Penarth Marina is situated within the sheltered waters of Cardiff Bay and built around the basins of the historic Penarth Docks. The marina is an ideal location from which to enjoy Cardiff Bay and to explore the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary and its many ports.
The marina provides a safe berth for resident or visiting craft and has 24 hour access via the Cardiff Bay Barrage. The Barrage has created a 500-acre freshwater lake, which is heralding a new era for boating in the region and the development of an exciting and vibrant leisure waterfront amenity.
- 340 fully serviced and secure pontoon berths within 2 basins.
- Professional, friendly staff on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Accommodation for vessels of up to 25m L.O.A., Beam 5.5m and Draught 3m.
- Gasoil (red diesel - not for road use) and petrol are available on the fuel pontoon.
- Toilets and showers are located in both the Marina Office and Inner Basin Service Building.
- A berthholders T.V. lounge is available in the Inner Basin Service Building.
- Water & electricity (240 volt/15 amp) available on all berths.
- A full boatyard service is provided. Trained, qualified staff operate our 20T mobile hoist.
- Ample free car parking is available to berth holders.
- Chandlery, boat sales, boat and engine repair, sailmaking and rigging services are provided on site.
- El Puerto’s and La Marina restaurants offer excellent food and drinks from the Custom House adjacent to the marina.
- The local RYA Training Centre, Tiger Bay Training operate from the marina.
By Road
The marina is easily accessible from Junction 33 of the M4. Follow the A4232 southwards for 8 miles. Then take the exit signposted A4055, Barry and Penarth, and at the roundabout take the 3rd exit, passing Morrisons supermarket on your left. Continue on the short section of dual carriageway up the hill. At the next major set of traffic lights bear left signposted Penarth. The marina is signposted with brown information signs from this junction. At the next mini roundabout take the first exit. After 200m you will reach a roundabout at the entrance to Tesco supermarket. Take the second exit, keeping Tesco on your right and follow the road to the Marina.
Buses
Buses from Penarth to Cardiff run every 20 minutes from the centre of Penarth to the main coach station in Central Cardiff.
Rail
Trains leave Penarth for Cardiff Central every 30 minutes during the day.
Air Travel
Cardiff Wales Airport is 20 minutes away by road and offers a wide variety of domestic and European flights.
Approaches to Cardiff
The busy commercial Port of Cardiff, owned and managed by Associated British Ports (ABP),
lies approximately half a mile to the north of the Outer Harbour. All shipping for the port must use the
narrow dredged channel, know locally as the Wrach Channel, the entrance to which is marked by
the Outer Wrach cardinal buoy.
Whilst in the approaches to the channel and in the channel itself commercial vessels are
constrained by their draught and will be unable to manoeuvre freely.
ABP's Harbour Master therefore recommends that leisure users keep close to the Penarth side of
the harbour. If a crossing of the Wrach Channel is unavoidable it should only be attempted when
the channel is clear and at right angles. ABP's Harbour Master further recommends that leisure
users maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 69 to hear safety or navigation broadcasts made by
Severn VTS, an Information Service Vessel Traffic Service based in Cardiff.
Information on expected and actual shipping movements for Cardiff and all other ABP ports in
South Wales together with other safety information for marine users can be obtained by reference to
Severn VTS's website on www.severnvts.co.uk.
Pilotage - Cardiff Bay Barrage
Passage into Cardiff bay from the Bristol Channel is relatively simple. Vessels are required to lock in through one of three locks which are located in the Outer Harbour. The Outer Harbour is dredged twice a year to Chart Datum which facilitates 24 hour access into the bay dependant on draught on all but the lowest of Spring Tides. Inbound vessels should pick up the main shipping channel (Wrach Channel) which leads to ABP Cardiff Docks. The Barrage Channel is marked by a series of lateral buoys which lead off to port from the main channel.
Communications
The Barrage locks are operational all the year round on a 24 hour basis. Barrage Control operates on
VHF Channel 18 and can be contacted on 02920 700234. An initial call should be made when vessels are in the vicinity of the
Outer Wrach Cardinal Buoy to arrange to enter the outer harbour and lock into Cardiff Bay.
