Until recently there were repeated delays, but yesterday the time had finally come. A short Notice to Mariners of the WSA Baltic Sea of 16 October officially announced: "Prerow island harbour, construction work completed". With the inauguration of the 46-million-euro harbour at the end of the Prerow pier, there is now a regular port of call for pleasure boaters for the first time on the 45-mile stretch of coastline between Warnemünde and Barhöft.
The previous port of refuge, Darßer Ort, on the eastern tip of the peninsula was closed for good last year. This was also due to its location in the strictly protected core zone of the Vorpommersche Boddenküste National Park. In addition, the harbour, which dates back to GDR times, kept silting up. Apart from the sea rescue cruiser stationed there, it was only allowed to be used in genuine emergencies.
More about the island harbour Prerow:
Inselhafen Prerow: Operation and equipment
In addition to the opening, this is the second piece of good news for skippers: according to the harbour regulations, Prerow Island Harbour is a "port of refuge and/or stage harbour". In other words, its 33 berths for boats up to 17 metres in length (with mooring buoys) are available for passing yachts and boats at any time. The only restriction: the right to stay is limited to 24 hours and each berth must be vacated by 12 noon at the latest.
According to the harbour's website an electronic reservation system will soon be available, and bookings will then only be possible electronically and in advance. Until then, bookings can be made on site with the harbour master. The harbour will also have some permanent berths: In addition to emergency vehicles from the sea rescue service and the DLRG, the harbour will also accommodate fishermen. A passenger jetty is also available. As the island harbour of Prerow is also located in the area of the national park, the national park regulations also apply.
The harbour, which is open to the south, is protected by a horseshoe-shaped pier with stone embankments. It is connected to the mainland (and Prerow beach) via the town's 720 metre long pier, the longest in the Baltic Sea region. The entrance is also protected from swell by a shallow groyne. In north-westerly winds, it is approached before the wave. A service building is available, as well as electricity and water at the jetty. Prerow island harbour does not yet have WLAN (at least at present).
Goals: Safety at sea, nature conservation and tourism
At yesterday's opening ceremony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) spoke of a "day of joy" that had been "worked towards for a long time". In fact, the first concrete plans even seven years ago. She pointed out that it is essential for shipping "to have a safe place in the event of accidents or storms" and that the new island harbour in Prerow is now a sustainable solution, also in terms of protecting the national park. At the same time, Schwesig hopes that it will strengthen tourism, which is so important for the Baltic Sea coast.
