Well it very much looks like Brinklow Marina's off the radar for the summer. I had several slightly strange telephone conversation with someone who, after putting me through a thorough interrogation, which I had revealed that we were constant cruisers, said that he would get back to me. When he did, it was to say that he had been through the bookings and that there would be no spaces during the summer. Strangely when we were visiting the place, one third to a half of the moorings were empty. They must be expecting a rush in the next three months. Or maybe their moorers were all out cruising at the end of February. Or maybe they just wanted to keep scum like us out of their pristine marina. Who could blame them. Your guess is as good as mine. Although I think mine is better.
We like this mooring in Ansty. There is nothing in the village (except a pub that wants to be a restaurant) but it is very pleasant. There is an area along the canal on the 'No Mooring' area that is opposite a house and has signs every three metres that say 'Strictly No Mooring'. So what's the difference between 'No Mooring' and 'Strictly No Mooring'? Are the occupants of the adjacent house anything to do with this profusion of signage? Your guess is as good as mine. Although I think mine is better.
We had a very palatable meal at the Rose and Castle here at Ansty. A bit more than we are used to paying but well worth it in our opinion.
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In light of the 'no moorings' signs, a question for you: how do you think those on land see those on water? In my mind it all seems quite romantic (as in 'bloody hard work, but at least we don't live in a house' sort of romantic), but obviously someone doing it will have a completely different view, perhaps?
Ansty has a club (conservative or similar) which welcome boaters & sells beer at club prices, virtually on the towpath-well it did about a year ago. Functioal rather rthan atmospheric.
There are as many opinions on those on the water as there are people in houses. Just as when some people buy a home by the canal and try to keep boats from mooring next to their property. There are loads of nimby's around.
The Ansty club is much more popular than it's size or venue would have you believe. Although we haven't tried it ourselves, I believe that their policy is still to encourage boaters.
Hello Pete - just for the record, I moor in Brinklow and it is full!! My 4 berh pontoon for example has all 4 places taken but only 2 boats on it (one when I'm out!) - the others are booked in and coming, or out cruising, as I should be.
Ansty is a great mooring - I love it, see you there sometime..
or indeed in Brinklow - I'm sure they would be happy to have you, a number of our community are constant cruisers.
Hello Pete - just for the record, I moor in Brinklow and it is full!! My 4 berh pontoon for example has all 4 places taken but only 2 boats on it (one when I'm out!) - the others are booked in and coming, or out cruising, as I should be.
Ansty is a great mooring - I love it, see you there sometime..
or indeed in Brinklow - I'm sure they would be happy to have you, a number of our community are constant cruisers.
Hi Steve
I'm only going by what we saw when I was there. I've now had offers of a mooring from other marinas that, on the face of it, appear much fuller than Brinklow. But then again, I don't have the reservation books in front of me.
HI Pete and sorry you found the experience strange when phoning Brinklow! I can confirm that we are indeed full at present, In fact we are beginning to take a waiting list and I think you'll probably find that your name was added to that list. The thorough interview is nothing personal! Most of our custom is through word of mouth now so we're at the enviable stage where 'unknown' people can be vetted more thoroughly in case spaces come up for them in the future; nothing to do with keeping people out, more to do with continuing our reputation for an amazing and somewhat unique community of friendly boaters. As lead harbour master at Brinklow, you should have let me know you were interested - I could have put a word in!
Whatever happens for you - all the very best and do let me now if you are ever interested again.
Andy Edwards
NB Khayamanzi
www.brinklowmarina.com
BTW. Keep in mind we have over 60 miles of lock free cruising if you discount Sutton's Stop so stoppages don't bother us and I can confirm that many boaters are in and out all the time right over winter! We also have more space than any other marina I know both on the water, between the boats and on the land. That could be why you felt we were empty. We're not into 'stuffing' boats in everywhere, we're into creating a very different marina environment than others. Sorry if this sounds like sales pitch - I'm just explaining the facts and I'm sure other moorers at Brinklow will confirm themselves!!
I'll shut up now!!
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