Vessels should not enter the Outer Harbour without obtaining permission from Barrage Control.
Barrage Traffic Signals
Traffic Lights are located on each of the three locks and on the Northern breakwater which coordinates entry
to the Outer Harbour.
Light Signals
Three Vertical Flashing Red
Emergency : Stop and Contact Barrage Control
Three Vertical Red
Do not enter lock
Three Vertical Green
Enter Lock
Green, White, Green
Enter Lock on instruction from Barrage Control
Pilotage into Penarth Quays Marina
Once clear of the Barrage locks, vessels should turn immediately to port where they will see the marina
entrance. Vessels should call Penarth Marina on VHF Channel 80 to inform us of their intended
arrival whilst they are waiting in the Barrage Lock or immediately after entering Cardiff Bay.
The level of water within Penarth Quays Marina is normally held at the same level as the water within
Cardiff Bay. This means that vessels are able to pass between the marina and Cardiff Bay on
freeflow and avoid locking. Normally vessels will be able to proceed straight through the lock
into the marina basin. Visiting vessels may be asked to wait on a reception pontoon in the lock
where they will be met by marina staff and allocated a berth.
It is important to note that if the level of water has been dropped within the bay it may be necessary
to lock the vessel conventionally into the marina. Skippers should be aware that a slight flow may be
experienced within the marina lock barrel.
Traffic Lights
Vessel movements into the marina are controlled by traffic light signals and are as follows:
Double Red:
Danger Keep clear of lock
Single Red:
Lock in use, keep clear.
Green:
Enter lock on instruction from marina staff
Penarth Quays Marina
Penarth
Vale of Glamorgan
CF64 1TQ
Marina Manager - Stuart Jones
Tel: 029 20 705021
Fax: 029 20 712170
e-mail: penarthmarina@quaymarinas.com
Please request a marina handbook for further information and the full tariff.
Marina Plan
| Security/Access | Access to the pontoons, toilets and shower facilities is via an electronic key fob system. Visitors will be issued a temporary PIN valid for the length of their stay. Information notices are posted in the foyer of the marina office building and the inner basin services building. |
| Toilets and Showers | Toilets, showers and disabled facilities are located on the ground floor of the Marina Office. There are also toilets on the ground floor and showers on the first floor of the Inner Basin Service Building. |
| Laundry | Laundry facilities are available in the Inner Basin Service Building. The laundry equipment is operated with £1 coins. Change is available from the Marina Office. |
| Telephones | A payphone is available in the Inner Basin Service Building. |
| VHF Radio | The marina maintains a listening watch on Channel 80. Call sign ‘Penarth Quays Marina’. |
| e-quay | Leave your e-mail address at reception to receive our weekly electronic newsletter. This includes a weather forecast and tidal information, plus news and events. |
| Water and Electricity | Water and electricity are available on the pontoons. To ensure good quality water please use the short blue hoses or the blue hose at the fuel berth. If using the yellow hoses, please allow the water to run for a few minutes beforehand. Electricity supply is via pre-paid cards which can be purchased from the Marina Office. |
| Fuel | Gasoil (red diesel - not for road use) and unleaded petrol are available from the Fuel Berth which is located adjacent to the Travel Hoist ramp in the Inner Basin. Please call the Marina Office on VHF Channel 80 for service. Fuel may be paid for in the Marina Office by cash, cheque or credit card. Bottled gas may be purchased at the chandlery at the boatyard in the Inner Basin. |
| Recycling | There are recycling bins for paper, glass, plastic and cans, located at the entrance to the inner basin car parks. |
| Refuse | Large bins are located adjacent to each pontoon access brow in the Inner Basin and behind the Marina Office. |
| Waste Oil/Batteries | Waste oil should be disposed of at the boatyard. Provision is also made for battery disposal, please contact the Marina Office. |
| Boatyard Facilities | Full boatyard facilities are available at the Marina. For details, contact the Marina Office. |
