We have some great natural harbours and sheltered creeks around the Solent, but with the big tidal range so much is exposed as wet mud twice a day, putting deep water moorings at a premium.
There are still plenty of mud berths or half tide moorings, but there in lies the problem, for half the time you can't actually get to and from your boat and when you can you have a limited time to sail or you have to stay away until the following tide come back.
A shore side mooring at the top of a creek is somewhat better since you can get to and from your boat at any time for loading or repairs even if you can't sail. Below the moorings at Dolphin Quay in Emsworth are also nicely located close to the town for shopping and some comfortable nearby pubs while you wait for the tide to return.
This is perhaps the ideal solution if you can find one and afford one, a creekside property where you can keep your boat at the end of the garden.
I really must try an explore up to Dolphin Quay one high tide... :o)
ReplyDeletePS. The little Leisure 17 in the first picture lost her mast this winter - doesn't look like too much damage done as the mast is recovered....