Weymouth / Portland forum members

[horatio_nelson]

It looks like I'll be taking up permanent residence in Weymouth soon, and I'm planning to move my boat to a permanent berth there too.

Just wondering if any forumites are in the area, would be good to make some local connections.

Any advice / suggestions re permanent / annual berthing options also appreciated.

Undecided on joining the Royal Dorset thus far

Interested in any local racing / crewing / p1ssing about sailing opportunities too

Keen to hear any and all stories / opinions about Weymouth really

Thanks

 

[LadyInBed]

Are you looking at Marina in Weymouth, Council pontoon berth in inner harbour (you will grow old before one becomes available), fore and aft at Weymouth Sailing Club, or something over in Portland Harbour?
RDYC 'swingers' are administered, I believe, by Castle Cove SC.
If you are a club person, CCSC used to be the better of the bunch IMO, WSC were more for smaller 'Class' racing.
I am going back a few years with the above, but things change VERY slowly around Weymouth

 

[TrailerSailer]

Hi although I live in Wiltshire the boat has been in Portland for many years. Initially if was on a swinging mooring from Quest in Portland harbour - overwintering in Portland marina. This "needed" WPNSA membership for tender storage and launching, but was cost effective. All moorings in the harbour can be exposed in a good blow.
Now the boat is permanently in Portland marina. Although it is quiet and somewhat isolated we like the marina and the quick access to sailing - either within the harbour is it is rough outside or in the Bay which is generally sheltered from the worst of the swell coming up the Channel.
We like Weymouth harbour and will often come over for a night (the D&R marinas have reciprocal rights). The issue with most Weymouth permanent berthing are the bridge lifts, although they are quite manageable and reliable.
The coast back towards Poole is stunning with some great places for day/overnight sails. Cherbourg and the Channel Islands are an easy sail and you avoid the traffic lanes. Westwards across Lyme Bay is a haul, but in settled weather Lyme Regis makes a nice alternative for an overnight on the swinging moorings.
I can't comment on the sailing clubs. I've contemplated them but decided against.

 

[horatio_nelson]

Thanks, interesting replies

 

[SimonD]

When you say you're looking for a berth, I take it you're not interested in a mooring? If you were, you could get a Royal Dorset Yacht Club mooring for a little over £200 including discounted harbour dues. Add £275 for membership and about £150 for maintenance and that's summer sorted out for a bit over £600. Winter ashore at WPNSA will be about £1100 or in Portland marina for about the same price (big discount for RDYC members). Details here: http://www.royal-dorset.com/mooring-details PM me if you're interested - if you move quickly, we might be able to get a spare mooring serviced and ready before April.

However, if you want a marina berth, Portland and Weymouth are probably the only realistic options. Weymouth is a bit restricted on bridge opening times, but close to the bright lights (and lager louts) of Weymouth. Portland is a very nice marina (had a couple of years there when I could afford it) but a bit out of the way. Driving down through Wyke can also be a bit tedious in traffic.

 

[horatio_nelson]

When you say you're looking for a berth, I take it you're not interested in a mooring? If you were, you could get a Royal Dorset Yacht Club mooring for a little over £200 including discounted harbour dues. Add £275 for membership and about £150 for maintenance and that's summer sorted out for a bit over £600. Winter ashore at WPNSA will be about £1100 or in Portland marina for about the same price (big discount for RDYC members). Details here: http://www.royal-dorset.com/mooring-details PM me if you're interested - if you move quickly, we might be able to get a spare mooring serviced and ready before April.

However, if you want a marina berth, Portland and Weymouth are probably the only realistic options. Weymouth is a bit restricted on bridge opening times, but close to the bright lights (and lager louts) of Weymouth. Portland is a very nice marina (had a couple of years there when I could afford it) but a bit out of the way. Driving down through Wyke can also be a bit tedious in traffic.

Thanks I'm thinking of berthing at Portland initially, and will look into longer-term solutions once I'm there. The mooring costs you mentioned are certainly tempting compared to the £4.5K approx I'm currently looking at