The mooring space: an obstacle course, Myth or Reality?
Sea lovers know that finding a mooring space can be a real obstacle course. In France, and more specifically in Brittany, the demand for mooring spaces exceeds the supply.
The difficulties in finding a mooring space can be numerous and varied.
Thefirst difficulty is often related to location. Coastal areas are in high demand and mooring spaces are rare there. In Brittany, for example, mooring spaces are concentrated in major marinas such as Le Crouesty, Arzal, Quiberon, Lorient, or La Trinité-sur-Mer. Spaces in these ports are highly sought after and waiting lists can be long.
Thesecond difficulty is related to cost. Mooring spaces are often expensive, especially in the most renowned marinas. In Brittany, prices vary depending on the size of the boat and the location. The highest prices are often found in the most touristy ports. Costs related to maintenance and security can also increase the price of the space.
Thethird difficulty is regulation. Legislation regarding mooring spaces is often complex and varies depending on the ports and regions. It is important to gather information before taking a mooring space, particularly regarding opening hours, booking procedures, safety rules, and environmental standards.
However, there are solutions and alternatives to find a mooring in Brittany.
The first solution is toregister on the waiting lists. Major marinas often have waiting lists for moorings. It is important to register as early as possible, as the waiting times can be long.
The second solution is tolook for moorings in lesser-known ports or fishing ports. These ports are often cheaper and less in demand than major marinas. However, it is important to check the access and safety conditions before taking a mooring.
The third solution is toopt for an anchorage or a mooring buoy. This alternative involves anchoring your boat in an authorised area, outside of marinas. Moorings and buoys are often cheaper than berths, but require special precautions for the safety of the boat.
The fourth alternative is tofind a dry berthwithin port facilities (dry dock) or directly with a shipyard. The only constraint is that the boat is not available immediately; you need to consider the delays and operations for launching and retrieval.
Finally, if these solutions are not possible or fast enough for your needs, several alternatives are available to you:
1# Buy a new boatwith a berth offered by the dealers
"We do not sell new boats, but if you already have a boat, we would be happy to take care of selling it quickly to finance part of your project."
2#Take shares in a shared boat., by purchasing shares in a boat already at the port, you can benefit from its berth without waiting.
"We regularly assist sellers and buyers in finding partners for setting up nautical co-ownership."
3# Put your boat in a Management-Rental programme.to benefit immediately from a berth and, as a bonus, rental income and full maintenance of your unit.
"In close proximity to management rental companies, we frequently have boats already operated in management-rental in our catalogue."
4#Be flexible and mobile., by using short contracts (stopover, week, month) and sometimes changing ports to play with occupancy rates and availability. More and more hybrid contracts afloat / ashore are developing, allowing for the release of passage berths in the ports.
"Anchored in the territory and present all year round on the pontoons, we know the movements and availability of the main ports in the region to assist you in finding immediate but temporary solutions!"
In conclusion, finding a mooring in Brittany can be a real obstacle course, but fortunately there are solutions and alternatives to meet the needs of boat owners, provided that one shows adaptability until achieving the Holy Grail.