What's Newhaven Marina like

[Boo2]

Hi,

I'm toying with the idea of taking a mooring at Newhaven Marina and wondered if there are any drawbacks ? I know the ferry moors opposite but does this lead to dirt and/or noise pollution ? How about liveaboard, is that tolerated ?

Any other drawbacks or advantages, ideally from someone who's kept a boat there rather than just visited ?

I know it's not the best looking marina but it's quite a bit cheaper than Brighton and not really that far away, so...

Boo2

 

[RupertW]

Over the decades I've kept my boat at Newhaven three times, and have a boat there now.

Cons - not a lot in the way of facilities, and far more boats now are in half tide berths than a couple of decades ago - presumably a dredging issue.

Pros: Reliable and friendly staff and on Saturdays you get to sail to Eastbourne or a Brighton for your night out rather than sailing to Newhaven from one of those ports. Oh, and with a B&Q and a supermarket in walking distance it's got the basics I want. I've also found Denton Island a good boatyard for maintenance. Depending on the weather I also like the anchorage off Newhaven beach (outside the harbour) and particularly Cuckmere haven which is very picturesque.

 

[Aeolus]

I've been at Newhaven for 7 or 8 years now. I'm lucky to have one of the berths that never dries so have all weather, all tide access. If this is an issue for you, you could ask if one such is available. It's very sheltered but only about 500 metres from the sea so very quick to get in and out. The facilities are poor - the toilet/shower block is serviceable but way out-of-date. Electricity is not metered - you just pay a fixed connection charge which is good if you like to keep your batteries on charge and run a small heater over the winter. There is water on the pontoons which usually works. Parking is fairly close to the boat (unlike Brighton and Eastbourne).

But investment in the marina is minimal - the marina company is owned by a property company that went into administration with the property crash and, as far as I know, is still in administration. The ferry causes no disturbance at all - the very few shipping movements may delay your entry or exit by 5 - 10 minutes but that rarely happens. There is a scrap metal transhipment operation on the eastern quay which very occasionally generates some dust - mostly it's just an eye-sore.

It is, however, probably the cheapest marina on the south coast, certainly the cheapest one with good access. Easy to get to Brighton or Eastbourne for a day sail or weekend visit, sailing along the seven sisters is truly beautiful, as RupertW says Seaford Bay and Cuckmere haven are usually good anchorages, the waters are uncrowded, few underwater hazards, the Solent is about 12 hours away and Dieppe and Fecamp just slightly longer. Not sure about live-aboards - I think there is one, part-time live-aboard a few boats away from me - mostly I think that they are not too bothered as long as you are discrete. But if that's your intent, you should check further.

The town is a bit of a dump (apologies to any proud residents) but is gradually improving. Supermarkets, B&Q, a good chandlery at the marina. There are a few pubs and restaurants but they seem to close, change ownership and re-open quite often so quality is probably variable. Also it's a fishing port and you can buy fresh fish if that's your cup of tea.

 

[dunmor]

any idea of the prices they charge?

 

[masterofnone]

Prices are as follows: + vat.
£222 per metre incl 3 months ashore if reqd
elec £270 pa or metered poa
Hoist out £22.50 per m
Hoist in £17.5 per m (up to 12t)
Prices are for 2014
As has been said you dont get alot for your money apart from the berth, but it is cheap.

 

[Paddingtonbear]

It certainly is not cheap given the awful facilities although if it is basic you want it will suit however if it is livaboard you want try Peter Leonard at Denton Island just the other side of the swing bridge. It is almost certain that he will accomodate you. The very best of luck with your search. Something that does not immediately spring to mind, Newhaven is very well served by public transport, masses of buses alon g the coast in both directions and trains to civilisation even London every half hour and yes I do live there.

 

[Iliade]

Not to mention that Newhaven is a *much* easier place to enter in a blow than Brighton! That said, it is worse than Shoreham ;0)

The ferry did once (at least) wipe out several moorings, but that was years ago...

- Better for coastal sailing as Newhaven would then not be on the itinerary :0)
- Slightly worse for XC sailing as the separation zone ends approximately on a line from Shoreham to Fecamp.
- Offing does seem to be rougher than other local ports (maybe shallowing?) but entrance itself is good.
- Much more traditional feel than Brighton or Eastbourne.
- Industrial port, i.e. something to watch but some noise.
- TV & Radio reception (this was very poor at Brighton)
- Swell and wash. Swell also not great in Brighton.
- Easy (simple) car parking.
- Less anonymous.
- Full tide return regardless of your particular berth.
- Nearby greasy spoon, if that's your kind of thing. (Assuming it's still there in the little courtyard)
- Large swindlery within paint can carrying distance.
- Permanently resident staff
etc

 

[Paddingtonbear]

Agree with all of above. In addition there is a proper Lifeboat, a vibrant community centre and cinema at the Hillcrest Centre and a busy dive centre but the greasy spoon is now shut. However there is a greasy caravan near the commercial slipway, a bakers which does good breakfasts and an upmarket cafe all within spitting distance. The Hope seems to be thriving under new landlords, has Harvey's+2 and reasonable food although not as good as they think it is. Several very good one man bands for repairs especially Len Reed (welding and fabrication) and the wonderful John Street who can machine anything out of anything and is spectaculally CHEAP.

 

[jellyellie]

I love Newhaven - it has a 'real' feel to it. I have found the scrap metal works very noisy when I have had a couple of visitors' nights there before. It has the best chandlery around though! A real little gem, just last weekend I went to try and source something and they were extremely chatty and helpful.

My favourite bit about Newhaven is walking up to the fort - brilliant views, great walk, and even a couple of geocaches to find