Over winter northern Europe

[Conachair]

At last I am to leave the madness of London after too many years. Plan is to depart early Jan across channel. But where to? Hope to be in Spain by late spring / early summr but first of all need to hole up somewhere to tart up the boat and practise living cheaply. Maybe for a month here, a month there. Briefest thoughs were north France, maybe Cherberg, inland waterways of Holland, take mast down and go to Paris? Somewhere CHEAP with some boatyard facilities would be favorite. All info appreciated.
Question 2: Any suggestion for someone to fix an engine driven fridge in central London.

Thanks!
Padz on Conachair.

 

[Abaker]

I'd certainly recommend Cherbourg - Chantereyne Marina for a winter stay in northern France. We sailed there from Yarmouth IOW on 16 October 2004 and stayed for several weeks, before moving along the coast to Honfleur, unstepping the mast, and going up the Seine. Cherbourg's huge harbour is perfectly sheltered and can be entered at any state of tide, but get the tides right or you'll end up somewhere else. The marina is well managed, has some English-speaking staff, and has low winter rates for a month or even lower I think for a whole winter. (You can find their website if you Google on Cherbourg marina.) There is a yard and various trades, though we didn't use either. There are two chandleries on site. The town is great--has the best fish market I've ever seen, a couple of hypermarkets, many cafes, etc.

 

[mainshiptom]

I would recommend Belgium ! very cheap nice people and lots of ports and great large inland water ways ! We go to Brugge and loved it , most bridges are lifting so height should not be a problem same in Holland,


Tom

 

[vyv_cox]

Inland Holland and Belgium can be remarkably cheap. Many alongside berths in Belgium have free electricity although you may have a problem finding one now. I know people who wintered at Dordrecht, Moerdijk, Gouda and others for about 800 Euros total. Live aboard normally no problem.