Madeira is a lovely destination; ensure you visit the western part of the island which is lush and green. We arrived at Marina Quinta do Lorde expecting to berth on the southerly guest berth, but it was gone (reported before but we had not read “noonsite” comments).

The wind was from the north. We caught a line in our prop and reverse was not available. The marina had been advised by email. No one was there, though we arrived at 1900LT. However, the staff is very friendly as reported and will go out of their way to assist.

There is a fly in the ointment though: the floating pontoons are in serious disrepair and after the marina replaced one, the removed unit showed rusted out beams and no piling sacrificial pads. This causes a problem with surge. For instance, we were moored at the far end of a finger and were subjected to a whip lash effect because none of the pontoons are stabilised by the absence of sacrificial pads/rollers. Additionally, the pilings themselves are being damaged because the contact is steel on steel… add quite some screeching! Not pleasant at all.

The marina should address this problem urgently if they wish to keep their otherwise excellent reputation.

The Hotel is now open at Quinta do Lorde. Currently boats visiting the marina can enjoy a 15% discount on food and drink in the all the bars and restaurants (there are 6 places in total), although the prices in most places are quite high (two gins and tonics in the cocktail bar would be 15€, but it is half price for happy hour between 5.30 and 6.30).

You can also use the gym for 5€ per day, and you can get 50% off the daily cost of using all of the pools (we think the discounted price is around 10€). There is still a shuttle service from the marina to the nearest supermarket in Machico, but it is now a small car (previously it was a large minibus).