| Pump Out | A bilge and holding tank pump out facility is operated by Cardiff Harbour Authority. This is located adjacent to the Barrage locks, opposite the marina entrance. |
| Trolleys | Trolleys are available from the trolley park adjacent to the Inner Basin Service Building and the lock gates in the Outer Basin. |
| Weather Forecasts | Local area weather forecasts are displayed daily on the notice board in the foyer of the Marina Office building and the Inner Basin Service Building. A Met Fax service is available from the Marina Office for which a charge is made. |
| Cardiff Barrage locking times | As a general rule, outbound locks are on the hour and half hour whilst inboard locks are co-ordinated on demand. |
| Car Parking | Parking permits are provided free to berth holders (2 per licence). Otherwise all car parks have pay and display facilities for visitors and guests. |
| Provisions | There is a Tesco supermarket ten minutes walk from the marina at the far end of Penarth Haven. |
| Rate/Metre | |
| 12 Months (1st April 2008 - 31st March 2009) | £257.00 |
| 11 Months | £251.00 |
| 10 Months | £244.50 |
| 9 Months | £232.00 |
| 8 Months | £218.75 |
| 7 Months | £206.00 |
| 6 Months | £193.25 |
| 5 Months | £167.50 |
| 4 Months | £141.75 |
| 3 Months (minimum contract duration) | £116.00 |
| Zapcat Berthing (Price per annum) | £905.00 |
Winter Berthing Rates - October to March only
| Rate/Metre | |
| 6 Months | £135.28 |
| 5 Months | £117.25 |
| 4 Months | £99.23 |
| 3 Months | £81.20 |
ALL BERTHING FEES ARE INCLUSIVE OF BARRAGE LOCKING AND BAY USE CHARGES
- All contracts will be raised in February 2008 and should be returned by 1st March 2008 at the latest.
- Berthing invoices will be issued in March 2008 and the full payment or the completed direct debit mandate should be received at the marina by 31st March 2008 at the latest.
- The above standard rate for 12 month contracts includes hardstanding charges for 4 weeks for the vessel to be utilised in the contracted berthing year i.e. between 1st April 2008 and 31st March 2009. All contract durations are for continuous months only.
- A minimum charge equivalent to 6.0m boat length will be applied to all contracts.
- This tariff should be read in conjunction with the Marina Terms and Conditions of Use and the Berthing License.
- Discounts of 5% are offered on contracts of 6 months and more, if paid in full before the commencement of the contract term.
| Rate/Metre | |
| Daily (minimum charge £15.00) | £2.00 |
| Weekly | £11.50 |
| Monthly | £38.00 |
| Price per month | |
| Tenders (up to 3.5m) | £37.00 |
| Per visit | |
| Short stay berthing - before 1900hrs (Max. period of stay - 5 hours) | £10.00 |
| Commercial Vessels (Minimum charge) | £37.00 |
Lifting Rates
| Lift out/ lift in | |
| Standard each way price per metre | £15.00 |
| Minimum charge | £90.00 |
| Stepping & Unstepping Masts | |
| 2 man team - price per hour | £74.00 |
| Hull Wash Off | |
| Lightly fouled vessels - price per metre | £4.30 |
| Heavily fouled vessels may attract an additional labour charge at the hourly rate. | |
| Shoring/Chocking - Price per vessel | |
| price per metre L.O.A. | £4.65 |
| Survey Lift / Inspection lift / Sling Wash | |
| Lift, wash, hold for up to 1 hour, and re-launch - Price per metre (Minimum charge £80.00) | 19.50 |
| Weekly Lift Out Package | |
| Lift, wash, storage for up to 7 days & re-launch - Price per metre (Minimum charge £180.00) - subject to availability | £32.00 |
Other Services
| Cradle Hire | |
| Weekly hire rate | £7.00 |
| Open Storage Ashore - Vessels and Trailers (price per metre per week) | |
| Weeks 1 - 12 | £4.00 |
| Weeks 13 - 26 | £6.00 |
| Weeks 27 - 52 | £8.00 |
| Undercover storage (subject to availability) weeks 1-26 | £6.00 |
| Annual contract holders have weeks 1 - 4 included within their contracts. | |
| Annual contract holders weeks 5-26 | £3.50 |
| Boat Movement | |
| Each way movement | £35.00 |
| Miscellaneous Labour | |
| Price per hour (min. duration 1/2 hour) - 2 man team | £74.00 |
| Miscellaneous Storage | |
| Unladen Trailer only - per week | £10.50 |
| Electricity (Afloat and ashore) | |
| Via pre-payment card |
All prices including VAT @ 17.5%.
