RYA share plans to achieve carbon zero by 2050

The RYA has outlined its plans for the recreational boating sector to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Sustainable Boating 17 Aug 21
The RYA is excited to launch ‘Pathways to Zero: The RYA’s Vision for a Zero Carbon Recreational Boating Sector by 2050.’ It is an ambitious document and outlines the key actions and milestones that will need to be reached by the RYA and the wider sector to achieve the vision for zero-carbon in response to the climate emergency.

The report has been developed to deliver on the requirement within the RYA’s Sustainability Strategy, launched last year, to set out an achievable pathway for the wider recreational boating sector to significantly lower emissions.

The report includes over one hundred individual actions, many of which are related to policy, logistics and behaviour change, and can be achieved at minimal cost. The report also contains recommendations for broad technology changes which will require funding by the sector, with Government support, over the coming years.

Commenting on the launch of the Pathways to Zero report, Phil Horton, RYA Environment and Sustainability Manager, said: “The development of this report follows wide research across the sector, analysis of sustainability forecasts, as well as speaking with RYA members and marine businesses. In addition to addressing our own operational impacts, we believe that it is essential to the safeguarding of our sport that the RYA contributes to mitigating the long-term environmental impacts of recreational boating. Addressing these concerns will have many benefits for boaters that go beyond carbon emission reductions, such as reduced noise, better manoeuvrability and response, reduced maintenance costs, and zero pollution.

“The report outlines the key areas where we have identified a need for change, many of those actions included will be relatively easy fixes. However, other actions will require investment, whether that be in time or funding.

“The RYA interacts directly and indirectly with an estimated 250,000 recreational boaters each year, therefore one of our objectives is for the changes in behaviour occurring within the RYA to be shared and adopted by those boaters and the wider boating community.”

The full ‘Pathways to Zero: The RYA’s Vision for a Zero Carbon Recreational Boating Sector by 2050’ report and its associated background paper are available to download now from the RYA website.

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Speed Limits

Speed limits

Within the limits of the Rhu Narrows Restricted Channel; the Faslane Restricted Area; the Coulport Restricted Area and the Coulport Fishing Exclusion Zone, the speed of any vessel shall not exceed seven knots through the water unless a speed in excess of seven knots is essential for the safety of navigation.

Elsewhere within the dockyard port, no vessel shall exceed 12 knots through the water that includes Loch Goil and Loch Long south to a line between Cove and Blairmore..

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Loch Goil – Installation of Subsea Cables

Queen’s Harbour Master Clyde

LNTM No 17/21

BA Chart 3746

1. Mariners are advised that Installation work for subsea cables is scheduled to commence on Monday 16th August 2021 for a period of approximately to 2 months.

2. The cables will be installed in the area in the chartlet below:

3. Gareloch Support Service (GSS) workboats Aileen M, Laura M and NP470 Barge will carry out this installation work. The Aileen M will be used to tow the NP470 Barge.

Please see below vessel images:

Aileen M

Laura M

NP470 Barge

4. The works will also involve diving. Flag A “diving operations” will be displayed at all times when divers are in the water.

5. Whilst the vessels remain within the operational area and associated areas, they will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channels 12,16 and 73

6. All vessels navigating in the vicinity of the cable installation works are to do so with caution and regulate their speed to minimise the effects of wash.

7. Further Information can be obtained from QHM Harbour Control on VHF CH73 or 01436 674321 Ext 3555/4005.

8. Next CWM 18 21

 

 

Thursday 12 Aug 2021

David Lightfoot OBE MSM AFNI
Queen’s Harbour Master Clyde
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Reefing tips

Vaughan Marsh, Chief Instructor of the RYA Sail Cruising training scheme shares some tips for reefing downwind and reefing downwind, with and without a topping lift…

Reefing downwind

Yacht with reefed sail and yacht with reefed sail with topping lift

Sometimes when sailing downwind with a poled-out headsail, or even under spinnaker, you may wish to put in a reef whilst continuing in the direction of your destination.

As well as keeping you heading in the right direction this also reduces the apparent wind strength and therefore tends to be more comfortable.

