Boaters all-important
IT WAS when we realised we were moored for the night just by King's Orchard Marina on the Coventry Canal, that we thought an investigation would be appropriate.
Though its towpath gate was locked, luckily the man in charge—Martin Lewis, pictured—was in sight, and quickly allowed access, giving a conducted tour of the site.
All-important
It was soon apparent that the boaters were all-important at this select marina, with a choice of their 'accommodation', including private bathrooms for its Gold Standard moorers, and even the normal ones getting excellent facilities. as shown below.
These included showers and laundry facilities, a barbecue and picnic area, and for the cold winter evenings a fire pit where logs are burned, with the boaters sat around enjoying the warmth. Of course it had the expected fuel and pump-out services, together with a stainless steel Elsan disposal unit. Every berth has its own electricity and water laid on.
The office and most facilities are in one building at the far end of the marina from the canal, with fuel etc nearby, with plenty of important water space for the boaters to manoeuvre, as can be seen from the picture below.
Security
Security is all important, with all the jetties behind locked gates, with even the road entry to the site by locked gates, with non moorers having to use an entry phone system to gain admittance, that we discovered on our walk around the marina beforehand, so together with a locked gate to the towpath, it is indeed secure.
Holding just 93 berths and set in attractive countryside this marina is ideal for the boater who prefers a more quiet environment without the hustle and bustle of the big marinas, especially those open to the public.
Happy place to moor
The way Martin was greeted by moorers soon showed that it was a happy place to moor, and he told us:
"The owners have tried to make this a friendly place, where the boater is all important, and should any problems arise I make sure it is satisfactorily dealt with."
We were impressed.
