The berth of a new season

Spring is upon us and the time is ripe to start looking for a new berth for your yacht. So what are the options out there? Sam Jefferson investigates

- Sam Jefferson

Early spring can be a testing time for sailors as they consider their options when it comes getting their boat ready for the spring season.

With the boat out of the water and a bitterly cold breeze frequently still howling around the boatyard it can take a bit of strength of will to envision the summer season ahead and remember that if you put in the hard yards now, your yacht will be resplendent and all set for the season ahead.

Marina or mooring buoy?

Sometimes the decision is simple as you may well have a favoured marina or mooring you have used for years. Yet cruising intineraries can also change and there is every chance you may wish to strategically place your yacht nearer to some tempting new cruising ground. If this is the case, then it is well worth shopping around. Some marinas do ‘early bird’ offers for those who are quick to make up their mind while discounts are also frequently available for those who are willing to pay in full upfront. It’s also worth bearing in mind that some of the bigger marina chains offer discounted berthing at some of their ‘sister’ marinas in other parts of the country. This may well prove beneficial if you have a rough cruising itinerary mapped out for the summer that coincides with the location of one of these marinas with a contra deal.