Contributions by solentlife

Valleviken

marina

solentlife says:

area

maritime qualities

description

The entry into bay and channel needs to carefully monitored as there are only two marker posts indicating a sharp turn .. the channel is narrow in a wide bay. So visually is misleading.
The mooring area is stern buoy and bow lines to shore .. but my 38ft boat was actually just a touch too long - with the stern buoy ring near touching the cleat. I would suggest 30 - 33ft is max on the stbd side if using this buoy arrangement.
Port side of harbour is a works area at first but then you have alongside mooring.

The harbour is narrow so make sure manoeuvring astern to depart is done well ...

The owner / manager and wife are extremely nice people ... and he is an ex single handed circum navigator. His boat that did it is moored alongside there.

I highly recc'd this harbour ... in high summer will be beautiful.

1 x helpful | written on 29. Nov 2024

Ventspils

marina

solentlife says:

area

maritime qualities

description

When entering make sure you keep well clear of breakwater blocks .. some have dislodged into the water and are hidden .. stay at least 15m or so away from the breakwaters .. if no traffic - stay in centre of channel ... Coming in under Sail alone is prohibited but under extreme circumstances such as engine failure - advise harbour Master on VHF and ask permission. This is a commercial harbour and they may ask you to wait or even offer to bring you in under tow ! Yes its happened to me.
Note that due to the layout of the breakwaters - depending on winds up to and at time - the waters near the entrance can be rough and confused due to reflected waves etc ... once rounded and inside breakwater ends - stay to stbd (south side) of channel as per chart as this is Yachting channel. You will see the leading lights if at night ...
Head past the single pier on the right and the entrance to Fishing Harbour is clear after ... turn in and pass the Fishing boats - look to the right and you will see the Yachts. If your boat is under 30ft - the pontoons to the right as suitable - or head for the Baltic Moor places ... buoy at stern, V bow lines to shore. There are two heights of shore work - so pick whats best for you.
Please do not overload cleats with your lines as others next to you need the cleat as well ..
Note that it can get 'choppy' in the harbour as the winds can come over top of the buildings and drop into harbour causing some confused waters ... but generally is good.
I live in Ventspils and always available if anyone needs assistance ... I am also the Cruising Association Local Representative for Latvian West Coast. Harbour Office has my contacts ..

1 x helpful | written on 29. Nov 2024 | updated_on 29. Nov 2024