Are you interested in taking a Day Theory Skipper Course? If so, contact the Three Villages Hall in Arrochar who are trying to run a course (October to December).
A third visitors mooring, A0178 was laid on 7th June 2019 in approximate position N 56 deg 06.756′ W 04 deg 54.42′ just north and in a line with the club’s other two blue visitors moorings which is awaiting a new blue mooring buoy similar to the others, currently with blue/yellow and red pick up buoys. The visitors mooring fee is £10.00 per day/night, but free for lunchtime stop overs between 11 am and 2 pm only. Please note all visiting vessels are photographed using the club’s visitors moorings so please pay the mooring fee as the club is providing serviced, safe moorings for your use.
Boat owners are being urged to ‘Protect, Collect and Dispose’ as part of a new initiative promoting best practice for antifouling vessels.
The RYA and British Marine joint environment initiative, The Green Blue, has joined forces with the British Coatings Federation (BCF) and The Yacht Harbour Association in a drive to encourage boaters to seek the best method for protecting boats and the environment.
Launched today (April 25) at the 2019 Marina Conference in Bournemouth, the Protect, Collect and Dispose campaign offers plenty of advice for those who antifoul their own vessels, as well as for marinas and boatyards which offer professional antifouling services.
Kate Fortnam, Campaign Manager for The Green Blue, says: “We have developed guidance with the BCF for antifoul application, removal and disposal to ensure hazardous paint does not enter the environment during these processes. The guidance explains how to best protect yourself and the environment, especially with regard to collecting paint debris and disposing of waste.
“This isn’t just an opportunity for marinas and individuals to ensure they are adopting best practice but to encourage others to do the same and help raise awareness of the main environmental issues.”
While antifouling does a great job of keeping hulls clean and preventing the build-up of marine organisms, and even has some environmental benefits such as improving fuel efficiency and preventing the spread of invasive non-native species, it is toxic to aquatic life.
Since the banning of TBT in 1987, most antifouls are now copper or zinc based. Some of the compounds found in these antifouls can accumulate in marine organisms, and can find their way into marine wildlife further up the food chain.
Trevor Fielding, Regulatory Affairs Manager at the BCF, comments: “This new initiative is intended to raise awareness of environmental issues relating to antifouling amongst the boat-owning community and our UK boatyards and marinas. Everyone wants to do the right thing but either they don’t know how and/or they lack the facilities to do so. We hope that the information provided will help to improve the practices followed by DIY antifouling paint users, as well as those applying antifoul professionally.”
Look after your boat and the environment
When antifouling your boat:
For further information and detailed advice visit the RYA website and The Green Blue website.
Help to deliver the message
An informative leaflet has been produced explaining how to best protect yourself and the environment, especially with regard to collecting paint debris and disposing of waste. A weather resistant poster is also available for display in chandlers, marinas and boatyards. For these and other awareness raising materials, visit http://www.safeantifouling.com
Hands aff the Clyde (Against Fish Farming)
Online Petition Poster Aff The Clyde
We are a group of Ardentinny residents concerned about the plans to site an industrial fish farm next to our village. Dawnfresh are proposing to site 10 x 38m fish pens, a feeding barge and possible shore based facility. At a recent public meeting the vast majority of villagers were against the development. We are seeking to further explore your views and opinions, and ask that you complete this questionnaire.
In other areas where Dawnfresh has sighted their industrial trout farms, e.g. Loch Etive and Loch Ewe, there have been many issues for local residents. These include:
Breaches of government guidelines re sea lice treatment for up to 500 000 fish.
In 7/12 surveys about the seabed under the cages, carried out by SEPA, Dawnfresh were graded ‘unsatisfactory’ or ‘minimally met requirements’.
Larger cages were used than was granted for by planning permission.
Breach of SEPA pesticide legislation.
Dumping and leaving of old sea cages on the loch side.
A number of incidents of escapee fish, including over 5000 into Loch Ewe.
6 repeat planning applications to enlarge the trout farm and bring in more equipment.
3 Planning Contravention notices were issued to Dawnfresh by the local authority.
We are very keen to avoid similar experiences in our beautiful village. We will be calling soon to collect your questionnaire , alternately you could drop it off at 6 Ardenfield or…….. Please be assured that all responses you give will be anonymous in our report. We will post our report on the community website for everyone to see. We are also keen to hear from anyone who wishes to become involved as an active group member.
Hands aff the Clyde, Ardentinny group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AffTheClyde/permalink/366739080612944/
The Carrick Castle Boat Club assisted by members of the Carrick Castle Community Trust and some visitors carried out a Beach Clean in Carrick Castle on Sunday 5th May 2019 between 11 am and 11.45 am filling seven bags of rubbish. This annual beach clean ensures the beaches remain free of rubbish for most of the year. Thanks to over a dozen people who helped this year.
A good quality lifejacket or buoyancy aid is one of the most important parts of your boating safety kit, so it’s worth putting in some research before buying a product that you may rely on to save your life. There are lifejackets and buoyancy aids of varying prices and effectiveness on the market, and increasing reports of products available online that aren’t up to scratch or haven’t been tested to European or International specifications.