Please request a marina handbook for further information and the full tariff.
Discount Cruising Offers are available at our other marinas and marinas operated by Premier Marinas on a reciprocal arrangement.
Situated on the South Wales coast in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan, Penarth has been a magnet for holiday makers and day visitors for more than a century.
Its Victorian and Edwardian founders created a resort of great elegance and beauty and their legacy is an attractive bustling town of charm and character. With its superb parks, beautiful seafront gardens and graceful esplanade, Penarth is justifiably known as the garden by the sea.
The town centre retains an air of Victorian style with elegant buildings bordered by tree-lined roads. Some of the finest examples of Victorian Architecture can be seen in Penarth’s churches, public and commercial buildings and in the ornate houses, once the home of the shipowners, coal magnates and master mariners.
The sweeping esplanade is the perfect place for a gentle stroll or to sit and breathe the fresh, salty air. The many vantage points provide panoramic views across the Bristol Channel to the island of Flat Holm and Steep Holm. Penarth’s famous 658 foot pier has been restored and is a regular port of call during summer months for the cruise ships Balmoral and the Waverley - the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world.
From the esplanade, an attractive coastal park leads out to Lavernock Point, an important site in the history of communication. It was from here in 1897 that Marconi sent the first Radio transmission over the water to the island of Flat Holm.
On Penarth’s doorstep is Cardiff Bay, Europe’s most exciting waterfront regeneration scheme. The Cardiff Bay Barrage, which has cost in excess of £220 million has created an inland lake as the focal point of for waterside development. It will also provide a pedestrian link and cycle link from Penarth to Cardiff with more than a million visitors a year expected to make the crossing. Alongside the Barrage and nestling in the lee of Penarth Head is Penarth Marina with attractive waterfront homes and smart yachts and cruisers.
| AllBoat Services | 0800 0304409 |
| B Line Taxis | 029 20711144 |
| Bay Marine Insurance | 029 20631166 |
| CJ Marine Services | 07834 772060 |
| Cardiff Bay Boat Sales | 029 20707331 |
| Cardiff Cats | 079 40 142409 |
| Cardiff Bay Barrage | 029 20700234 |
| Cardiff Bay Yacht Club | 029 20226575 |
| Cardiff Harbour Authority | 029 20877900 |
| Cardiff Marine Village | 029 20343459 |
| Cardiff Yacht Club | 029 20463697 |
| Chandlers Restaurant | 029 20703401 |
| Coastguard (local) | 029 20710961 |
| Coastguard (Swansea) | 01792 366534 |
| Covers 4 all | 07979 694557 |
| Creative Marine Solutions | 07970 420998 |
| Customs & Excise | 029 20386000 |
| El Puerto’s Restaurant | 029 20705551 |
| ExplorerYachtsUK | 02920 70 00 70 |
| GJW Boat Insurers | 0500 141141 |
| Indigomarine | 07836 771 552 |
| Jaflon Restaurant | 029 20701133 |
| John Hamer Boat Transport | 029 20400488 |
| La Marina Restaurant | 029 20705544 |
| Mermaid Quay | |
| National Rail Enquiries | 0845 7484950 |
| Network Yacht Brokers Swansea | 01792 465550 |
| Penarth Yacht Club | 029 20708196 |
| Police | 01446 734451 |
| Raymarine | 07967 120746 |
| Severn Sails | 07736 112842 |
| Tiger Bay Training | 02920 711551 |
| Vydex Nutrition | 02920 578578 |
| West Point Marine | 02920 373400 |
| Wigmore Wright Marine Services | 029 20709983 |
Diary of Events - 2008
| 11th - 20th January | London Boat Show Excel, London |
| 13th & 15th June | South Wales Boat Show Margam Park |
| 21st & 22nd June | Outdoor Action Show Roald Dahl Plass |
| 11th - 13th July | International Festival of Food & Drink Roald Dahl Plass |
| 26th - 27th July | RYA National Youth Powerboat Championships Barrage & Bay |
| 2nd August | Home Nations Rowing Championships Cardiff Bay |
