August 2008 Newsheet

At last I have managed to get together with John (Chaplin) and presented him the engraved crystal glass. He writes:-

'It gave me very great pleasure to receive the engraved glass from the Club. I have enjoyed working with so many members over the years and the glass will remind me of those times. My thanks are due to you and Pat for coming to see me and present it, and to the Officers and Members of the Club for their generous gesture.

I hope to continue to attend Club functions from time to time and so will try not to lose touch.

May I take this opportunity of congratulating Moyra on her first issue of the Bulletin. I think it is safe hands.'

Presidents Cup.

Please write up your summer sailing and prepare YOUR entry for The Presidents Cup!

Red Diesel.

A national day of protest against the imposition of full road duty on marine red diesel is planned for August 10^th! Contact the organiser: bennett140@btinternet.com for details if interested in joining in.

Harbour News.

The harbour Master reminds us of 'Fog Routine' and the 'necessity to proceed with great caution' and to keep clear of the shipping channels. Listen on Ch 14 for news of larger vessel movements when the visibility is less than 500m!

PHC have warned of the intention to remove 'unlawful moorings' during the next 3 months. A warning label will be attached to such moorings giving an opportunity to contact the office before actual removal.

PWC users are reminded of the need to have a permit before taking to the water...

Again this year, minor navigation channels through South Deep and at Pottery Pier, have been marked by buoys. Anchoring in these channels is prohibited.

There are now more bridge opening times:-
05.30, 06.30, 07.30, 09.30, 10.30, 12.30, 14.30, 16.30, 18.30, 19.30, 21,30 and 23.45. Weekend and bank holidays will have an additional 17.30 opening.

There are to be additional Thursday evening bridge openings at 10.45 on August 7^th, 14^th, 21^st and 28^th to allow boats back into Holes Bay after watching the Thursday Evening Poole Council Fireworks.

Works started in July, to build the Boscombe Artificial Surf Reef - about 225m offshore and 450m to the E of Boscombe Pier. All mariners are advised to keep well clear, keep a good lookout and navigate with care in this area.

News from the RYA.

You will recall, that way back in January, I mentioned that the Italian Government (thro the EU), were wanting to change The Collision Regs, to make all Pleasure Craft under 20m, to defer to all Commercial vessels, whatever the situation.

Those proposals have been thrown out!

The RYA (acting on our behalf) were part of an international review group, the big majority of whom could not support the Italian proposals and threw them out. The International delegates agreed that it was most certainly a lack of full understanding of The Collision Regs by the Italians. Better education was deemed to be the best way forward.

The Marine Navigation Bill has been published. The RYA are very unhappy at the possibility of harbour authorities being empowered to make rules without approval that could criminalise otherwise lawful behavior. In the extreme this could exclude public right of navigation from any part of the harbour used by recreational craft! At the moment, there doesn't appear to be any means of appeal or redress.

Meals to be ordered by October 17^th, but can be paid for 'on the night'. Please let Peter Stanaway know you are coming and your choice by October 17^th latest!

Menu choices for the AGM and Laying-Up Supper
in The Purbeck Lounge of The New Inn, Church Knowle
on Saturday 29 November 2008. 12.00 for 12.30 lunch.

AGM at 14.00 prompt.
will come with the Sept Newsheet!

It will be a '2 course lunch - Starter +main course or Main course + sweet at £20'. I've no doubt that the 3 course will be available at a small additional cost for the hungry ones.