This technique will allow you to take in a reef without the need to de-rig your pole and come up to windward in light to moderate winds.

Place the boat on a stable downwind heading typically with the wind fine on the windward quarter

  1. Release the boom vang
  2. Tension the topping lift, ensuring the boom is elevated a little at the outboard end
  3. Ease the preventor whilst tensioning the mainsheet, or if no preventor is fitted simply tension the mainsheet which will centre or blade the mainsail. This will have the effect of scandalising and depowering the mainsail
  4. Lower the main halyard until the reefing cringle is level with the ram’s horn – at the same time bring in the reefing line so that both the luff and leach are reduced in unison
  5. Attach the reefing cringle to the ram’s horn and re-tension the main halyard
  6. Continue to tension the reefing line until the sail is tightly bound to the boom – be aware there may be a need to ease the mainsheet a fraction to allow the sail to be reefed tight to the boom
  7. Ease the mainsheet to allow the mainsail to fall out to leeward
  8. Ease the topping lift
  9. Re-tension the boom vang as necessary
  10. Tidy up the lines
  11. If appropriate re-rig a preventer

Reefing with a topping lift

Yacht with reefed sail and yacht with reefed sail with topping lift

For your average cruising sailor this is a simple, safe and low stress method.

  1. Place the boat on a close reach with the headsail trimmed efficiently
  2. Ease the boom vang (kicking strap)
  3. Ease the mainsheet to depower the main
  4. Tension the topping lift, ensuring the boom is raised by an exaggerated amount above the horizontal (this is known as scandalising)
  5. Lower the main halyard until your reefing cringle is level with the boom gooseneck
  6. Attach the reefing cringle to the ram’s horn or reefing point at the gooseneck
  7. Re-tension the main halyard
  8. Tension the reefing line ensuring the sail is bound tightly to the boom – check to ensure the sail is not ‘pinched’ to the boom
  9. Ease the topping life then sheet in the main
  10. Re-tension the boom vang and tidy up tails of all the lines

Reefing without a topping lift

Where you are sailing on a boat without a topping lift or when your topping lift has been disconnected for some reason, this method will allow you to put in a reef safely.

  1. Place the boat on a close reach and trim your headsail efficiently
  2. Release the boom vang
  3. Ease the mainsheet right out so that the mainsail ‘floats’
  4. Lower the halyard until the appropriate reefing cringle is level with the ram’s horn at the gooseneck of the boom
  5. Attach the reefing cringle to the ram’s horn
  6. Re-tension the main halyard
  7. Tension the reefing line to the point where the sail is tightly bound against the boom, checking to make sure the sail is not ‘pinched’ between the reefing line and the boom
  8. Trim on with the mainsheet
  9. Re-tension the boom vang
  10. Tidy up lines and if necessary, tie up the ‘bunt of the sail’ with sail ties through the reefing cringles and around the foot of the sail
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Moorings Contractor Servicing Moorings in Carrick Castle

Neil Cunningham, the club’s mooring contractor has been servicing the club’s and members moorings this week in Carrick Castle and will continue next week.

 

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LOCH LONG – SEABED SAMPLING

Queen’s Harbour Master Clyde
LOCH LONG – SEABED SAMPLING
LNTM No 13/21
British Admiralty Charts 3746

1. Mariners are advised that the GSS vessel Mary M will be conducting seabed sampling work in the area of upper Loch Long on or around Tuesday 15th June 2021.