| 16th & 17th August | Classic Motorboat and Car Rally Roald Dahl Plass & Inner Harbour |
| 23rd - 25th August | Cardiff Harbour Festival Roald Dahl Plass & Bay |
| 30th & 31st August | British National water Ski race Cardiff Bay |
| 30th August | Annual Penarth Marina BBQ and Party Marina Boatyard |
| 12th - 20th September | Southampton Boat Show Southampton |
Please note that the above dates may be subject to change, which is beyond Quay Marinas control. Further details of these plus other events will be distributed via the Marina's e-Quay weekly electronic newsletter.
We take our customers' safety very seriously. Please therefore read and follow the guidance notes below. You should familiarise yourself with the locations of safety equipment, and its operation. Customers should also ensure that their guests are aware of safety considerations.
General
- Take care on the pontoons, especially at night or in cold weather - do not run. Use the handrail on the access ramp
- Ensure that young children and non-swimmers wear life jackets when on the pontoons or afloat
- Please do not allow children to 'ride' in the marina trolleys
- Report any damaged or defective equipment immediately
- Barbecues are not permitted onboard or on the pontoons
- Keep pontoon walkways clear of equipment
- Allow pontoon water supply to run for 30 seconds before filling your tanks
Marina SOS stations
These are positioned at various points around the marina and are home to a fire extinguisher, portable rescue ladder, life ring and an audible alarm.
In the event of an emergency, the alarm should be activated in order to summon assistance from other berth holders and/or the duty Berthing Master.
Falling in
There are fixed rescue ladders on each pontoon leg. Make sure you know where they are situated.
Fire drill
- Raise the alarm
- Contact the Marina Office. We will call the Fire Brigade if they have not already been called
- Clear the area of any people who may be in danger and, in particular, those who are down wind of the fire
- Tackle the fire only if it is considered safe to do so
- Leave the area in an orderly manner (do not run)
- Gather at the muster points in either the inner or the outer basins.
Pontoon electrical outlets
When disconnecting your vessel from shore power, remove the power socket from the power outlet first to avoid a 'live end'. Do not leave 'live' cables on the pontoons. We undertake routine inspections of electrical equipment for your safety. Please report any damage to our equipment and periodically inspect your power leads for wear and tear.
Fuel berth & fuelling
- No smoking or naked lights whilst on the fuel berth
- Engines must not be used on the fuel berth
- Mobile phones must not be used on the fuel berth
- Fuel will only be served into appropriate containers
- All refuelling must take place on the fuel berth and from our supply
Speed restrictions
Please observe the DEAD SLOW speed limit and do not create excessive wash within the confines of the marina. Please also take particular care when entering or leaving the lock. Overtaking other vessels in the marina is not allowed.
Icy weather
Please take extra care during cold and icy conditions. The access ramps and adjacent areas are regularly salted during frosty periods. Salt can be provided to customers who wish to salt their own pontoon berth. Please contact the Marina Office for assistance.
Swimming/diving
Swimming is not permitted within the confines of the marina. Diving operations are only permitted with the express written permission of the marina manager and subject to compliance with current Health & Safety legislation.
Insurance
It is a requirement of the marina's terms and conditions that all vessels berthed within the marina should maintain fully Comprehensive Insurance Cover to the value of £2 million. Commercial operators should also carry appropriate employers and Public Liability Cover.
