cardiff bay yacht club fees

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New Boat Owner - Cardiff Bay

• Thread starter steveej
• Start date 3 Sep 2015

7m Sail Boat - where in Cardiff Bay. Choice of two yacht clubs, which is best? Cardiff Marina seems quite a bit cheaper than Penarth Marina but you might get put behind the foot bridge - how much hassle is this. Any locals have an opinion. Pontoons with electric would be nice for a couple of months due to having young children and a place where they don't mind me doing some DIY work on the hard in the winter. Come March, I hope to be in a much better position to decide what to do next. Join one of the clubs and put her on a mooring?  

Well-known member

I would suggest visiting both clubs and having a chat before making your mind up. I think CYC is a bit cheaper than CBYC but CBYC has a better pontoon system, about a third of the pontoons have electricity. Personally I wouldn't pay marina fees when you could be in a club . I have sent you a private message.  

SteveSarabande

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graham said: I would suggest visiting both clubs and having a chat before making your mind up. I think CYC is a bit cheaper than CBYC but CBYC has a better pontoon system. Personally I wouldn't pay marina fees when you could be in a club . I have sent you a private message. Click to expand...

Cardiff Yacht Club operates on a one-off fee for your berth (plus a £60pa maint. fee) +membership fees so in the long run is cheaper - however the pontoons are versadock, and you moor mediteranian style against them, with moorings for your bow. There is no electricity or water on the pontoon system. Also, there is no fuel available in the club. Cardiff Bay Yacht Club is an annual marina fee +membership fees, but you moor normally (alongside) a proper pontoon berth. (which is also more sheltered as you are up-river) All the pontoons have water, though only A-E have electricity. CBYC has it's own deisel fuel. There is currently a 12 month wait for berths (according to website). Penarth Marina oviously has annual marina fees, and you have a proper marina berth (as CBYC) though you pay more per year (even inc. CBYC membership fees). All pontoons have water & electricity. There is diesel & petrol available. Cardiff Marina also has annual marina fees, and costs similar to CBYC's total, and again you have a proper marina berth. Water and electricity to all berths. deisel is available. You may be berthed up-river of pont-y-werin bridge. This isn't a problem though as you just radio barrage control to lift it (though they'll only lift it twice an hour during the day, and once an hour at night) Out of the two yacht clubs, CBYC has a better pontoon system, and only CBYC has electricity, though CYC is cheaper. Out of the marinas, Cardiff Marina is cheaper (similar to CBYC), though Penarth Marina is a bit quicker to get out of (due to it's position)  

Cardiff Yatch Club does have water on C pontoon. I joined about 5 years ago. An incredibly frendly place. If refurbishing a boat there is power and Water in the yard.  

I'm curious as to why so many people need 230v? What do you use that the boat system can't provide?  

its a small boat with an outboard. Batteries are charged from a solar panel. British weather tends to be cloudy.  

• 29 Oct 2015

Although a little late. I would also ask about Security. As don't think some are Manned 24/7.  

Cardiff Bay Yacht Club has a waiting list for pontoon moorings but it usually is less than 12 months. Its more expensive than Cardiff Yacht Club which in turn is a bit more like a traditional sailing club. Not to say that CBYC is snooty or anything like, but it has become more of a marina with a club attached. Lots of big power boats with absentee owners. So if you are the sort of individual who likes joining in a clubs social life, maybe CYC is a better bet. Both clubs allow you to work on your boat on the hard but in the case of CBYC it isnt cheap after the first month because onshore space is short supply. Boatyard facilities are excellent with good professional staff handling lift outs and launches. Cant comment on the CYC facilities - not a member there. The CYC pontoons are third rate IMO requiring you to pick up a stern line and moor bow to before leaping over your pullpit onto pontoons with all the rigidity of my stomach muscles. Sorry but I would class them as cheap and nasty. How far are you from Cardiff and in what direction? If you are central, northern or to the east then consider Newport Uskmouth SC. This is a trad sailing club with excellent facilities and yard space to do anything you want. Moorings come free with a membership that is just £200 or so pa. http://http://www.nusc.co.uk/ . No pontoons just river moorings and therefore no leccy. But the savings on mooring costs would fund several generators each year!  

