Wet weather hits harbour businesses

The number of boats visiting West Bay dropped by 70% on 2023 levels

Poor early season weather has impacted activities at harbours on the Dorset coast, council figures show.

At West Bay the number of visiting boats was down by almost 70% compared to the same period last year, with launches dropping by 80%.

Dorset Council's harbours advisory committee heard heavy rain and strong winds since the start of the year meant all harbour activities have remained at a low level.

It said both water-based and onshore businesses were "generally quiet".

Council figures showed Lyme Regis saw visiting boats down by 84% and launches down by half up to 1 June.

Weymouth Harbour reported a decline in small boat owners, with many giving up berths ahead of the start of the season.

However the harbour has seen more interest from the owners of larger boats seeking a berth.

Statistics from the Weymouth Harbour master’s office also showed a drop of 4% of visiting leisure boats and a 27% decrease in slipway and launches of personal water craft.

The number of non-resident fishing vessel visits was up and the majority of the 84 commercial berths within the harbour were taken.

A council report said: “Reports from all three Dorset harbours show that business for the charter and trip boat sector and shoreside harbour traders is generally quiet.

"While there are plenty of visitors around on sunny days, with the continued cost of living pressures, people are being economical with their money,” said a report to the committee."