Post lockdown cruising observations

Halo

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I am nearing the end of my first coastal cruise since lockdown. I thought others may welcome observations and add their own.
The first thing is that rake away meals from supermarkets are easy and much better value than eating out. In the past we have gone into a restaurant each evening and blown £££ but find this is not necessary.
If you do go out for a meal then book early as the reduced capacity at restaurants is already giving issues.
One marina has not opened its showers so be prepared to use on board facilities
We have done tourist stuff using local buses. These have never had more than 3 others aboard and have felt safe.
Generally pubs have been really well organised
Generally ice cream vendors have been shocking. No masks no gloves handling change etc
The sea is still the same
Cheers!
 

bdh198

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If you want to spend the night in a marina, book early... really early!

We were in Lymington at 4pm on Monday afternoon, both the new Town Quay marina and Berthon were already full. Fortunately, Lymington Yacht Haven were able to squeeze us in.

Yesterday (Wednesday) I was trying to book a berth on the Isle of Wight for the coming weekend, but every marina I tried was already fully booked: Bembridge, Cowes Yacht Haven, Shepards, East Cowes, Island Harbour all fully booked both Friday and Saturday night.

The main reason seems to be the lack of rafting (along with sunny forecast and relaxation of lockdown) putting pontoon berths at a premium.
 

prv

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Perhaps also because a lot of people who would be holidaying overseas at the moment, aren’t. I know my last sail the other week was at a time I should have been visiting friends in the US.

Pete
 

Kelpie

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Thanks for the observations.
We are collecting our boat from her winter berth next week and hope to make a bit of a cruise of it. The plan is to try and stick mainly to uninhabited islands and not impose ourselves on small communities. Fortunately we don't like marinas at the best of times, although at some point we will need to pick up food.
 
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