Which French Marina?

[Guest]

On 30th June I shall be migrating my boat to France. Sick of UK fees/services/quality etc...
Anybody have any preferences for French (North Coast) marinas that are easy to get to from London and at a reasonable cost.
Cherbourg comes to mind but what you do you think?

 

[rogerroger]

surely the cost of ferry travel is going to offset a reduction in a marina fees ? and wouldn't you rather be sailing your own boat than spending hours with P&O.

Puzzled ;-)

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[Guest]

Nope.
I think we only had about 6 good weekends in the whole of last year. Considering £1000, instead of £3500 in fees, the good french food, the fine wine, the atmosphere and of course the needs of the wife who considers sailing on the UK coast a totally unpleasurable experience I think France wins. Take into account other aspects - kids get to learn French, real weekend breaks, no one who's going to rush out in a launch to take your money the moment you sling your hook etc .
I'm afraid the UK just doesn't do it anymore.

 

[rogerroger]

well put like that... hold on, I'm coming with you...

le petit fromage est mon ami.



Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[byron]

Consider Belgian Marinas too. The ones a Neuiport are superb and infinately cheaper than the UK an added advantage is the extensive cruising grounds available.

ô¿ô

 

[Guest]

As a confirmed Belgophile I strongly agree with Byron: Nieuwpoort is excellent. Flemish food is far better than French, the Flemish are highly friendly people and very well disposed to the English, you can get a tram from Nieuwpoort to Oostende if you don't want to take a car over, the weather always seems a little warmer and sunnier on that side of the channel (something to do with prevailing winds) although the winters can get quite nippy. You are also very handy for excellent cruising waters in Holland. If you have a mooring agreement in Belgium (or France) you can get good rates on Eurotunnel through their property owners abroad scheme. Go for it!

 

[ceeagr]

Have you considered going the whole hog and moving the boat to the med...maybe Majorca which has loads and loads of cheep flights out of Stanstead now. I'm seriously considering it for next year.

 

[castaway]

If you do this, you must give us a review at the end of the summer. Im sure a great many of us would like to see how it all adds up in reality.. Good luck Nick

 

[Guest]

I'm considering one year North France, one year west brittany etc
Buzz have just started flying to Caen, south of Cherbourg (50 euros one way, 1 hour to Stanstead.) When you think the M3 can take longer that during the summer down to Southampton, France is not a bad option. As with everything it is about juggling different balls and see which way they land. I'll let you know at the end of the summer how it all went. Heve yet to get boat back in water - awaiting new prop.