Yacht berthing at Liverpool's Pier Head!

J

Jaguar 25

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If you missed the lock opening times for Liverpool Marina, what would happen if you pulled into the Pier Head and tied up there for the night?

Any issues?

Normal anti-Scouse comments welcome!
 
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don't even thnk about it in strong NW'lies, the tides flow fast & even the ferries struggle in NW'ly gales. The smal MDHB launches used to go round the back of the stage for better shelter, but that was 20 years ago & there's a lot of mud visible at LW springs these days. The stage never struck me as a safe place to put a yacht.
 
In truth you probably couldn't get there anyway if I am are going against the ebb (Jaguar 25 just about makes 4 knots motoring) but there are few options if you come back late - New Brighton or Tranmere mooring buoys, anchor off Hilbre, etc.
 
I've only sailed (sort of) into Liverpool once. I was quite nervously bringing in the sprit sail on HM Bark Endeavour in 97 as we motored up stream of the Albert Dock and then did a sort of ferry glide diagonal approach across the river from upstream in a tide that was on the turn. We did not so much enter the Albert Dock as crunch into it with bits of rail going in all directions.

We only had one chance at entry and we weren't going to miss it, come hell or low water. I would not want to overnight in the river unless I was of some considerable tonnage with those tides. I dunno what you do if you miss the lock gates. Panic I imagine.

Tim
 
Alfie168 said:
I've only sailed (sort of) into Liverpool once. I was quite nervously bringing in the sprit sail on HM Bark Endeavour in 97 as we motored up stream of the Albert Dock and then did a sort of ferry glide diagonal approach across the river from upstream in a tide that was on the turn. We did not so much enter the Albert Dock as crunch into it with bits of rail going in all directions.

We only had one chance at entry and we weren't going to miss it, come hell or low water. I would not want to overnight in the river unless I was of some considerable tonnage with those tides. I dunno what you do if you miss the lock gates. Panic I imagine.

Tim
Click to expand...

I think I was one of the spectators behind you for that one, a friend of the Captain came out for the day to take some photos...

Alternatives as others have said New Brighton, Tranmere, Hilbre or a night at sea, still probably comfier than the landing stages :S

One thing I can remember is you do not want to get caught behind the landing stages, I can remember atleast one boat being lucky and only loosing its mast...
 
Perhaps consider anchoring off Garston, if you are swept past the marina entrance. Liverpool Sailing Club have a few moorings there. Watch out for the 1000ft slipway though.

If anyone is desperately reading this as Brunswick lock rapidly vanishes into the distance then co-ordinates are approx 53.33N -2.88W and keep an eye on your depth sounder!
 
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