A £9 million Welsh marina which opened in 1995 has been accused of profiteering after yachtsmen claimed its berthing charges have gone up by 35 per cent.

The 100-berth Aberystwyth Marina in Mid-Wales has seen up to 12 boats leave to moor elsewhere, according to local news reports. And Aber Marina Berthing Association spokesman Richard Lees claims fees have soared from between 15 and 35 per cent.

But marina manager Mike Harris told YM: ‘It is not true. Our fees have gone up between 14-16 per cent and this is mainly due to a £100,000 dredging bill we faced.’ Having dredged the marina they then had to have the mud clawed away for a second time after the winter’s heavy rain brought more deposits down from the Cambrian Mountains.

Mr Harris said the marina fees had lagged behind other Welsh marinas over the years but added the increase would be a ‘one off’.

To moor a Contessa 32 at Aberystwyth Marina would cost £2,958 annually.