Thanks to everyone who has replied, there is certainly food for thought, especially Cardiff which I'd never considered. Regardless of where I put the boat it is really encouraging as it sounds like there are some friendly places to visit and lots of good sailing is coming my way. Thanks again for all the replies so far. Graham's suggestion about using a dodger under the raised keel is interesting as I found myself thinking on similar lines. I bought the boat last year and it was the previous owner who had the problem on a drying mooring. Are there any drying moorings that are sand or gravel rather than mud.