The boatowner I sail with on the East coast (when its not NE old boots) is considering a mooring here next year. Anyone based there, or a regular visitor, have views (good or bad) about the place?
On the plus side it was convenient and the water taxi was available to take me out to the swinging mooring with the (then) young children.
On the negative the cost was high - in 3 years paid more for mooring than to buy the boat. Also got the impression they didn't care about the boats. Came down one time after boat had been launched to find the rubbing strake was off and no one knew when it had happened.
I think Brightlingsea is great - HM checks on boats, good price etc but cannot walk out to boat. It is a bit further from home (in Norfolk) but the locals are friendly!
We're on a pontoon there at the moment and are very happy with them, plus the location & view are great. We've found the staff to be very friendly & helpful. Overall we've no real issues apart from the price and that leaving/arriving can be tricky with the tide running through.
On the negative side the onsite bar/restaurant is soleless and has a naff name/image, it could really do with replacing, but the Butt & Oyster at Pin Mill is only a mile away.
I think they are probably the only place on the Orwell you'll get a berth, as the other marinas all seem to have long waiting lists.
Chris, have sent you a PM as suggested although usual early evening forum lock up occurred just after I'd pressed send, so let me know if it doesn't arrive.