Planning ahead... 

As the yachting season comes to a close, it's a good time to be planning ahead.

 

There are fundamental changes afoot that  should significantly  improve the way in which our local harbour regulations are put in place. These proposals  will impact directly on all harbour users and I would certainly encourage you to read the adjacent article on the proposed regulation changes and the importance of consultation.

 

You will see elsewhere in this newsletter how my team at Shepards Wharf and Kingston Boatyard can assist you in undertaking seasonal maintenance and repairs for your own craft.

 

Finally, I am delighted to share with you two proposed developments that will be coming forward at Shepards Wharf and  potentially Town Quay. 

 

These will both be subject to consultation & planning applications but it is particularly important to receive feedback on increasing short stay and RIB moorings. It is early days, but I sincerely believe they will benefit Cowes residents and visitors in the future. Please let me know your views.

 

Best regards,

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Superyacht Cup in 

Cowes for 2012

Organisers of the Superyacht Cup have announced they will be holding a special edition in Cowes from 22nd - 25th July 2012 to coincide with the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Cowes Superyacht Cup 2012

The  yachts involved are the cream of the world's largest and most glamorous sailing yachts and the regatta will include a race around the Isle of Wight in the style of the first ever America's Cup in 1851. Eight  yachts have already entered and it is expected that a fabulous fleet of at least 15 yachts will be racing next July, a real highlight to look forward to  next summer.

 

The Superyacht Cup will be  hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron and CHC looks forward to bringing you more details in due course.

 

More information can be found on COWES.co.uk

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New Cowes RNLI Station moves ahead 

Formal planning permission and a works licence consent from the Harbour Commission are now in place which will enable the project to proceed.

Celia Imrie raises cash for Cowes RNLI
The RNLI are actively fundraising to assist with the development and to date the appeal has raised just short of �300,000 with more great fundraising events being planned. A sure favorite will be an 'Evening with Celia Imrie' at Trinity Theatre on 26th November. Find our more on the Cowes RNLI Appeal website. 
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Top tip for winter  

The way to avoid microbial growth or "diesel-bug" in your tank this winter is to stop water getting in.

 

If you're planning to lay up your boat for some time this winter then keep the fuel topped up to stop condensation gathering. Also make sure you regularly drain the water from the water-separating pre-filter (primary filter).

 

For more advice why not call Jon Lucas at Kingston Marine Boatyard on (01983) 293952

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'Seaclear' in for service

After finishing the clear-up of the temporary marks and moorings that were put down for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, CHC's service vessel 'Seaclear' is out of the water for her biannual repaint and survey and is now on the slipway at Lallows Yard. 

Seaclear at Lallows Yard, Cowes

She is having a well deserved refit after a hard season and before the coming winter, with a full engine service and systems check. We hope that she will be re-launching next week.

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Please keep in touch!

Don't forget that Cowes Harbour Commission is always happy to gain feedback on its services and on the issues it is tackling on your behalf. If you want to talk to the Harbour Master, Capt Stuart McIntosh or to Rod Hodgson, the Deputy HM, please feel free to call into the Harbour Office on Town Quay, or phone and make an appointment on: 

01983 293952, or 

email: [email protected]

 

Cowes Harbour Commission also owns and operates the following commercial services: Shepards Wharf Marina, Kingston Marine Services, Cowes Harbour Moorings and Cowes Harbour Fuels.

 

You can keep up to date with all our news on our website:

www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk

Above: Shepards Wharf Marina 
Regulation changes for Cowes

Local harbour byelaws have historically been the main power available to harbour authorities to regulate the movement of shipping and operations within a harbour's area of jurisdiction. It is now proposed that in Cowes, these byelaws be replaced with local rules created by Powers of General Direction. 

  

Harbour Master Stuart McIntosh has been a member of a ports working group, liaising with the Government and key harbour user groups such as the R.Y.A. and the Chamber of Shipping. The aim of the group was to review the current legislative powers available to harbour authorities and make recommendations for modernisation, use and implementation of these powers to ensure that the local harbour rules remained 'fit-for-purpose'.

CHC Powers of general direction, Cowes

The working group acknowledged that the Government no longer has the resource or appetite to continue to administer harbour byelaws, which has led to many harbour authorities having byelaws that are either outdated or not fit-for-purpose.

  

Another form of local legislation available to harbour authorities are known as Powers of General Direction. This legislative power provides harbour authorities with a more flexible method of introducing local harbour rules than by byelaws. 

 

Read more about how Cowes Harbour Commission intend to apply for Powers of General Direction and how it will be consulting locally with harbour users and stakeholders.

Two new harbour developments planned for Cowes in 2012

Cowes Harbour Commissioners have last week agreed for two new developments in Cowes Harbour to be advanced.

 

Firstly, a major redevelopment of the existing "Sugar Store" on the north side of the site is planned at Shepards Wharf.  The proposed development will provide new workshop units, offices and a bar /restaurant opportunity which will complement the existing facilities at Shepards Wharf. A full planning application will be submitted shortly.


Any prospective companies or individuals interested in looking at future business accommodation in this fantastic location should contact the Harbour Master.


The Commissioners also agreed to consult harbour users and the local community on proposals to provide more short stay visitor pontoons within the Town Quay basin, whilst maintaining the current 'scrubbing berth' alongside the Town Quay. The Harbour Master commented that the demand for short stay visitor mooring close to the centre of town and shops increases year-on-year, especially for RIBs. 

 

It must be stressed that both plans will require further discussions with key stakeholders and adjacent landowners as well as requiring formal planning consent from the Isle of Wight Council. Plans will be made available on CHC web site. 

 

Brambles cricket match 2011
Congratulations to our friends at the Royal Southern Yacht Club on winning this year's Brambles match, beating our local team from the Island Sailing Club yesterday evening.
Brambles cricket match Cowes 2011
Safety issues at the ISC....

As part of CHC's ongoing programme of meeting directly with stakeholders, Captain Stuart Macintosh, Cowes Harbour Master and Peter Jackson, CHC Commissioner addressed an audience of over 100 at the Island Sailing Club on Tuesday 20th September. Peter has special responsibilities for safety and security at CHC and this was the main theme for the evening.

  

In particular, Peter spoke about the improvements that have enabled Cowes to host major events, and many visiting yachts, while maintaining an excellent safety record. The audience were also reminded of the importance of keeping safety-first by watching a video of a yacht being dismasted by a tanker during this year's Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week regatta.

  

Peter said, "Safety is very much about common sense", he also recognised that as the numbers of those on the water increases, Cowes has been able to put in place a first-rate framework to encourage best practise on the water.

BBC website reports Cowes tanker collisionVideo of the tanker incident featured on BBC News website


The presentation included an overview of Cowes Harbour Commission's activities and responsibilities, including an update on the Outer Harbour Project, improvements to sailing facilities and Cowes Week.

Prepare your boat for over-wintering

Find out more about how our teams at Kingston Marine Boatyard and Shepards Wharf Marina can assist you in preparing your boat for over-wintering. 

 

Whether you're planning to lay-up or perhaps undertake some routine maintenance or repair work, our team will be happy to talk about your requirements.

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