Which East coast marina?

[pks1702]

Every time a thread comes up about East Coast marinas 90% of the respondents are from Shotley, and all saying how great it is. I used to think there was no basis for this, I couldn't understand why given it's obvious issues, it was much more loved than anywhere else on the EC, despite it being on balance no better or worse than most other marinas.

Now I thnink I've cracked it, it's not mass hallucinations or something in the tap water. It's because everyone there has time for a quick post about its beauty and wonder........

.......whilst they're waiting for the lock


And to all the Shotleyites please, this is only a bit of teasing

Now you tell me... there was me drinking bottled water, I am knocking that on the head if the tap water has 'medicinal' properties

 

[squibber]

What's security like at SYH? They don't really mention it on the website. I assume there is some sort of access control to stop the unscrupulous getting onto the pontoons, cctv etc?

There is virtually no security at SYH, it is open from the land and river. Amusingly a few years ago a harbour assistant helped a thief hook a boat up to the vehicle he was using. Ipswich has a barrier but it is only closed at night and even that can be overcome quite easily but it means getting out of the car so I don't bother. It also has CCTV everywhere but there are so many vessels it would be difficult to know who is up to no good.

 

[maby]

The only marina that I'm aware of which I would describe as reasonably secure is Chatham. It's a locked marina, so you can't just cast off and leave without some level of supervision, and access to the pontoons is controlled via doors with decently secure locks. The barriers between the pontoons and the public access areas are sufficiently high to deter most people.

 

[dune16]

I'm going to take my chances at SYH for first season (insurance better be good!) as the dealer is there along with the instructor for my tuition and then re-assess for the following season.

 

[John 32i]

Wise choice & welcome! - We have had four good years at SYH - they have their faults like anywhere but we wont be going anywhere soon!

 

[Bob@SYH]

There is virtually no security at SYH, it is open from the land and river. Amusingly a few years ago a harbour assistant helped a thief hook a boat up to the vehicle he was using. Ipswich has a barrier but it is only closed at night and even that can be overcome quite easily but it means getting out of the car so I don't bother. It also has CCTV everywhere but there are so many vessels it would be difficult to know who is up to no good.

I presume you can substantiate this? If not I might politely suggest you withdraw the comment. I will notify the Moderators.

 

[Bob@SYH]

I'm going to take my chances at SYH for first season (insurance better be good!) as the dealer is there along with the instructor for my tuition and then re-assess for the following season.

While I'm here, I'd like to re assure you regarding any concerns. We do have security measures on site, for obvious reasons I can't go into details. However as I'm sure you appreciate some sites lend themselves more to a rigorous security regime however we have various rights of way through the site and of course do not have a lock so access via water is indeed unrestricted.

It is always a fine line between what might be seen as excessive and reasonable security and we hope we have a sensible balance in place. we would be more than happy to discuss this further with anyone should they wish to contact us directly.

Other than that I sincerely hope you have an enjoyable forthcoming year with us.

 

[Tradewinds]

Re SYH

I was berthed in the slightly more 'remote' west harbour at SYH for 10 years and never had any security issues during that time either in the water or ashore.

Now in Netherlands for a year or two but would not hesitate to go back there.

Just my 2p.

 

[sailorman]

I presume you can substantiate this? If not I might politely suggest you withdraw the comment. I will notify the Moderators.

Squibbler (& his previous incarnations) Is a local Orwell / Ipswich Sleuth

 

[dune16]

While I'm here, I'd like to re assure you regarding any concerns. We do have security measures on site, for obvious reasons I can't go into details. However as I'm sure you appreciate some sites lend themselves more to a rigorous security regime however we have various rights of way through the site and of course do not have a lock so access via water is indeed unrestricted.

It is always a fine line between what might be seen as excessive and reasonable security and we hope we have a sensible balance in place. we would be more than happy to discuss this further with anyone should they wish to contact us directly.

Other than that I sincerely hope you have an enjoyable forthcoming year with us.

Many thanks for your reply. I'm really looking forward to joining you at SYH in the New Year

 

[dune16]

Wise choice & welcome! - We have had four good years at SYH - they have their faults like anywhere but we wont be going anywhere soon!

Thanks for the welcome John. I'll keep an eye out for you in the New Year to say hi

 

[Chalk]

Dune - you will have a good time at SYH I am sure. Don't be put off. Everywhere on the East Coast is good. Crikey! You have a boat!! What could be better?!

 

[Otter]

Great to see a local company joining the debate and highlighting misinformation and inaccuracies.

 

[sailorman]

Great to see a local company joining the debate and highlighting misinformation and inaccuracies.

Agreed
some only use the forum to stir-up trouble I wonder if Toyboy has relations on here

 

[squibber]

While I'm here, I'd like to re assure you regarding any concerns. We do have security measures on site, for obvious reasons I can't go into details. However as I'm sure you appreciate some sites lend themselves more to a rigorous security regime however we have various rights of way through the site and of course do not have a lock so access via water is indeed unrestricted.

It is always a fine line between what might be seen as excessive and reasonable security and we hope we have a sensible balance in place. we would be more than happy to discuss this further with anyone should they wish to contact us directly.

Other than that I sincerely hope you have an enjoyable forthcoming year with us.

Where are these rights of way you refer to?

 

[squibber]

I'm going to take my chances at SYH for first season (insurance better be good!) as the dealer is there along with the instructor for my tuition and then re-assess for the following season.

The Sea School is amongst the best you will come across.

 

[squibber]

I presume you can substantiate this? If not I might politely suggest you withdraw the comment. I will notify the Moderators.

The security at SYH is so bad two blokes drowned on their way to the loo and nobody found them until daylight when their fellow crew woke and went looking for them.

 

[squibber]

You can walk onto the pontoons at SHY and Shotley. Both are, however, a bit out of the way and the approach roads are dead ends at the marinas. Shotley has CCTV, not sure about SYH. Shotley is manned 24/7 and the lock keepers do periodically wander around through the night.

I photographed a suspicious looking character on the pontoon at SYH and gave it to one of the main men there. He discovered said person was on the Interpol watch list but I don't know why. I am no longer based at SYH so I don't see or hear as much these days.

 

[dune16]

The security at SYH is so bad two blokes drowned on their way to the loo and nobody found them until daylight when their fellow crew woke and went looking for them.

Sounds a bit harsh to me blaming SYH for that. Anyway, I've made my mind up now so thanks to everyone for the responses and I can't wait for next season to roll around now so I can get started

 

[Leighb]

More than a bit harsh, AFAIR the inquest showed that drink had been taken ++, and it was thought likely that one had got up in the night to pee over the side, fallen in and the other had gone in to help and sadly both drowned. Third crewmember was deeply asleep and heard nothing.

Seems hardly likely that any normal form of security would have had any impact on this sort of accident.