Another recommendation for Cardiff Yacht Club. My annual fees are close to what some marinas would charge every month. No electric and not all slots have a tap nearby but if you need it, go over and pay the visitors rate at CBYC (£10 for 5 nights) and use their visitors facilities for doing maintenance etc. other than that CYC has all you could ever need. Friendly and good atmosphere. It's awesome being able to sail around the bay in flat water no matter what the wind or tides are doing outside, such a great place to have a boat!  

Thanks for the replies. I live in Bristol and work in Wiltshire so getting down to the club nights has proven difficult so far. I am currently in Cardiff Marina on winter rates which are not too bad but I will need to decide what I am going to do come April. Still haven't made up my mind. Having young kids (2yr old and a ten month old) is leaning me towards electric, water and a pontoon.  

steveej said: Thanks for the replies. I live in Bristol and work in Wiltshire so getting down to the club nights has proven difficult so far. I am currently in Cardiff Marina on winter rates which are not too bad but I will need to decide what I am going to do come April. Still haven't made up my mind. Having young kids (2yr old and a ten month old) is leaning me towards electric, water and a pontoon. Click to expand...

For me would be Penarth Quays Marina. Electrics, Water, Fuel, Chandlers, Restaurant, On/Off Pontoons and 24/7 security also with closed locks at night  

If you live in bristol, portishead is a far better option. CYC is the most expensive option for the first year as you have to lodge a few thousand pounds as a deposit to get a pontoon place You will be unlikely to get a pontoon with electric at CBYC, the first few pontoons are full of posh boats. The smaller and rougher your boat the further away you seem to be put. This is obvious from a quick motor up the river. Cardiff marina is your best option in the bay, as I believe there is no extra charge for being in the boatyard. The toilet/showers are pretty crap though If you want to be able to spend a lot of time on board then penarth or portishead marinas have far better facilities.  

seaboy said: For me would be Penarth Quays Marina. Electrics, Water, Fuel, Chandlers, Restaurant, On/Off Pontoons and 24/7 security also with closed locks at night Click to expand...

• 10 Nov 2015

single said: Restaurant (Food hygiene rating 1/5) Click to expand...

bitbaltic said: If you mean Pier64, I think that might have been a while ago when they kept half the food stock in garden boxes outside!? Does the new management still rate that badly? Click to expand...

• 11 Nov 2015

single said: True, it was a while ago- http://ratings.food.gov.uk/business/en-GB/187897/default Click to expand...

I wouldn't set foot in the place or anywhere else with only 1 star.They are taking the pi$$. The age concern café in barry is run by a group of unpaid volunteers they do cooked breakfasts and lunches so would have had the same inspection as pier 64. They managed 5 out of 5.  

• 12 Nov 2015

So did the Caf in the Marina, the pikey pub (oystercatcher) up the road, and the Custom House. Agree it's a shocking performance by pier64 and reflects badly, it has certainly changed my opinion of them.  

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Cardiff Yacht Club is a thriving yacht club that was originally founded in Cardiff in 1900. Today, the club is centrally located on the edge of Cardiff Bay, overlooking the Wetlands Nature Reserve, with panoramic views over the Bay and the Bristol Channel beyond.

We have about 300 yachts and motorboats permanently moored on either our trot moorings or pontoons in the freshwater bay. There are over 50 dinghies in the club and we have a fully equiped boat yard with 2 boat hoists.

Cardiff Yacht Club is situated on the Hamadryad Peninsula. These facilities are for the benefit of members or those affiliated through the RYA and CYC by prior arrangement only.

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Navigating Cardiff Bay

As you enter Cardiff Bay, having passed through the locks, you will find yourself in a non-tidal fresh water environment that is replenished by the rivers Taff and Ely.

The immediate landmarks you will see are Penarth Quays Marina to port and the River Ely in front of you. As you enter into the Bay you will note Cardiff Bay Yacht Club on the headland slightly to starboard.

