Pottering Eastward, now at Eastbourne

[Channel Ribs]

Despite our many tribulations Cottontail has at last made progress and now enjoys the hospitality of Sovereign Harbour /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

We made the trip from Sparkes in four sections, stopping at Littlehampton, Shoreham and Newhaven; taking advantage of the cracking weather we have had lately.

The rounding of Selsey was interesting, in the sense that "may you live in interesting times" is a curse. And ended with the yobs of Littlehampton throwing mud at the poor old girl!

I shall not comment on Shoreham, as my Mum reminded me to not say anything if I have nothing nice to say.

Sovereign is so nice though and so crammed with facilities that we are wondering if it is really worth pressing on to Ramsgate?! We are going to leave her be for a fortnight and see whats what, but money will eventually get the casting vote.

 

[Powersalt]

yes eastbourne is a ok marina apart from the seagulls on the pontoons. Trouble is when you go out there is nowhere to go for a short sail.

Kept boat at ramsgate for a few years...always ended up going to calais/

 

[nigelhudson]

Re: Shoreham

[ QUOTE ]
I shall not comment on Shoreham, as my Mum reminded me to not say anything if I have nothing nice to say.


[/ QUOTE ]

A sadly not untypical comment from visting yotties. Shoreham-by-Sea has become in recent years a pleasant place to live and visit - there are at least a dozen restaurants, bars and pubs most serving decent grub within a stones-throw. However it is at the head of the western tidal arm of the harbour so, unless your boat will take the ground, there is limited opportunity to moor.

Most visitors choose the eastern arm of the harbour which is locked. The adjacent communities of Southwick, Fishersgate and Portslade are, well, run-down compared with Shoreham to the west and Brighton to the east. So unless you take the frequent public transport (train or bus) to one of those locations you are stuck. Most yotties seem to prefer having facilities within walking (stumbling?) distance.

So unless major works are undertaken to provide non-tidal berths in the western arm or the communities bordering the eastern arm get a major makeover (neither of which is likely in the short term) the Port of Shoreham will not be a favoured destination for leisure boating.

This explains why, despite being long-term residents of Shoreham, as a result of pressure from the distaff side we choose to keep the boat at Brighton.

 

[MoodySabre]

Excellent Thai restuarant in Sovereign. Berths get cheaper as you head east but Ramsgate has'nt much to offer in the harbour. We made the mistake of going in a berth on the the first pontoon H - tide slapping on the stern all night. Will get further in next time. A good jumping off point for Calais or the Thames/East Coast but not a holiday destination. No dogs /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif