|
|
Sailors and boaters will fully appreciate the importance of a regular maintenance programme, and planning for repairs to keep equipment fit for purpose. In this newsletter you will see that we are undertaking some significant restoration work to the wharfage at Kingston.
There have been some very positive results from recent tests to the new breakwater design, which is really encouraging news, and we are expecting construction work to begin in May. The Commission continues to make presentations to local organisations and companies as we proceed towards the first stage of breakwater construction, and we will continue consultations and discussions throughout the breakwater build.
Finally, I'd like to encourage all our berth and mooring licence holders to get involved in our new RYA Active Marina Programme at Shepards Wharf Marina. It will be a good way to brush-up on essential knowledge and to learn more about how to get the best out of your time on the water.
|
Best regards,
Captain Stuart McIntosh,
Cowes Harbour Master
| |
|
|
Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015 out soon
|
We are pleased to report that the new edition of the Cowes Port Handbook is on schedule to be distributed before Easter throughout Cowes, around the Island, and in selected mainland locations.
The Handbook carries all the usual essential information for sailors, boaters, and visitors to Cowes, as well as some new additions - so make sure you pick up your copy to read!
| |
|
|
Units to let at Kingston
|
Kingston Marine Services currently has three industrial units available to let in East Cowes. The units benefit from being located in the heart of a thriving boatyard, with access to the River Medina, and close to Red Funnel's East Cowes vehicle ferry terminal.
Unit 3 occupies a total area of 143m2 (1,539 ft2), with both front and rear access. Unit 4 is 118m2 (1,270 ft2), with front access doors. A smaller unit, adjacent to the hoist dock at Kingston Marine Boatyard, Unit 10, is also available and runs to a total of 25.9m2 (279 ft2).
The units may suit a variety of uses and if interested, more information can be obtained from Kingston's Marine Services Manager Barney Sollars, via msm.chc@cowes.co.uk or by phone on 01983 293952.
See also the Gully Howard website.
| |
|
|
Cowes Harbour Fuels
|
After recent maintenance, Cowes Harbour Fuels is now open for business as usual.
Opening hours:
Monday-Thursday: 1000 to 1600
Friday-Sunday: 0900 to 1700
If a reasonable quantity of fuel (200+ litres) is required after the normal closing time you may request a delivery by calling the fuel berth in advance on 01983 200716. A red flag is flown during opening hours for your convenience.
| |
|
|
Chain Ferry annual refit
|
The Cowes Chain Ferry is to be taken out of service from 7th April for its annual refit and inspection by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
It is anticipated the work will take about a week although it may be longer depending on the progress of the inspection. While the Chain Ferry is out of service, a passenger launch will be in place, which can also carry cyclists. Diversions through Newport will be in place for motorists.
| |
|
|
Sign up for Cowes news
|
We would like to encourage all our readers to share this newsletter with family and friends via the "Forward email" link at the foot of this email.
Alternatively, just scan the above QR code with a smart phone to register for free CHC E-newsletters.
| |
|
|
Please keep in touch!
| Cowes Harbour Commission is always happy to gain feedback on its services and on the issues it is tackling on behalf of all harbour users and stakeholders.
If you would like to talk to the Harbour Master, Capt. Stuart McIntosh or to Rod Hodgson, the Deputy Harbour Master, please feel free to call into the Harbour Office on Town Quay, phone and make an appointment on: 01983 293952, or email: chc@cowes.co.uk.
CHC also owns and operates the following commercial services: Shepards Wharf Marina, Kingston Marine Services & Boatyard, Cowes Harbour Moorings, and Cowes Harbour Fuels.
You can keep up-to-date with all CHC news on our website:
| |
|
|
|
|
Above: Cowes breakwater design undergoes physical modelling tests at the Deltares hydrodynamic test centre in Delft, Holland.
|
Successful breakwater test modelling
|
Cowes Harbour Master Capt. Stuart McIntosh and Iain Roberts, Maritime Engineer at Atkins, were both in attendance at the recent physical modelling tests for the Cowes breakwater, carried out at the specialist Deltares hydrodynamic test centre in Delft, Holland on 20th March. They were joined throughout the three-day testing sequence by the chief designer responsible for the Cowes breakwater design.
Capt. McIntosh commented: "Although the breakwater design has undergone extensive computer testing, these scale models provide a robust physical test. I'm pleased to say that the design passed with flying colours." A full test modelling report will be issued and reviewed by Atkins and CHC as part of the design approval process.
The testing encompassed a range of wave conditions and tidal heights, up to the maximum that could be expected over a 100-year period. The results also recorded any damage to the rock armour as a result of these severe conditions, with initial results indicating that the breakwater met or performed better than the designer's calculations.
|
Breakwater construction programme & methodology
|
Construction of the new detached breakwater for Cowes is set to commence in early May. The initial construction phase will be completed this autumn, at which point the gravel core will be visible approximately 5 metres clear of Low Water spring tides. Following a settlement period, contractors Boskalis Westminster will return in spring 2015 to level up the core and complete the project.
