St Mawes - really awful value -for-money?

[NPMR]

The St mawes Harbour Co has published its 2007 rates.

Alongside; 5-8 metre boats £3.00 per hour
Anchoring; 50p per metre! (putting your own hook into the sand, miles from anywhere and they are so keen to have your money I woudn't mind betting they charge you for lunch stops too!)
Mooring; 10 metre boats £15 per day (or part day)
10-12 metre boats £20 per day.

This is despite the fact that there are NO facilities to speak of, nowhere to land from a dinghy except on an open beach, nowhere to park if you're loading stores/collecting passengers or crew, constant hassle from ferries etc. etc.

Is this the worst value in the South West. Or indeed, anywhere?

 

[capt_courageous]

Try the Beaulieu river.

 

[boatbuilder]

Its allways been expensive, but as you say now ridiculous. Why cant you land on the steps in the harbour, there allways seems to be lots of tenders tied up there.
Unfortunately it has become like a lot of cornwall seaside villages, due to the fact that less and less people live there in the winter, they have to get their revenue in the 3 months of summer.

 

[doug748]

What's this? I have never been asked for money to anchor off St Mawes. In fact up till this last few years I have always picked up a mooring for nowt. In fact up to this last few years I did not realise there was a harbour authority there. In fact, now I think about it, I saw a bloke in a brand new Rib last year, must have been about 20 grands worth. If I get asked for money I will have a few questions to ask.

 

[FWB]

I've never stayed the night, but never been approached during the day for anchoring or for using a visitors buoy.

 

[tonyleigh]

Agree - I have never been charged for anchoring! Can we hear from anyone who has or confirm this is a new policy for 2007?

 

[Achillesheel]

Well I'm going to stick up for St Mawes. Although we haven't anchored there, we have used visitors moorings there, left the tender at the harbour steps on several occasions, and also landed on the beach quite happily. There are some very nice pubs, a yacht club, a small but decent supermarket (Spar IIRC) and plenty of parking a little way from the harbour, and a few spaces at the harbour itself.

But if you don't like it stay away, all the more room for those of us who do. Sorry if that sounds a bit harsh!

 

[fortytwo]

I have anchored off the beach to the west of the harbour for the day several times and never been charged.

 

[Iota]

Try Salcombe

 

[Dyflin]

It's written here:
http://www.stmawesharbour.co.uk/Pricing.htm

unbelievable!

 

[NPMR]

My point is not that it isn't a nice place but that for the very limited facilities, the charges are excessive.

I HAVE been asked for money for a lunch stop! And we're a local boat too! Hasn't happened in Helford, where there are at least more visitors buoys.

If you compare this to Fowey, for example, they allow a 2-hour stop AT A PONTOON! for your boat and dinghy places at no charge. They have staff to find and even help with mooring and the overnight charge for our boat is LESS.

My point is the excessive charging and the excessive things they want to charge for - not that it isn't twee and sweet but it's hardly as though they are under pressure for space - its a big harbour.

 

[doug748]

Quite so. Talk of Beaulieu and Salcombe is missing the point; as is discussion of St Mawes undoubted charms. I have never been asked for money there over a period of 20 years, why is 2007 different?........apart from the fact that someone has to pay for the new Rib?

 

[Brian_B]

And I think there's a sign saying 'no dogs on the beach at any time'!

 

[SimonJ]

I hope "Sailing Today" has got hold of this one. Unlike the IPC magazines they have shown they are prepared to battle for the boater in terms of resisting anchoring charges and questioning their legality.
Does anyone know of ANY other country outside UK where charges are made for anchoring only?
The only place I know after sailing 25000 miles around the north Atlantic is St Barts in the French Caribbean where the charge a few years ago was about £3 a night which INCLUDED use of a good dinghy dock and good showers plus supply of water. They also organised anchoring areas to keep channels clear. These kind of charges are fair, reasonable and value for money.
I have not found any other anchoring (only) charges in Spain (non Med that is), Portugal, Caribbean, East coast USA or Canada. I have found mostly reasonable charges for using docks and facilities but not for just anchoring.
Why do we still have this feudal system where the Duchy of Cronwall, the Government or local authority can claim ownership of the fundus?

 

[billcowan]

Even in the med, outside August mind you, I'v been in loads of places where hou can tie up for the night with no charge.

and anchor anywhere you like for nowt, but it is usually prohibited actually inside man made harbours.

Water is often free as well, but you sometimes need a long hose. Places that charge usually supply electricity and water free, and sometimes a phone jack too. Showers etc are neerly always included in the price too.

The prices are way better than UK too, 15 to 25 euro (£10 to £18) per night for 33 ft. Worst was August in Sabina Formentera, 45 euro and a charge for water. mind you there is a sheltered bay outaside with free anchoring for 300+ yachts. the water is 22 degrees and boiling with naked women!