Newlyn Pontoons

P

PeterV

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 Aug 2006
Messages
337
Visit site
We have just returned from a trip to the Isles of Scilly and used the new pontoons at Newlyn outbound and returning. They're really handy because you're not restricted by tides like Penzance. However there seems to be some real problems with the fishermen. The harbourmaster told us that the pontoons were built specifically for yachts but that the fishermen claim that they're for their exclusive use as they were funded by DEFRA. We were told there's been some nasty incidents with returning fishing boats ramming yachts in 'their' berths. Has any one experienced these problems and is there any solution in sight?
 
I noticed the pontoons when down there last week... thought they looked new/different but wasn't certain... so that confirms they are new anyway.

As for the fishermen ramming yachts in 'their' berth... I would have found that hard to believe... I cannot believe they would deliberately ram another boat. Were you told directly from someone affected, or is this just unsubstantiated gossip?

Oh, and if the harbourmaster says they are for the yachts, surely he should enforce this?
 
WOW.... £1.8m for the new pontoons - I would never have thought they could cost that much... puts into perspective the costs for marinas and the associated berthing fees.
 
yes the pontoons are lovely and very convenient. the facilities ashore conisist of a toilet used by all and sundry and a single shower.the myth of yachts being rammed in the night is perpetuated by retelling and cetainly frightens off some yachties.which is probably what is intended.the harbour master is helpful but stuck in the midddle between the yachties and the fishermen
 
Fishing boats were berthed up to eight deep off the quay, or many more if small. You would always have problems with FVs coming and going at ungodly hours, and a FV could have to get out from the inside of the tier, so if you are on the outside, lots of clumping about, as every boat is unmoored. You would probably not want several heavy FVs outside you in dirty weather either, and we would tend to keep away from yachts for that reason The pontoons have taken the space where these long tiers used to extend, so the quay berths are replaced.
The situation is the same as ever: predominantly commercial with occasional pleasure craft and limited facilities. The pontoons just give the impression that it is a yacht haven. You are quite welcome, but conditions may not suit you in this fishing port as much as in Penzance.
 
Stayed there the week before they were 'officially' open. The harbourmaster and fishermen were categoric that they were built with EU money for the fishermen. I think that there is a subtext that it is to encourage smaller fishing boats and handlining. Anyway, they must be used for the fishing boats for the first 5 years.

However, the fishermen are not convinced about how sturdy the pontoons are, and all are very happy for yachts to use any 'excess capacity'. I can imagine that if yachts were treating them as theirs by right, the fishermen could be upset.
 
Have stayed in Newlyn in the past and got a 'friendly' reception from fisherman we moored alongside.

However, he gave us 'advice' that was to leave nothing removable unlocked on deck (outboard etc) and be prepared to move at any time as the bigger boys took no prisoners as far as shiny topsides are concerned.

Now with pontoons, which we saw for the first time at the Newlyn Fish Festival on Monday, I can imagine the same will apply. So long as you're not in their way, you'll probably be tolerated if not welcomed.
 
been in there before the pontoons and had nothing but courtesy and very professional boat handling by the fishermen. That said, big metal boats alongside my P & J didnt make for an easy night. Ironic that when I fell asleep was when they moved the inner fishing vessels and they never woke me up.

Always go into Penzance. If you are gpoing round Lnads End, leave as late as poss from the lock gates, waste an hour on the holding buoys and then catch the first of the tide in the inner passage. Doint use the holding buoys overnight unless its absolute flat calm - they are sited where waves reflect from the pier and you will have a disturbed sleep.
 
Don't argue with a fishing boat alongside OR at sea, whatever the rules 'n regs might suggest. I've been stormbound in Newlyn and had no problems, but always left someone on board prepared to move at a moment's notice. At least Cornish fishermen will give a shout before casting you off - French fisherman do NOT!
 
One monday morning in 1972 the mackerel fleet was getting away, and the Sunday observers were caught on the inside of the tier. In their impatience they managed to let the whole lot go so we arrived to find six boats tied together adrift out in theharbour.
 
EU money of course

its wonderful when money comes in from the EU but who is actually paying for it?

Thee and Me

There is no such thing as government funding

RANT
OVER /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
I could rant on for hours about the Penwithian attitude towards development, investment and tourism and it would sound like he scare storries above.

The campaign against MDL and the new Marina in the quarry gives a good indication of the beast. What Newlyn really needs of course, is more disused quarries, not less.
 
[ QUOTE ]
EU money of course


[/ QUOTE ]

Well you would not get Red Gordon ever spending money in Cornwall. No more than they absolutely have to anyway. If it did not come from Europe there would be no money at all.
 
On Sunday 20.8.06 we arrived in Mounts Bay at the end of a 130 mile sail from Brittany. during the hours of darkness the fair winds we had experienced all day turned north westerly force six and seven. Rather than pick up a mooring at low water outside Penzance we called newlyn to ask permission to enter the harbour. We were told to moor on any vacant pontoon finger. After a few hours sleep we paid our harbour dues and asked if we were OK where we were. Yes was the reply.
At 0530 the following morning we were woken by a trawler scrapping down the side of our hull, Wedging itself beween us and a visiting french yacht next to us. Arriving on deck I was met with abuse & trawler crew stamping over my decks to secure their lines to the pontoon. Remaining calm & polite I acknowledged their priority & asked would they like me to move. The response was no, I shouldn't be there, now I was stuck because they were going home. Remaining composed I pointed out I wasn't stuck and was trying to be of assistance. They relented, cast off thier lines allowing me to find another berth. After reberthing my patience snapped when I noticed 5 empty large trawler pontoon berths. I went to confront the trawler crew, fortunately for them they had gone home.
I have moored alongside smaller fishing vessels in years gone by without incident, it would appear it is the larger ones who are the posessive idiots.
In response to your query, yes I experienced problems. The solution I place squarely on the shoulders of the harbour authority.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top