Places in the marina?

slawosz

slawosz

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Hi,
I am planning a summer cruise this year and wondering what is general practice regarding places in the marina? One of the places I want to visit is Ramsgate, the other might be Lowestoft. Now, there are no other marinas close to those places. I wonder if I can just turn up and they should give me the berth or do I have to have a place reservation? I have Sadler 25 so don't need much space.
 
Bradwell. Brightlingsea, Shotley, Suffolk Yacht Harbour.
If it is not a busy weekend you should be OK on all of those if you just turn up. A phone call first always helps on the day.
I have never had bother at Lowestoft, but now owners are less inclined to go foreign, it may need booking. Almost certainly rafting if busy.
A Sadler 25 still takes a berth regardless of size
 
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Lowestoft has several options and last time I looked masses of space available. The RNSYC can get busy with european visitors esp. if they are part of a rally visit but the Haven Marina and Cruising Club always have space.
Still, its always a good idea to call ahead...
 
As long as you don’t arrive late afternoon in the middle of a sunny bank holiday weekend I can’t imagine you will have any trouble with Ramsgate.
 
Practices in this country vary a lot. In general, large ports such as Ramsgate or Dover can be approached at any time of day or night and there will be spaces. It can be difficult when there is something like Ramsgate Week going on but you will still get in. Our practice with marinas such as Shotley or Ipswich is usually to give a VHF call as we approach, when a berth will be allotted. If it is part of an important schedule or you are in company, it doesn't do any harm to book.

Other countries tend to be different. In the Netherlands it is quite common for there to be a marina office at the marina entrance and you are required to stop at the Meldsteger to be given a berth. Easier in some ways is the system we have often seen in Germany and elsewhere, where a vacant berth is indicated by a green mark and a reserved one by red. These can usually be relied on, though I have seen an enterprising German affix a red mat to reserve a berth fro his friend.
 
How about Dover this season. Is there possibility to anchor near the marina or its of the limits for yachts this year?
 
I called Ramsgate and Dover. Ramsgate sees no issues with coming whenever I choose - although they asked me about boat type. I will always give them a call though so they could plan in case if they are busy. Dover is entirely closed this season.
 
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Dover has definitely announced closure to visiting yachts this summer but I would have thought anchoring in the outer harbour would still be OK. Port of refuge and all that---???
 
slawosz said:
I called Ramsgate and Dover. Ramsgate sees no issues with coming whenever I choose - although they asked me about boat type. I will always give them a call though so they could plan in case if they are busy. Dover is entirely closed this

Our boat was at Ramsgate and planned to move it but got to enjoy it there so never left. Reasonable prices, good facilities and very helpful, responsive staff to both berth holders and visitors.
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