Events So Far, Fri 21^st March 2008.

Mike Treloar gave a super talk on "crossing the channel".

After a brief introduction giving the recent history of Small Boat Navigation (30 years ago!)

He expanded into modern day GPS and how best to use the tides to cut 3hrs off your 'down the highway'

passage across the Channel. He then briefly outlined 'Flag Etiquette' for arrival.

After a buffet supper, Phil Cox of the RNLI gave a great demonstration on what could go wrong with lifejackets and how to use them to best advantage.

The message, have them handy, inspect them regularly and use them correctly.

A great evening! Much enjoyed by those attending (including guests from Redclyffe), and worth the donation to the RNLI. If you want a free Sea Safety Check on your boat.

Contact the RNLI on 08003280600 or email 'rnli.org.uk/seasafety'

News from the Harbour.

Buoy 14, just inside the harbour has moved to 50°41.037006' N and 001°57.320317'W.

The Brownsea Island buoy has moved to 50°41.126059'N and 001°57.82233'W.

A new small North cardinal mark has been placed in position 50°41.04730'N and 001°57.426472'W,

to mark the north end of Stone Island, to be known as 'Stone Island North Cardinal'.

A new directional beacon has been installed to give a white sector bearing 300° marking the centre of the harbour entrance; this will be switched on for use by commercial traffic but will be too high for pleasure craft.

The RYA are still objecting to the harbour revision orders as they claim they may give serious problems in the future. The case is now ready to go to the Secretary of State, the RYA have until April14th to respond to the latest questions, it then goes to the Secretary of State. The RYA are also fighting against many other Trust Ports, Poole is the lead case!

The problem areas are Power of Appropriation and Power to issue General Directions, i.e. The RYA is acting on our behalf to stop them doing whatever they want.

Those with private moorings in The Harbour, will be required to certify that they have adequate insurance for at least the period of occupation. (PHC will NOT want to see the Cert of Ins). Currently, only one contractor is accredited by PHC for mooring inspection, John Stevenson! Be sure to get a Certificate of Inspection. 'Cotentin' is now fully operational. The HM is aware of some problems concerning 'drawdown' and asks that all users of the harbour be aware of being temporarily dumped on the putty and increased waves over shallow banks. This is not apparently very predictable!

The new ferry is more manoeuvrable than 'Coutances', will use the same sailing times and will have an escort vessel.

The second bridge is going further away apparently. Still arguments about planning around the peripheries and until this is solved, monies cannot be released to ask for tenders. It is 'some years away'. Sadly, some small businesses have already been closed down in the areas likely to be affected by the new bridge.

For those in Holes Bay, there will be additional early morning (05.30 and 06.30) and evening openings (16.30, 17.30 and 18.30) starting this season.

The tidal stream at the entrance is being carefully watched - some other clubs report significantly increased rates at the main ebb and flow! Officially it can increase by 0.2kn. Some small scale dredging in the turning basin will start in May. This will be dumped in Brownsea Roads! There will be a new PHC web-site at the end of April.

New in Swanage? Swanage Boat Charters are seeking permission to sink an old barge in position 50°37.59 'N and 001°56.14' W (about 250m SW of Ballard Point) in ~8.5m of water close to an existing wreck. This is for recreational use - diving and to improve the fishing. If permission is given, it will be buoyed. If I hear more, I will let you know. Red Diesel The Government and HMCE appear to have settled for charging the full price for red diesel as from 1st Nov this year. However, for those who use diesel on board for domestic purposes (heating and cooking), they will be able to claim back a proportion of the tax paid. This should preserve all the outlets available to the marine industry and maintain safety from running out of fuel.

Boat Jumbles. * Dorset Boat Jumble at Canford Park Arena - 13th April * Beaulieu Boat Jumble - 27th April * Solent Spring Jumble at Netley - 11th May