Lock safety
Please observe the following instructions when using the marina lock.
- Brief your crew
- Only enter the lock when instructed to do so
- Enter/depart at a dead slow speed
- Proceed as far forward in the lock as practicable
- Secure your vessel with bow and stern lines and springs
- Lock ladders are for emergency and staff use only
Boatyard safety
In the interests of safety and efficiency please observe the following rules for the use of the boatyard.
- Hull supports (e.g. cradles, shores, blocks, etc.) are not to be moved without the direct supervision of marina staff
- The area around your boat should be kept clear. All equipment or materials should be kept aboard or removed from site
- All debris must be disposed of/removed prior to finishing work on each day
- Children are not permitted to 'play' in the boatyard and must be closely supervised at all times
- No hot work e.g. welding/grinding to be undertaken without the written permission of the marina manager
- Please check power cables are in good condition and run in such a way as not to pose a trip hazard. All leads/power tools should be fitted with outdoor plugs
- For your own safety customers are reminded of the hazards associated with working high above ground level on decks of boats and up ladders and scaffolding
- Owners of yachts are strongly advised to un-step their masts during winter storage
- Vehicular access into the yard is prohibited. Access by pedestrians shall be directly from the abutting car park. Only boatyard plant shall enter the yard via the main roadway gate
Swing bridge
Any vessel moving internally within the Marina between the Inner and Outer basins should contact the Marina office to arrange for the swingbridge to be opened. On no account should vessels pass underneath the swingbridge without informing the Marina office beforehand.
Bristol – 25 NM
Bristol’s Historic Harbour is situated 7 miles up stream of the mouth of the river Avon. It is a locked Harbour in the
heart of the City which gives easy access to a wide selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
Visitors berths are available in various parts of the harbour and it is essential to contact the harbour office to arrange
a berth. Vessels are able to lock in to the city docks from 2.5 hours before HW to 15 mins before HW.
Bristol is 25 nautical miles from Penarth and makes an interesting weekend destination. It has become extremely popular with Penarth yachtsmen especially during the weekend of the Bristol Harbour Summer Regatta.
Porlock Weir – 22 NM
One of the most picturesque little harbours in the Bristol Channel, Porlock Weir is a fascinating place to visit.
The drying Harbour itself can be accessed for 1.5 hours either side of High Water and is suitable for bilge keelers and
other vessels able to take the ground. Smaller vessels unable to take the ground are able to lie afloat in a small pool
outside the dock entrance. Larger vessels can anchor off in Porlock Bay where there is good shelter in winds from the South and West
Lundy Island – 60 NM
Located off the North Devon Coast, Lundy is the largest island in the Bristol Channel and is a must for anyone cruising in
the Channel. The main anchorage is located in the bay at the South East of the Island and provides good shelter in winds
from the West and South West. Lundy itself is a fascinating place and well worth a trip ashore and the climb up the hill
to explore the island and sample the delights of the Marisco Tavern.
For more cruising notes please download the PDF here
Admiralty Charts| Severn Estuary - Steep Holm to Avonmouth | No. 1176 |
| Approaches to Cardiff | No. 1182 |
| Port of Bristol | No. 1859 |
| Bristol Channel | No. 1179 |
| Plans of the ports of Somerset and North Devon | No. 1160 |
| River Severn - Avonmouth to Sharpness | No. 1166 |
Stanfords Bristol Channel and Severn Pilot | |
| Stanfords Chart Pack No: 14 - Bristol Channel |
Welcome to the Penarth Quays Marina section of the Quay Marinas’ website which I hope will give you a wealth of information about the marina and the local area
All the Penarth team are there to make your stay at Penarth Quays Marina as enjoyable and safe as possible so please speak to a member of staff if you need any help.
Stuart Jones
Marina Manager
Penarth Quays Marina
Penarth
Vale of Glamorgan
CF64 1TQ
Tel: 02920 705021
Fax: 02920 712170
email: sjones@quaymarinas.com