Collectively lifejackets and buoyancy aids are referred to as Personal Floatation Devices or PFDs; choosing the right one is essential if it’s to be of any use in a life-threatening event. Though many think any PFD is going to hold them up in the water that may not be the case.
PFDs are divided into two main classes: those which provide face up in-water support to the user regardless of physical conditions (lifejackets), and those which require the user to make swimming and other postural movements to position the user with their face out of the water (buoyancy aids).
When buying a PFD, it’s important to select one that is appropriate for the type of boating you intend to do. Buoyancy aids are suitable for activities where the wearer might reasonably expect to end up in the water. Lifejackets are suitable when on a powerboat or RIB, when going ashore in a yacht tender, on a sailing yacht or motor cruiser and generally where you do not expect to enter the water. Lifejackets should not be worn on boats where capsize is possible/probable.
Choosing a PFD that is the correct size and fit is also important. Crotch straps, harnesses and spray hoods may be important if you are sailing offshore and it is essential you consider what accessories you may need.
ISO 12402 specifies four different performance levels to satisfy the need of different users. These are Performance Level 50, 100, 150 and 275.
In general terms, Buoyancy aids (Level 50) are intended for use by those who are competent swimmers and who are near to a bank or shore, or who have help and a means of rescue close at hand. Lifejackets (Level 150) are intended for general offshore and rough weather use where a high standard of performance is required. As tested, they will turn an unconscious person in swimming attire into a safe position. Additionally they should maintain a fully clothed person in a safe position with no subsequent action by the user.
Level 100 lifejackets are intended for those who may have to wait for rescue, but are likely to do so in sheltered and calm water. And lastly Level 275 lifejackets are intended for by people who are using items of significant weight and thus require additional buoyancy.
Within the European Community PFDs can only be made available on the market if they comply with the essential health and safety requirements set out in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation. PFDs which conform to a harmonised ISO standard which has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union shall be presumed to be in conformity the PPE Directive. A PFD that conforms to ISO 12402 is deemed to be compliant with the PPE Directive and will carry a CE marking affixed visibly, legibly and indelibly to the PFD.
ISO 12402 (there are nine parts in all) has been developed to set minimum safety requirements and test methods for PFDs as well as to give support for design and application of PFDs for persons engaged in activities, whether in relation to their work or leisure, in or near water. A PFD that complies with ISO 12402 will have a label or pictogram on it to tell you what its intended application is and its performance level; it is important that this information is read carefully.
We strongly recommend that lifejackets are serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions by a service agent that has been formally approved by the manufacturer. This ensures that appropriately trained staff, capable of performing the work, will have the correct service manuals and instructions and the correct materials and replacement parts.
When shopping for your PFD, we recommend that you consider whether an automatic lifejacket or manual inflate lifejacket and what accessories are appropriate for the boating activity you are undertaking. Ideally you try on a lifejacket before you buy it so that you can check fit and comfort and preferably over the clothing you would be wearing at the time.
With reports of temptingly cheap, yet untested and potentially dangerous overseas products being made available online, it’s more important than ever to check that your lifejacket is fully approved and carries the relevant CE or ISO mark. It’s simply not worth saving a few pound on an unapproved lifejacket if it won’t ultimately save your life in an emergency.
Find out more on our safety hub.
While you’re enjoying your cruising, have you considered that you might be attracting unwanted guests to your vessel?
Invasive species can hitch a ride on the outside of vessels and in spaces within them, as well as on equipment and clothing, and it’s all too easy to unknowingly spread animals, eggs, larvae and tiny plant fragments from one body of water to another.
The RYA and British Marine’s environment campaign, The Green Blue, is supporting Invasive Species Week (13-17 May), giving clubs and cruisers a chance to get involved and protect the UK’s waters from non-native species.
Around 2,000 non-native plants and animals from all over the world have been introduced to the UK by people. Invasive non-native species can block up waterways, make navigation difficult and cause irreparable damage to the environment. Once in a waterway they can disperse rapidly, adversely affecting recreational facilities, reducing fish populations and restricting navigation.
It is estimated that the threat to biodiversity from these invaders is second only to that of habitat loss. There are about 140 aquatic non-native species in Britain. Many species thrive in both salt and fresh water. Their main means of spreading is via boat hulls or propellers, or within bilge or engine cooling water systems.
Everyone can help to prevent their spread by following the Check Clean Dry routine and by putting up a sign to remind fellow boaters to do the same. Sharing a photo of biosecurity in action on social media under #InvasivesWeek will also help to deliver the message.
Since the launch of the Check, Clean, Dry campaign in 2011, The Green Blue has provided a wealth of information and guidance to inland and coastal clubs and boaters about the steps they can take to minimise the spread of non-native species.
