Possibly this is because East Riding of Yorkshire Council never provided a complete financial evaluation of its original marina proposals.

Years ago there were proposals from private enterprise, yes even "yachties" and businessmen, to build a marina in Bridlington but these were always turned down by the council.

It is clear that over the past 25 years and more there has been the most outstanding growth in all the forms of the various activities of recreational boating.

Marinas have been built all over the UK and throughout the world.
Businesses and government authorities do not build marinas for altruistic reasons.

They build them because recreational boating brings profits, progress and employment plus many associated developments bringing prosperity to local communities.

Those who oppose a marina should ask themselves if they truly believe that everyone else is out of step except Bridlington?

A survey in the Yachting Monthly magazine showed the average British cruising yacht owner is 50 years old, keeps a 32ft yacht in a £3,000pa marina berth, lives at least 65 miles from the sea and drives to the marina at least 12 weekends between April and October.

Other statistics quoted were that abroad, 93% of boats are berthed in a marina while in Holland and the Baltic every boat is berthed in a marina, but in the UK only 55%are – leaving opportunities for the further development of marina berths.

In 2005-06 the UK average marina berth cost circa £2,550pa but £3,300 and more per annum on the south coast.

There is a severe shortage of marina berths in the UK, with boat owners having to wait for several years for a berth.

A survey of the UK marina industry, by Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis, revealed average annual growth is 7%, with a profit margin of 10%. The top 10 marina companies grew 20%

Contrary to some opinions, recreational boat owners generally do not bring their own sandwiches, sit on their boat, eat the sandwiches and then go home. They spend money in local restaurants, pubs and shops.

Many stay with their families in local hotels, guest houses and holiday flats and use local businesses for repairs and maintenance in winter as well as during the season.

Recreational marine activity brings in several ancillary business needs, including engineering, engine overhaul and maintenance, electrics, electronics, plastics, joinery, storage and general boat care.

With a marina in Bridlington it is even possible that large scale boatbuilders could be attracted to our industrial scene.

They too face high costs in the south and might well be tempted to move to a lower costs area. There is space at Carnaby and the labour force available.

Major resorts such as Torquay calculate that a single week's international sailing competition brings in over £1.2million to the town.

You cannot run such businesses and events without marina facilities.

Some residents will remember the pre-war and post-war years when yachts, motor cruisers and recreational craft of all sizes were moored three, four, five abreast down the south pier and Chicken Run and in four or five rows in the top half of the harbour.

In spring, summer and autumn Bridlington Bay, without doubt the best sailing water on the east coast of England, was busy with pleasure craft of all kinds – co-existing with the fishing fleet.

What happened to all this recreational activity? The answer is that these days boat owners, and the fishing fleet too, want modern facilities, to be able to access and use their craft afloat at all states of the tide.

Owners are not willing to see their boats sitting on the mud instead of being able to go to sea at whatever time they wish, in spring, summer, autumn and even in winter when we have very often wonderful weather for boating.

Because of the failure of the previous marina proposal, council tax payers realise that very large sums of their money have been expended, much, if not the major portion of this, on paying lawyers and consultants.

The latest, more limited marina scheme, appears to do nothing to address longer tidal access for harbour users.

Under this proposal, the fishing fleet and marina users would be able to sit on their craft afloat and look out to sea but would not be able to get into the bay any quicker than at present.

Bridlington really does need a marina.

It will bring profits and developments, revitalsing marine leisure activities using Brid's best scenic asset, one of the UK's best sailing waters, Bridlington Bay.

Gordon Gresham,
Cardigan Road,
Bridlington

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