Updates on Covid-19

For a current list of FAQs regarding Covid-19, please go to this page.

Covid-19 Update | September 22nd 2020

Thank you all for the support you have shown our dedicated marina teams throughout the summer period, following Government guidance, bearing with us as we all navigate new ways of working and enjoying your boats as much as you can.

As you know, for many months we’ve been employing the 2m social distancing rule on site, and in marina buildings, have one-way systems still in place where appropriate and multiple points to access hand sanitiser. It seems like just a few days ago that he rule of six came into effect and we thank you for observing these important rules whilst at the marina and on your boat with us.

However this evening the Government announced a further hardening of the restrictions related to COVID 19 including the need for our onsite restaurants and licensed premises to close at 10pm prompt. You may see some changes on site if you visit in the next few days. We also ask that you follow guidance on the use of face masks, wearing them when you enter our indoor facilities at all times.

The Government have also asked us to “work from home where possible”. Whilst many of our services require our teams to be on site, there to serve you and the needs of your boat, you may see a few operational changes while we continue to minimise the number of team members working in offices across the business. We are so grateful of the patience you have showed our teams and our tenants this year and ask that you bear with us if our getting back to you takes a little longer than usual.

Whilst the phones at our marinas is the best way to talk to us, I wanted to let you know that we have also recently launched a new online contact form available on our new website. You can now submit your query or question online and get a response in just a few hours, if not sooner.

Thank you again for your ongoing support and I hope that over the summer you have been able to enjoy some great boating.

Staying Overnight on Your Boat | July 3rd 2020

We are delighted to welcome you back for overnight stays from tomorrow. It’s been a long time, so we expect you’re delighted too.

Over the past 14 weeks and five days, we’ve all had to adapt to new ways of doing things, and that includes the ways in which our beautiful marinas operate. We’ve updated our guidance online but I’ll summarise a few key points below. Rest assured, we’re doing everything we can to make our teams, and our customers, tenants and other visitors as safe as we can by following the Government guidelines.

Firstly, you’ll be pleased to know that we’re working hard to ensure shower facilities and services will be available as widely as possible from July 4th.This will happen faster at some marinas than at others, but we aim to have them all open from July 10th onwards. We need to ensure all control measures are in place and compliance to cleaning requirements and social distancing guidelines can be followed.

Secondly, if you plan on cruising to another MDL marina (other than your ‘home’ marina), please ensure you book prior to arrival, via phone. If not, an annual berth holder you’ll need to pay in advance. We know that you’re used to our teams greeting visitors on the pontoons and taking lines, but unfortunately this isn’t currently possible.

Thirdly, we’re all becoming used to social distancing and the way it adapts in different locations from supermarkets to corner stores. We know you’ll be patient and respect all social distancing guidance and the ways in which our marina teams respond to the individual challenges at each marina.

You are more than welcome to read all of the guidance on our MDL websiteand familiarise yourself with how we’re operating. As you’ll expect, it’ll be updated as government guidance changes. If you have any questions please feel free to email here.

From the whole team and I we would like to thank you all for your patience and loyalty, we are truly blessed to have such an amazing community of boat owners at our marinas. Here’s to a great rest of the season.

Staying Overnight on Your Boat | June 23rd 2020

We are delighted that, from 4 July 2020, our berth holders will be welcomed to stay overnight on their boats. We will also welcome visiting boats for overnight stays, and those enjoying the benefits of Freedom Berthing.

Following the PM's announcement this afternoon, we're also expecting to see a fuller reopening of our sites'in early July. Our lodges and parks will also open then, and be available for summer staycations.

Like many businesses, we'll be working our way through what the new Covid Secure guidelines mean, and how we'll implement 'one metre plus' where two metres isn't practical. But as you know, we've worked really hard to make sure we following all the government's regulations so far, and we know how patient you've been in helping us to keep one another safe.

With safety in mind, when we have receivedthe full guidance we will confirm showers arrangements. Please follow the current guidelines for restricting the number of households to two and retain social distancing. We all know it's going to be challenging as, no doubt, interpretations of what's 'safe' may vary. So please be thoughtful if our marina teams need to respectfully intervene at any point.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for being such an amazing community of boat owners. You'll often hear me praising our team as the best in the marina world (because it's true), but I also think we have the best family of berth holders. We've been through a really tough time together, now let's make 2020 and this season memorable for all the right reasons - with stunning sailing, staycations and a fabulous (if somewhat restricted) social life.

Boating Bonus | May 13th 2020

There is no doubt it’s been a challenging period for us all and as we continue to operate under some government restrictions for the foreseeable future with our services not quite as slick and comprehensive as we might like them to be, we wanted as promised to share with you how much we value your loyalty. In addition to our Boating Bonus, we will across this year be launching a new and exciting range of products. Don’t forget to register to our all new Loyalty Scheme Otium by clicking here.

As mentioned in our communication earlier today we are so proud of our teams, how hard they have worked in difficult circumstances to look after your boats and our marinas. But we do recognise that you have been able to use some of your Freedom Berthing benefits, not because of poor weather but because of Government restrictions in place.

Therefore we are giving you the option to receive 40% cashback of the pro rata value of your your fees for April 2020, or putting 50% of your pro rata April fees on account, which you could use for lifting, storage, fuel or any other MDL Marinas service. You can if you want to donate that money to charity, the choice is yours.

But that’s not all whatever you decidewe are also holding 50% of your pro rata fees for May 2020 against your up-front early settlement renewal price when we ask you to renew for 2020/21. If you would like to renew early and take advantage of this offer now then please let us know separately.

What do I need to do?

You’ll need to go online and claim your bonus by 31st May 2020. Obviously, terms and conditions apply but in essence, annual freedom berthing customers and annual freedom berthing dry stack customers can receive their April bonus as cash back, or hold it on account, or chose to donate it to either the RNLI or Ocean Youth Trust, South. The Back to Boating May bonus will be automatically applied when making payment for your annual Freedom berthing renewal for 2021/22.

We’re doing this to celebrate being back on the water, and as a little thank you for your patience over the last few months. It’s been tough for everyone involved in the MDL family – our team, our tenants and, of course, our wonderful customers, but hopefully we’re through the worse and ready to enjoy a brilliant summer of social distancing and sailing.

Please go online and choose the way you want to receive your bonus. You must make your choice by 31st May 2020 in order for it to be processed. You can’t claim your bonus after that date.