Berthing advice

[trevera25]

Posted on behalf of and at the request of Pete Cooper


Due to some changes in my brother's personal situation, he is hoping to return to sailing after a long absence, and is currently trying to work out what the best options are for him. On the practical sailing front he has much experience and plenty of willing assistance in brushing up rusty skills. However, one factor that is exercising him is finding a suitable location.

He is considering something around the 10m mark, to put the
factors below in context. Fin keel ideally, but would consider bilge
keels; all boats are a compromise and that is one issue that he is not
fanatical about.

Can anyone advise on sailing locations that meet the following
specifications:

1) Must be reasonably accessible from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. That
means less than (say) 2 hours drive. The closer the better; this will
be a major factor. He will not use air travel routinely for a leisure
activity.
2) Must be useable at all states of the tide (that cuts out
Wells and the other North Norfolk locations).
3) Preferably not too far away from the open sea; ideally some
interesting destinations within a day sail distance.
4) Ideally not too strong a tidal stream in the main channel.
5) Of course, cost is a factor all other things being equal!

He is specifically not interested in racing; he is a cruiser who may try
and get a bit more out of the boat if travelling in the same direction as another boat, but setting out to race does not interest him. So, the presence or absence of a racing club will not be a factor.

Please note that at this stage he is identifying possibilities, and I'd
like to ensure that he is not missing any. This is a long term project;
He doesn't expect to be buying before next year.

The ideal would be a wormhole from Cambridge to the West Coast of
Scotland! But, realistically he is looking at the East Coast. I'll relay any answers back to him. Thanks very much Pete.

[NigeL]

2 hrs drive from Cambridge ? Apart from East Coast mud jumping ... the only other location is Thames ??

To give all states tide useage ........... surely East Coast means lift keel ?? to be economic on berth fees ?

[mirelle]

This is an easy one:

1) Must be reasonably accessible from Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. That means less than (say) 2 hours drive. The closer the better; this will be a major factor. He will not use air travel routinely for a leisure activity.

Any of the marinas on the Orwell. Even Shotley is within two hours of Cambridge. The A14 is not a bad road at all.

2) Must be useable at all states of the tide (that cuts out
Wells and the other North Norfolk locations).

Not a problem.

3) Preferably not too far away from the open sea; ideally some
interesting destinations within a day sail distance.

Not a problem; the Stour, Walton Backwaters, the Deben, the Ore/Alde, the Colne and Blackwater

4) Ideally not too strong a tidal stream in the main channel.

Not a problem

5) Of course, cost is a factor all other things being equal!

If a marina berth is too dear, try a swinging mooring at Pin Mill.