Around the UK in 80 marinas

Those of us who sail off the west coast of Scotland are not too familiar with marinas. Mostly we still anchor, so are in a good position to judge what makes the perfect marina when visiting new cruising grounds.

During my three cruises around the British Isles I’ve tied up in 80 of the 178 marinas in the Reeds 2018 Marina Guide; some very swish with uniformed attendants, others more or less do-ityourself with a parking meter, such as in Cardiff. I’ve tied up to pontoons that hardly earn the title of marina, and rickety wooden staging lashed uncertainly to the shore, but handy nonetheless.

So what is it that us visitors want? What for us makes the perfect marina?

Shelter with all tide access

It goes without saying that we are looking for shelter – from wind, tide and weather.

This is most certain to be found on pontoons behind a lock gate in old harbours, often in towns which have seen different days, such as Hartlepool, Maryport, Watchet, and Hull. But here entry is restricted by the tide.

However, some