Ostend questions

[oldvarnish]

I wonder if I could tap into any local knowledge anyone may have about Ostend.

There are two clubs - RNSYC and ROYC correct (?) and what's the difference between them, which is bigger/smaller and which is most welcoming?

Do they have marinas attached or is all berthing in Ostend done by the harbour authority?

thanks

 

[sailorman]

RNSYC is situated in the Montgomery Dock & the club administer the dock. this marina has the benifit of easy access, able to see the sea state, very close to shopping,food ect. the club food is very good but at a price although we do eat there.

The RYCO is about a mile further up the fairway with a small marina that that manage, this is somewhat out of the main town ctr i have only been there once as the RNSYC was untenable in the Sept gale we were gale bound in some 30 yrs ago.

 

[Koeketiene]

I wonder if I could tap into any local knowledge anyone may have about Ostend.

There are two clubs - RNSYC and ROYC correct (?) and what's the difference between them, which is bigger/smaller and which is most welcoming?

Do they have marinas attached or is all berthing in Ostend done by the harbour authority?

thanks

Both clubs administer their own berths/moorings - harbour authority only deals with commercial traffic.

The RNSYC (www.rnsyc.be) is nearest to the sea but can be quite exposed in a NW-ly.
Mooring is either alongside a central pontoon - lots of rafting - or by a sort of Mediterranean style mooring where you pick up a buoy and secure stem or stern first.

New harbourmaster and assistant in place since last year. Very customer focused. Couldn't be more helpful.

Give the restaurant a miss. A long time favourite, over the last few years it's gone to hell in a handcart. Overpriced and mediocre come to mind.
Bar still well worth a visit. Good atmosphere.

RYCO (www.ryco.be) is further down the port and outside the town centre. However, don't let this put you off, it's not a long walk and there's always the tram.

Very laid-back HM. The club oozes old world charm (oldest YC in Belgium).
Restaurant under new management but I've been told by locals that it's 'quite good'.
Friendly bar.

There's also the the Mercator Marina (http://www.mercatormarina.be/en/).
Very sheltered but you have to navigate a lock (2x) which can take a while. Minimal facilities - showers/toilets.
Not open to visitors during the Oostende voor Anker festival.

 

[johnalison]

I presume the Mercator dock is still available? It's yonks since I stayed there, but it was very handy in poor weather. If I remember, you pay from midnight to midnight, so we all queued up at 23.55 hrs.

 

[Otter]

Montgomery Dock is an acquired taste, nasty waves, smell of the fish dock, awkward to get ashore. But some love it!

I prefer the Mercator Dock marina, puts you in the heart of the city, lots of interesting bustle. Locks have never bothered me and if I'm sailing to a city I like to be in it.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Patrick at RYCO is superb, very friendly and in 2013 the food and beer (inc Duval) was great in the club... As others have said its a comfortable walk into town, and a tram ride if you don't want the exercise

 

[pks1702]

I must admit I like Mercator (although see it is not open for OVA)

Locking in/out can be quieT (see first image) or cosy!

RNSYC

 

[sailorman]

Kipper doesnt like Marmite either
the only time i have been in there was the day it opened for pleasure boats.& the TV cameras were there & they were so desperate to get boats in they offered free berthing

 

[Otter]

Kipper doesnt like Marmite either
the only time i have been in there was the day it opened for pleasure boats.& the TV cameras were there & they were so desperate to get boats in they offered free berthing

I don't think you should take it so personally