Speed limits

The speed limit for the Cardiff Bay inner harbour is a maximum of 5 knots.

The 5 knot limit also applies to boats using the River Taff.

Harbour Authority Licensed passenger carrying vessels are permitted to travel at a maximum of 7 knots in the River Taff. The speed limit for all other vessels using the River Taff is 5 knots.

Temporary speed restrictions

During water-based events, temporary speed restrictions may be established throughout the Bay. These will be notified through Local notices to mariners as well as by Harbour Authority staff managing the event.

View a map of speed limited areas in Cardiff Harbour

Bay level and depths

The depth of water within Cardiff Bay is generally 2.5 metres or greater. Care should be taken when navigating around the wetlands area adjacent to the St Davids Hotel where port hand lateral marks indicate safe water.

Navigation within the Bay is relatively straightforward. However mariners should note that due to potential strong currents in front of the barrage sluices, vessels should keep to the correct side of the West Cardinal Mark.

Mariners should also be aware that the area directly downstream of the sluices outside of the barrage is an exclusion zone as high flows present a serious health and safety risk. Under no circumstances should mariners enter this area.

There is a 5 knot speed limit for River Ely.

Please use caution when passing under bridges, and keep a look out for paddle craft and vessels emerging from mooring areas.

Pont y Werin Bridge

Pont y Werin Bridge is located about halfway along Cardiff Marina’s moorings.

The bridge spans over the River Ely, connecting Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan for pedestrians and cyclists. The centre section lifts for navigation and boat operations. It is managed by Barrage Control, who can be contacted on VHF Channel 18.

Permitted navigation

• Vessels may pass under the fully lowered bridge if there is sufficient air draft.
• When the three vertical red lights are extinguished either side of the bridge, you may proceed. The decision to proceed always rests with the Master of the vessel. Air draught boards are placed on both the downstream and upstream sides of the bridge to help mariners in their decision to proceed.
• Orange lights are illuminated under the lifting span at night to confirm that it is closed.

Restricted navigation

• When the bridge is being prepared to open or close, the lights on either side of the channel (both upstream and downstream) will show fixed red – meaning no vessels are to proceed.
• Navigation lights will flash red – if emergency action is required (maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 18).

Requesting bridge operation

A timetabled lift operation is in place to help mariners plan effectively for locking out of Cardiff Bay Barrage.

The timetable, which is on a request basis via VHF 18, is as follows:

Lift at five minutes past the hour Lift at 25 minutes to the hour

Mariners are advised to give Barrage Control good notice of their intention to navigate underneath the bridge, so that the lift can be planned during busy periods of operation.

Mariners are also requested to keep a listening watch on VHF 18 at all times, in case they need to be notified of any change to the timetable.

In addition, mariners should beware of two-way traffic on the river while passing through the bridge span, and be prepared to receive direction from Barrage Control staff via VHF 18.

Up-to-date information may be obtained from Barrage Control on 029 2070 0234 or on VHF Channel 18.

Cogan Spur Bridge

The Cogan Spur road bridge is a short distance above Pont y Werin. It is possible for small boats to navigate further upstream, but you are advised to be especially aware of your air draught. Cardiff Marine Village lies approximately 1.5 miles upstream of the river entrance, just beyond the Penarth Road Bridge.

There is a speed limit of 7 knots for Harbour Authority Licensed passenger carrying vessels on the River Taff. The speed limit for all other vessels using the River Taff is 5 knots.

When navigating on the River Taff please use caution when passing under bridges. The river can also be subject to fast flows.

Butetown Link Road Bridge

As you travel upstream, the Butetown Link road bridge is clearly marked on either side by port and starboard markers. No other arches are navigable.

Please be aware of canoes and rowers in this area. Your wake can seriously affect light sculling craft, so be vigilant. There is also likely to be other river traffic in this area.

Wood Street Bridge

The depth of water beyond Wood Street bridge is less than 1.5m in many places, and navigation for pleasure craft beyond this bridge is not advisable.

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