The Environmental Audit Committee has launched a new inquiry to consider the impact and threat to biosecurity from invasive species. It is hoped this will act as a reminder for people to report sightings of non-native species, providing useful biological records to inform the GB Invasive Non-native Species Strategy. Find out how to record sightings here: http://www.nonnativespecies.org/index.cfm?sectionid=81
Carpet sea squirt http://www.nonnativespecies.org/factsheet/factsheet.cfm?speciesId=1209
American lobster http://www.nonnativespecies.org/factsheet/factsheet.cfm?speciesId=1736
Slipper limpet http://www.nonnativespecies.org/factsheet/factsheet.cfm?speciesId=1028
For more information, visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk. Follow the campaign on Twitter @CheckCleanDry and @TheGreenBlue #InvasivesWeek
For the sixth year in succession the organisers are pleased to announce that the Spring event will take place on Sunday 5 May 2019 starting at 10 am. at their new larger venue, the Scottish Maritime Museum Linthouse site, Harbour Road, Irvine KA12 8QE. This new venue, less than 150m walking distance from the old Wharf site, offers adjoining free car parking and features a variety of static exhibits as part of the main Scottish Maritime Museum complex. Refreshments and food will be available all day.
If you need rope, fittings, fenders, oars, fishing gear or the choice of a thousand other bits and pieces, then Irvine Harbourside is where you need to be on the first Sunday in May.
It’s also an ideal opportunity for clubs and individuals to organise a stall selling surplus gear at the end of the season. With 5x5m pitches available for £30 and 5×2.5m car boot spaces for £20, this could be a money-earner for club funds or individuals.
Entry Prices Entry to the Boat Jumble will be £4.00, with accompanying children under 16 years of age, free. Customers of the boat jumble can also enjoy 50% off the normal entry cost to the Scottish Maritime Museum Linthouse building and Shipyard Worker’s Flat on production of their Boat jumble ticket.
Directions Travelling to the venue is extremely easy. By road follow the signs to Irvine Harbourside and then the directions to the Boat Jumble. Free car parking is available adjoining the venue. Irvine Railway Station and local bus services are both within a short walk as is the Rivergate Shopping Centre and major food outlets. A location map is also available on our website www.wsbj.co.uk
Pitch Bookings Should you wish to book a pitch or car boot space, please contact William Aitken, Emoh Ruo, Ayr Road, Irvine, Ayrshire, KA11 5AB. Telephone 07749 312159 or E-Mail via our website www.wsbj.co.uk
Further Information If you require further information, or if you have any questions about the event, please contact us via www.wsbj.co.uk Alternatively, please telephone 07749 312159 or by post to Emoh Ruo, Ayr Road, Irvine, Ayrshire KA11 5AB.
(FORMERLY THE SCOTTISH BOAT JUMBLE) West of Scotland
Sunday 5 May 2019 from 10 am. At the Scottish Maritime Museum Linthouse site, Harbour Road, Irvine KA12 8QE
Sunday 5th May 2019
Carrick Castle Beach Clean – 11 am to 12 noon – Meet at the club’s noticeboard.
Wednesday 22nd May 2019
Carrick Castle Boat Club’s AGM at the Lochgoilhead Village Hall at 6.30 pm with refreshments afterwards.
Find out why boat insurance is not a ‘would like to have’ but a ‘must have’
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to boating, there are many considerations for boat owners when it comes to insuring your boat.
RYA member reward partners and specialist marine insurance brokers, Bishop Skinner have been insuring pleasure craft for more than 40 years. That’s why we’ve got the experts at Bishop Skinner to go back to basics to answer the most common boat insurance queries, such as ‘how much cover do I need?’.
Why do you need boat insurance?
While it is not usually a legal requirement on most waters, having appropriate cover makes sound financial sense. Marine mortgage companies for instance insist on compulsory insurance as part of their money lending process. However, there are two stand-out reasons why boat insurance is not a ‘would like to have’ but a ‘must have’:
What does a typical boat insurance policy usually include?
Any physical damage covered by a boat insurance policy will usually include equipment such as hull, sails, machinery, furnishings, on-board equipment and the trailer if applicable.
Standard cover generally provides:
Third party liability cover provides protection for you, or authorised persons using your boat, from claims made by third parties for death or injury or damage to third party property for which you may become legally labile.
What can influence the premium?
From a small dinghy to a large super-yacht or personal watercraft, each type of vessel will attract a different level of risk, so just like car insurance – boats are usually categorised according to their vessel type and risk.
A yacht will have a different risk assessment than a dinghy or a jet ski, so insurers will factor in the type of the vessel and any potential repair bills before calculating the premium.
In general, the actual size of the boat isn’t as important as its value, how easily it could be stolen and the potential for damage. If your boat is trailer-able and spends a large amount of time safely tucked away on your drive, you’ll probably pay a different premium than if it was stored at a marina.
The area in which you keep and use your boat will also have an influence on the level of premium you pay and may have restrictions on cover that are subject to local weather conditions.
The experience of the boat owner and the type of use i.e. private use, as a charter or racing vessel as well as previous claims experience are also taken into consideration when calculating the premium.
And finally…
Ensure you review any potential policy in detail before you commit to purchase. By undertaking a thorough analysis of every possible scenario, you should be able to get the right cover for your vessel and enjoy peace of mind when sailing without worry.
RYA members enjoy exclusive member discounts with Bishop Skinner. Visit www.rya.org.uk/go/bishopskinner
To find out more about RYA membership visit www.rya.org.uk/go/membership