Boskalis Westminster dredger and floating pipeline
The first stage this year involves the installation of an initial 1.5m layer of sand and gravel using a small trailer dredger, discharging via a floating pipeline to a sprayer barge anchored west/east along the line of the breakwater.
Once the initial layer is sufficiently progressed, the second stage will see the installation of a series of wick drains using a stitcher sited on a large barge.
Once the drain installation has been finalised, a geotextile membrane will be laid on top of the sand and gravel layer.
The next stage involves the installation of the gravel pre-load up to approximately 5.0m above chart datum. When the crest levels reach around Mean High Water, gravel will be sprayed against the slopes of the breakwater. Excavators will be utilised to shape the breakwater and retrieve gravel outside of the intended profile.
A nine month consolidation process will then follow over the autumn and winter of 2014-2015, to allow for settlement of the gravel core.
It must be emphasised that the breakwater will resemble a gravel spit during the winter of 2014/15 and will only begin to take its final finished appearance during the 2015 works.
|
|
Shepards Wharf - helping you enjoy your boating more
|
Berth holders at Shepards Wharf Marina, as well as all other CHC mooring licence holders, are being invited to attend a series of workshops this season to help make the best use and get the most value out of their boats.
Jock Rafferty, Marina Manager at Shepards Wharf explained: "We are delighted to have recently joined the popular RYA Active Marina Programme. Working with the RYA will enable us to offer a programme of practical activities to help our berth holders and visitors learn new skills, have fun, and importantly stay safe on the water.
"The initiative aims to develop skills and confidence in boat handling, to help people get the most out of boat ownership," continued Jock. "We have hand-picked an initial programme of interesting events and workshops, which will provide a great chance to meet new friends from our marina and river moorings."
The first four events in the Shepards Wharf RYA Active Marina Programme are as follows:
5th April: RNLI Sea Safety talk
12th April: VHF/DSC Radio Course
26th April: First Aid
3rd May: VHF Refresher Course
The above events will all be held in the Amabi restaurant at Shepards Wharf Marina. For more information about these activities and the RYA Active Marina Programme, please call Marina Manager Jock Rafferty on: 01983 297821 or email jock.chc@cowes.co.uk.
|
|
Cowes Harbour & the breakwater build
|
Cowes Harbour Commissioners are fully committed to working in partnership with breakwater contractors Boskalis Westminster, project managers Atkins, Cowes Clubs and Classes, Cowes Week Limited, Town Councils, and local stakeholders to effectively and safely manage and control any potential impacts from the breakwater works on the harbour operation and smooth running of yachting events.
Boskalis Westminster dredger, pipeline & spraying pontoon
Capt. Stuart McIntosh said: "It is a challenge to undertake such a major infrastructure project in a busy maritime environment without causing any disruption to the normal working of the harbour; therefore, the close cooperation we have received so far, from yacht clubs and other stakeholders in Cowes, is immensely valuable.
"There are still some details to be worked through with regard to the proposed breakwater 'Exclusion Zone', and our contractors are aware of sensitivities to local concerns, especially the possible impact on yacht racing."
Read the full story on COWES.co.uk.
|
|
Repair works to Kingston Wharf
|
Refurbishment of the commercial shipping wharfage at Cowes Harbour Commission's (CHC) Kingston site in East Cowes is underway with the aim of repairing and protecting this valuable infrastructure for years to come. Prestec UK Ltd, specialists in structural concrete repairs, were appointed by CHC earlier in the year; completion of the £600,000 project is estimated to take 16 weeks.
Cowes Harbour Master, Capt. Stuart McIntosh commented: "When we acquired the Kingston Wharf site in 2012, one of the primary objectives was to safeguard a site that is of strategic importance not only to Cowes but to the whole Island.
"The wharf itself is one of the only facilities on the Island capable of landing bulk materials, such as aggregate, and facilitates the import of around 98% of the Island's oil by ship."
The reparation works will involve hydro-demolition of the worn concrete surface, which will then be repaired using sprayed concrete that has galvanic protection for an increased lifespan. "Our chosen contractors Prestec, have an established national reputation and I am confident their team will deliver to a high standard," concluded Capt. McIntosh.
There should be minimum disruption for Kingston's on-site tenants and the works are going ahead with the full cooperation of leaseholders Isle of Wight Fuels and Isle of Wight Aggregates.
|
New Cowes Harbour watersports area
|
Cowes Harbour Commission has introduced a new Shrape Watersports Area within the Inner Harbour where the following activities are permitted to exceed the 6 knot speed limit - if safe to do so:
i. Dinghy and dayboat sailing
ii. Wind surfing
iii. Kite surfing
iv. Rowing
v. Support and rescue craft involved in the above activities.
All other craft are requested to use the Small Craft Channel, which runs along the northern border of the Shrape Watersports Area, and shall stay within the 6 knot speed limit.
Please see Local Notice to Mariners No. 06 of 2014 - Shrape Watersports Area Introduced for full details.
|
|
|
|
|
