Pros and cons: Booking vs. spontaneity – should you book a guest berth in advance?

Lars Bolle prefers to book a guest berth

​I used the MySea app to book moorings in Croatia. After a couple of attempts, it was clear: it works, and it makes a noticeable difference to the day on board. The biggest advantage isn’t comfort, but peace of mind. In busy sailing areas, time pressure often starts to mount from midday onwards. Set off early, head for the marina, make sure you’re not late – otherwise you’ll be stuck mooring in a tight spot or at anchor, even though that might not be what you want on that particular day. With a booking, that stress disappears. By the end of the day, your berth is sorted. Suddenly, there’s space. Staying at anchor a bit longer at midday, savouring the afternoon, planning longer legs and even arriving in the evening without getting flustered. For me, this worked just as well in Trogir as it did at a small restaurant with just three buoys. One was reserved – for us. At the restaurant, there was even a table waiting for the crew, with a little sign on it. It felt like a warm welcome. Yes, it costs a bit more. But you’re not just paying for the space; you’re paying for peace of mind, less stress and a more authentic holiday. In crowded sailing areas, I think it’s worth the extra cost. Remember: book rather than curse!

Martin Hager​ wants to remain flexible

For me, there are many reasons not to book guest moorings in advance. Bookings create psychological pressure: you ‘have to’ be in a certain place at a certain time, rather than simply spending another night at anchor spontaneously when the weather is perfect and you’re in the most beautiful bay, enjoying nature. Booking in advance robs a sailing trip of precisely the freedom I’m looking for on board. At the same time, you often have to pay booking fees or deposits, which are lost in full or in part if your plans change – money down the drain. Added to this is the risk of misjudging the character of the harbour: in photos and on online review sites, everything looks idyllic, but once you’re there, your mooring might turn out to be right next to toilet blocks, noisy bars or the petrol station. Without a pre-booking, you can simply sail on in such a case and find a harbour that really suits you. Many sailing areas also offer plenty of alternatives, such as buoy fields, anchorages or local jetties. If you remain flexible, you can make use of these options instead of being tied to what might turn out to be an unattractive marina.

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Further pros and cons:

• ​Has the paper nautical chart finally had its day?
• ​Are electric outboard motors the better choice?
• ​Are outboard motors a good option even on large boats?