Free moorings in Venice?

[Katiusha]

Just came across the following paragraph in an article from The Guardian circa 2005:

Thrilled by the view, and delighted to have survived the traffic, we pulled up at some free moorings just down from the Hotel Cipriani (where suites cost up to £2,600 a night). We piled off the boat elated, and headed to the restaurant Los Murales. Sitting down outside, we marvelled at the view back across the water to St Mark's.

Does anybody know if these moorings still exist? Noonsite, JimBSail, and blogs are silent about this.

If not, are there any other options for mooring/anchoring except the marinas close to The Island?

Thanks in advance!