Which Marina?

DoubleEnder

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Unbelievably, I think NYACHILWA goes in water this year!! Plan is to go on a swinging mooring in due course but first season I want to be on a pontoon as there will be lots of carrying on and off, fitting of covers, electrical nightmares etc. I think I can get in at Walton(Tichmarsh), Bradwell, Maylandsea...and even maybe (gulp) Burnham. Any views on pros/cons/hidden pitfalls?
 
I had my boat at Titchmarsh Marina for a season before I brought her up to North Wales in 1996. I found it to be quiet, friendly and well protected. They also did a good, one-season deal. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
My wife and I really enjoyed sailing down there.
PS There's a nice pilotage guide by Tom Cunliffe on the www.YachtingTV.co.uk site this month - the Orwell to Titchmarsh.
Happy sailing! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
If you are wroking on your boat, then go look at Bridgmarsh Marine on the Crouch. They have a good DIY attitude and are very helpful, being 2/3 the price of Burnham.
Phone Biff on 07968696815
 
I doubt whether you'd get into Bradwell at short notice - they used to be very full. The disadvantage for you is that its a long way from anywhere and there is no chandlers nearer than Burnham or Maldon.
 
I was at Blackwater Marina for several years & the main drawback(obvious) is that it is tidal.Depending on your draught & your position on the pontoon(the nearer the entrance the more time you have & more expensive) access may be 2/3 hrs either side of high water.They are very friendly,& look after boats well.There is a pub on site & the village is very close .Bakery does the best pasties I have tasted.
The pontoons sit in the mud as does your boat at low water,but the mud is soft & there are fin keelers there.
Bradwell gives nearly full access timewise depending on your draught of course,but probably has a waiting list.
Tollesbury has the same access problems as Blackwater Marina but has a cill so the boats stay afloat.Has a chandlery & good food at the club(seems to get through alot of chefs/caterers).
Have you considered Brightlingsea? Very friendly harbourmaster & not bad pubs.Always been made welcome at Colne YC.
 
Another vote for Titchmarsh although don't rate the bar and tend to get a cab to Kirby Le Soken for food/beer. Crouch is basically a ditch (with apologies to those who don't mind the 12 mile trudge to open water). Never found Bradwell very helpful in the past and not much on site.
 
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Have you considered Brightlingsea? Very friendly harbourmaster & not bad pubs.Always been made welcome at Colne YC.

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Very true, but there is a waiting list places on the pontoon, and the fore-and-aft and swinging moorings (very few of the latter) are only suitable for smallish craft. Quite a long wait if you want to put a 30+footer on the pontoons...

Mike
 
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