The most recent Active Captain newsletter addressed a new attempt to set up a marina reservation service.
I was wondering what other cruisers think of this idea.
I have mixed feelings. I always say "the most dangerous thing you can have on a boat... is a schedule." I do this for relaxation. I hate the thought of having to book months in advance to get a good spot. I hate the thought of rushing to reach a destination I'd planned out days or weeks ahead of time. I'd rather see what the weather brings each day, and decide where (and if) I can go that day.
On the other hand, I've called places the day of, or the day before, and been very glad I did, because other boats were turned away. And a reservation makes sense if you're staying at a place for more than just a night or two.
Add this to the Florida anchoring debate, and the discussion about good anchorages filling up with "destination" moorings, and I wonder what the future of cruising will look like. Will we have to plan each day of each trip months in advance? Will there be no spontaneity left?
I was wondering what other cruisers think of this idea.
I have mixed feelings. I always say "the most dangerous thing you can have on a boat... is a schedule." I do this for relaxation. I hate the thought of having to book months in advance to get a good spot. I hate the thought of rushing to reach a destination I'd planned out days or weeks ahead of time. I'd rather see what the weather brings each day, and decide where (and if) I can go that day.
On the other hand, I've called places the day of, or the day before, and been very glad I did, because other boats were turned away. And a reservation makes sense if you're staying at a place for more than just a night or two.
Add this to the Florida anchoring debate, and the discussion about good anchorages filling up with "destination" moorings, and I wonder what the future of cruising will look like. Will we have to plan each day of each trip months in advance? Will there be no spontaneity left?