Quote: somehow I don't think this would happen in the UK - or am I dreaming?
Yes I think you're right. My experience is that staff at UK marinas and harbours are more helpful than Med marina staff. I don't think what happened to me would have happened in the UK. They would have tried to help me out, I hope. It's a result of the pressure on berths in the Med. Many Med marinas can sell or rent their berths many times over so they don't give a [--word removed--] about anyone, particularly short term visitors