Ostende and red diesel - BEWARE

[Colvic Watson]

Mercator is a great marina, right in the centre of an interesting city and for no more than the swell filled fish dock near the entrance. Sadly Belgium is off the list until they start welcoming us yachties again so it's direct to Flushing next summer.

[sailorman]

The RYCO pontoons look old & run down. The marina is in a rather industrialised area with views of the aggregate yard etc & it is quite away from the better parts of the town,
We pedaled bikes to Blankenburgh this year & went past. There seemed very few spare slots & some of the boats looked run down making the whole site look very depressing

its some 30 yrs since i have been up there, we were storm bound in September in an 8m boat, the shops were noticeably cheaper than in town

[Stork_III]

The RYCO pontoons were replaced with new electrics and water, about 5 years past, and were then good.. Prior to that they were definitely very ropey especially the electrics. I have always found them very helpful and welcoming. The clubhouse restaurant is very good.

[Gladys]

I went to RYCO in 2013, and would go back at the drop of a hat. Patrick, the Harbour master, is very friendly and helpful. The facilities are good, and as said above, the restaurant is lovely. The downsides are: a very steep ramp at low tide, and the smell as the tide drops. There's a tram stop 5 min away (max) that takes you right into the centre, and it's not an unpleasant walk either... Don't tell too many people though!

[Daydream believer]

and it's not an unpleasant walk either... Don't tell too many people though!

You have to be joking. It is through an industrial area !!!!
When you come out the marina into the main road there is nothing of interest
Unless you like dodging traffic on the main road or cyclists on the cycle track

But to each his own I suppose

[sailorman]

You have to be joking. It is through an industrial area !!!!
When you come out the marina into the main road there is nothing of interest
Unless you like dodging traffic on the main road or cyclists on the cycle track

But to each his own I suppose

That is certainly correct

[Colvic Watson]

Is RYCO the one "Robert" used to manage?

[Stork_III]

You have to be joking. It is through an industrial area !!!!
When you come out the marina into the main road there is nothing of interest
Unless you like dodging traffic on the main road or cyclists on the cycle track

But to each his own I suppose

You've not seen the teddy bear decoration in the lock pool on the leftover the bridge then?

[sailorman]

Is RYCO the one "Robert" used to manage?

No

[Daydream believer]

Is RYCO the one "Robert" used to manage?

Robert was in the North Sea Yacht Club's area just inside on the right.
Now managed by Simon plus an assistant (Albert) at busy parts of the year