommend a secure and economical mooring for a 34' yacht drawing 5'8''?
thanks

 

[AndrewB]

Take a look at this site ...

"Sailing in Kent" at http://www.sailkent.co.uk/. This lists all the options in Kent.

All the marinas are expensive by east coast standards, cheap by south coast standards. A deep-water mooring would be far cheaper, the best place to look is on the Medway. Try for example Queenborough run by Swale Borough Council, they nearly always have spare moorings. (See contact details on above reference).

Unfortunately though, moorings on the Medway, including Queenborough, are not at all secure and despite an active boat-watch thefts from yachts are all too common.

Another cheap alternative is in a yard up one of the mud-creeks like Conyer or Faversham creek, but you would find that too restrictive with your draft.

Many Kent owners now take their yacht over to one of the marinas in the nearer French harbours, such as Calais. Less than half the price, and with a good security record.