Visiting the Isle of Man

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Adonnante

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This year is the centenary of the IOM TT Races, as a sailing photographer who enjoys motorcycle racing the opportunity is to good to miss. I am hoping to visit the IOM late May/early June and was wondering if a sheltered alongside berth in Douglas would be a possibility? Any information beyond the entry in Reeds would be greatfully recieved.

Cheers Peter.
 
there are visitors pontoon berths in inner harbour i visited with friends last september good accomodation /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
Thanks for the note regarding PBO Roger I will buy a copy tomorrow. Dave as you have visited Douglas do you think I will get into the inner harbour with a 38 foot catamaran with a 23 foot beam? The Douglas Harbour website makes reference to a bascule bridge and flapgate but gives no details.

Thanks for your help Peter.
 
I've been a couple of times to Douglas when the motorcycling was on (not sure whether it was the TT) and had no trouble in getting into the marina. At that time there was no advance booking for a berth - first come, first served and raft up in the main harbour if the marina is full up full up or the tide is not right. A quick bell to the HM will get you good advice.
 
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Dave as you have visited Douglas do you think I will get into the inner harbour with a 38 foot catamaran with a 23 foot beam

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if memory serves me right you wont but there is the floating pontoon alongside in the outer harbour. it would be wise to contact harbour control befor entering on vhf ch12 in fact nessesary due to the amount of trafic (ferries etc) outer harbour accesible 24 hrs. good trip and it is posible that i will visit douglas at the same time of year so i may well join you for a pint or two
regards Dave /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Was thinking of a visit myself. Was a keen biker and used to watch the action on Sulby straight with bikes braking from 160mphish for the bridge. Fantastic! However, if visiting by yacht (or catamaran) Douglas will be crowded. Why not try Ramsey where you can dry out probably rafted up but with good access ashore and withing a short bike (push variety) ride to Sulby or walking to the hairpin viewing point.
As I remember, Ramsey harbour bottom is stoney muddy. Hope you get there and enjoy the festival.
 
Because this is the Centenary the place will be Chokka Block.
Douglas Marina bit will be FULL I,m told.
Normally there is not a prob berthing in the Marina or on the Visitor's pontoon.

TT Week , well its a Fortnight really ,with Practice thrown in.
Will be really busy, especially if the reports from The Shipping People like The IOM Steam Packet people have already said that bookings are up 18000 bikes have already been booked! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
"Sheltered along side berths" You ask.
I,ve always gone into Douglas with My Mobo. Either the Marina or the Visitors Pontoon for short stays.
I like Douglas because I have connections there Re My motorbike Days.
Lots of Sailors from My neck of the woods(Anglesey) like Port St Mary.
Boats, Motorcycles,The IOM, What Subjects!
Form a Queue Mate it's gonna be Busy /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
The inner harbour at Douglas is not wide. Some years since I was there but I don't think a cat would be too welcome, there was a lot of rafting & fishing boats there then. VERY sheltered tho' - just like being in a dock. Far end dries out.

Other ideas, Castletown & Ramsey, but be prepared to dry out. All are on the railway link so getting around is not difficult.
 
Also consider Peel on the West side of the Island - quiet berthing inside a sill that is open 1-2 hrs either side of HW, and possible to wait in harbour outside also, but watch the fishing boats. Quieter than Douglas, but close to the action and lots of good pubs and eating in the village.
 
We went last year with our 42' cat, I would say there is very little chance of getting into the marina part at Douglas - not because of the size of the boat but because it will be absolutely packed!!!! You would need to be there a few days before practice week to stand any chance of getting in the marina.

We used the end of the floating pontoon on Battery pier tucked in against the wall by the lifeboat house. Boats were rafted 5 & 6 deep alongside the pontoon. As others have said - it will be much busier this year.

We use Castletown whenever we go to the IOM, moor alongside the quay wall or inside the outerharbour. Both dry out but no problem in a cat. It is a lovely little town with plenty of buses to get to the races etc. Tony, the harbourmaster is very helpful. Easy to anchor in the bay to wait for the tide to get in.

Port Errin is another good place to visit, the pub on the sea front has live bands during race week. Anchor in the bay on firm sand - dodge the weed patches. Or pick up one of the mooring buoys - only 2 or 3 so likely to be full.

Another advantage of the IOM is the mooring fees - £8.00 per night for any size. If you are there for a few days get the weekly permit for about £40.00 - it lets you use any of the harbours. I think you are supposed to pay extra for Peel and Douglas inner harbours but the Harbourmasters are so laid back they are not likely to bother.

Hope that helps
 
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Because this is the Centenary the place will be Chokka Block.

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Shucks. Just my luck. Freestyle's first planned port of call on her trip North for the Summer is Port St Mary, on 26 May.

(I believe the Chentleman's Cruise will also be looking for berths at IOM earlier that week.)

Mark
 
We visited for the TT last year with 5 other boats from Conwy, the inner harbour is very tight around the floating pontoons. There is a larger basin beyond the pontoons where you may get moored up against the wall. We were made very welcome by the harbour master and were even given a lift to the petrol station. I understand that fuel is now available in the inner harbour.
 
Feestyle, JamesTT.
By hook or crook I,m going to be there.
I didn't think of Castletown as a spot to stay, llamedos.
Good Idea. I like the "Glue pot"!
Because it will be a really busy period, I was thinking of berthing in P/St Mary.
I have been corresponding with Drewstos who keeps His boat there.
Drew is an ex Motor bike racer and has been round the TT Circuit at a great rate of knots.
Albeit a long long time ago.
Well He is quite Old!
Nowadays He writes books and poems which befits a person of His age.
Has a boat which is a bit slow I am told.
Again befitting of a Person who is approaching Octogenerism.
That means really Old by the way!
Seriously it seems that this Years IOM TT situation needs serious planning.
Tiss gonna be chokka alwright!
 
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We visited for the TT last year with 5 other boats from Conwy, the inner harbour is very tight around the floating pontoons. There is a larger basin beyond the pontoons where you may get moored up against the wall. We were made very welcome by the harbour master and were even given a lift to the petrol station. I understand that fuel is now available in the inner harbour.

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unless i'm mistaken when i visited in september there were new pontoons in this basin
 
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unless i'm mistaken when i visited in september there were new pontoons in this basin

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there are, they were builing them last year when I was there. With a little steam boat! - Heehee.
 
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