Select a region
Studies into marinas around the British Isles revealed a general trend of people purchasing larger vessels and harbours moving to accommodate them, according to Guernsey Ports after time spent looking into ways to improve ours.
A Ports commissioned review into the leisure marinas in Jersey and the South Coast of England found that Guernsey is falling behind in terms of facilities for boaters and in meeting demand for larger vessels.
Marina Projects highlighted that of 30 marinas in the Solent over half were 90% full with extensive waiting lists.
Currently, Guernsey Ports marinas are around 95% full, and more than 200 islanders have paid to be on the waiting list for a berth. Around one third of these already have a boat moored but are seeking a larger berth, between 10 and 20 metres, so they can purchase a larger boat.
Marina Projects claim Guernsey has around the half the amount of these berths when compared to Jersey and the Solent, at around 10%.
The plans revealed earlier this week seek to expand the total number of berths by around 220, with many able to accommodate larger vessels.
Pictured: The pool marina plans have been under consideration for around a year.
Doug Wright, Commercial Manager at Guernsey Ports, reiterated these points when addressing the media.
“If there’s no demand for extra larger vessels the berths can be easily adjusted for smaller vessels,” he said.
But he added: “we know we have got the demand”.
Marina Projects said: “An opportunity exists for Guernsey to address the balance in favour of a larger berth mix profile, and align the market towards that observed in Jersey and the Solent, where market growth is organic and less influenced by other constraining factors.
“They provide an indicative profile of a modern marina with all tide access and can be used as the basis for the berth mix for a Pool Marina.
“The modern boating customer expects a high level of facilities and customer service, such as secure walk ashore marina access, high speed WiFi, premium [toilet and washing] facilities, and high quality bars and restaurants.
“While Guernsey does offer some of these, there has been a lack of investment over the years, they have now become dated and no longer meet the exacting standards today’s customer expects.”
Pictured: Mr Wright explaining the commercial elements of the plans.
Stuart Falla CBE, Chair of the Ports Board, claimed all the pontoons would be wheelchair accessible and the addition of new wrap-around berths in Victoria Marina would help to prevent “water overtopping” onto the Town quay during high tides.
Mr Falla also said all Ports staff are “overjoyed” with the proposals. He said commercial operators and other stakeholders “gasped” when the designs were presented and questioned why the project wasn’t actioned years ago.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.