Things that you wouldn't expect a harbourmaster to say...

[nathanlee]

"your first night is free" two days later "don't worry about it, just leave quietly"

"I won't charge you for the lift out"

"That comes to xx, but let's just call it a tenner, eh"

"How long is your boat?"
"21ft"
"19 feet you say"
"no, 21"
"yes, so at 19 feet that'll be..."

"fancy a brew?"

[over a phone] "I need a favour. Ever driven a tractor before?"

Wouldn't have expected any of those, but they have all happened.

 

[falkirkdan]

" I work for the BBC, I always wanted a job with the BBC, now I have one"

That was Davie, a nice chap.

Bob you missed the ending.

" I work for the BBC, I always wanted a job with the BBC, now I have one but I did no have to take the elocution lessons"

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

"Nice to see you, have you come far?" "May I take your bowline for you sir?" ..... both not to be expected at Poole town quay.
"Don't you tell me not to untie your line, I've been working here for 30 years."..... much to be expected at Poole town quay!

 

[Aja]

Girvan - This Year

"Hmm. Nope, I can't be bothered collecting this evening. Have a nice stay"

Awfy nice chap...

Donald

 

[SimbaDog]

Welcome to Salcome Sir, no need to raft up & all mooring is now free of charge

 

[guernseyman]

Real conversation in Ploumanac'h in May this year.

Me (In French): I'd like to pay for two nights, please.

Le Capitaine du port (In French): I was not here the first evening, so I will only charge you for one night.

 

[michael_w]

A basket of breakfast rolls and a weather forecast from the pretty marina lady at Monnickendam.

 

[BelleSerene]

"Well, our mooring rate is £x for 39 feet, but you're rafted six out, so it would be unreasonable to charge you that. Let's say a tenner."

 

[quimby]

Crosshaven! No charge, but have a walk into town and spend a little money in the local shops please!

 

[chrishelen]

We dont charge for bowsprits here young man.

 

[moodycruiser]

Back in the eighties I was on a bouy in La Corunna, left her there while I went back to work in Norway for 2 weeks. When I went to pay HM before departing he would only take for the period I was there as he said I hadn't been there to enjoy the town.
Bit different todday, I guess.....

 

[flyingscampi]

(Ramsgate)

I'm sorry about all the seagull mess on the visitor pontoons, I'll get it cleaned off for you!

 

[jonjo]

Another real situation was the HM of the River Belon in S. Brittany. In the evening he asked us if we would like fresh bread, we said yes, expecting to pay in the morning. Woke up and found two fresh loaves left on the side decks. We chased down HM to pay for the bread, but he refused payment.

Seems I arrived too late at 9pm to benefit from the same 3 weeks ago.

Fab place though, felt like the River Yealm. Cheapest mooring of the 3 week cruise at 14 euros.

 

[jhr]

Seems I arrived too late at 9pm to benefit from the same 3 weeks ago.

Fab place though, felt like the River Yealm. Cheapest mooring of the 3 week cruise at 14 euros.

Beautiful place. Did you sample the delights of Chez Jacky? One of the best fish restaurants I've ever eaten at.....

 

[multihullsailor6]

Due to rudder failure I got towed in to the Berghaven at Hoek of Holland, the harbour used by the pilot boats and harbour authority boats.

Stayed for 10 days while effecting repairs. HM did not allow me to pay a single cent as it was an emergency.

 

[Moonshiners]

Another true one, is a famous and busy Solent Marina,


- request for berth.
"berth at P6 PS2 and come register at the office please..."
Up to the office - Chappy behind the desk.

"Err I don't usually do this job, ummm how much do you usually pay...?"
- A response within reason without taking the pisc.

"ughhh I can't stand this paperwork, you support the lifeboats don't you?"
(nods towards RNLI box and tells us to let him know when we decide to leave...)


Not one I ever expected in the Solent and all the better for the RNLI.

 

[Malish]

Ramsgate:
"We are a little more organised now.... we've allocated you berth number XX, one of my colleagues will be standing by to help with your lines"

 

[machurley22]

Real conversation from the Chentlemens' Cruise of a couple of years ago with a harbourmaster on a small Scottish island (no names no pack drill) who had views on having recently been forced to start charging visiting boats.

The four crews were enjoying pre-prandials when the HM arrived, introduced himself, welcomed us to the island and told us about the charges.

Crews: "Righto", reaching for wallets.

HM: "I don't have any change."

Crews: "We'll come up to the office with you."

HM: "I've locked up for the day."

Crews: "We'll come up in the morning."

HM: "You'll surely be away before I'm back in the morning. Enjoy your stay."

Awfy nice man.