2. Please see below chart and table showing the sample area and positions:-

 

Table 1 Details the proposed benthic survey sample positions (WGS84)

 

Station Number Latitude Longitude Lat D m.mmm Lon D m.mmm
1 56.15594 -4.807 56 9.356 N 4 48.420 W
2 56.15602 -4.81112 56 9.361 N 4 48.667 W
3 56.15494 -4.8088 56 9.296 N 4 48.828 W
4 56.15388 -4.81097 56 9.233 N 4 48.658 W
5 56.15364 -4.81248 56 9.218 N 4 48.749 W
6 56.15327 -4.81525 56 9.196 N 4 48.915 W
7 56.15031 -4.81135 56 9.019 N 4 483681 W
8 56.14995 -4.81568 56 8.997 N 4 48.941 W
9 56.14895 -4.81628 56 8.937 N 4 48.977 W
10 56.14816 -4.81203 56 8.890 N 4 48.722 W

 

 

3. Please see below Image of GSS Vessel Mary M:

4. Mariners are to navigate with caution when transiting in this area and reduce speed adjacent to the works area.

5. Further Information can be obtained from QHM Harbour Control on VHF CH73 or 01436 674321 Ext 3555/4005.

6. Next CWM 14/21

 

View notice online
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RYA Power Boat Handling Level 2 Course

The club is looking to set up an RYA Power Boat Handling Level 2 Course through Scouts Adventure Scotland (Lochgoilhead).

Date TBA but not too far in the future. Discounted cost to members £225.00 (non-members £250.00).

Powerboat Handling Level 2 | Powerboat | Courses | RYA

https://www.rya.org.uk › courses › powerboat

This two-day entry level course provides the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).
It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at plaining speed and collision regulations.

Ability after the course: Self-sufficient powerboat handling..

Minimum age: 12

Course content: Launching and recovery, boat …

Minimum duration: 2 days

If you are interested in taking this course please contact our committee member, Vonna Cowper-Smith at Vonna@btinternet.com as soon as possible please. The course can run with a minimum of three persons.

Carrick Castle Boat Club

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RYA Scotland Guidance Update

RYA Scotland Guidance Update

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Friends,

 

I am sure you will be well aware from the news that much of Scotland is now in Level 2 with the islands now down to Level 1.

 

Some localities are unfortunately remaining at Level 3 which is a timely reminder that we do need to remain vigilant as we return to our boating activities.

 

Our revised guidance will hopefully help with understanding what the recent changes mean for recreational boating in Scotland and is available on our website now.

 

RYA and RYA Scotland are in the process of moving to a new digital platform and there may be the odd glitch as the new website goes live.  Please bear with us as we get the wrinkles ironed out.

 

For all those back afloat and soon to be back afloat, I sincerely hope you enjoy a spectacular season on the water.

 

James Allan

Chief Executive Officer

Royal Yachting Association Scotland
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Carrick Castle Boat Club – AGM – Monday 14th June 2021 at 6.30 pm by Zoom

The Carrick Castle Boat Club’s AGM will be held on Monday 14th June 2021 at 6.30 pm by Zoom.

There will be a talk by John Kent, Community Marine Officer, Clyde & South West Scotland on Crown Estate Scotland and an update on moorings activities on the Clyde post Covid-19.

Members will be advised in advance of the Zoom access by e-mail.

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Do you know your invasive species?

Invasive plants and animals to look out for

The spread of non-native invasive species is becoming a major issue in both the marine and inland waters around the UK. This is because the invasive species compete with our native plants and wildlife, introduce diseases and cause major changes to entire ecosystems.

They can also disrupt boating by restricting navigation, blocking inlets and outlets and increasing the bio-fouling of boats and marine structures.

Invasive species can unintentionally become transported to a new habitat by becoming attached to boats, caught in water sport’s equipment or even by latching onto our clothes. The best way to protect your local area of water is to follow the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ approach to removing invasive species.

Check for any plant or animal material on your boat, equipment and clothing.

Clean your boat, equipment and clothing that has come into contact with the water thoroughly with tap water. Paying particular attention to crevices where species can be hidden.

Dry your craft and any piece of equipment or clothing thoroughly. Many species can survive in damp conditions for many weeks.

Below you will find information about some of the prolific aquatic invasive plants and animals to lookout for when spending time by the coast.

COASTAL

Wire Weed – Originally from Japan, it grows on hard substrata in shallow waters and can also live in estuarine conditions. Wire weed has a rapid growth rate and easily out competes the native seaweed species. Its dense stature means that it blocks out light and oxygen to native species in the water. In the spring months the Weed can grow up to 10 cm a day.

Credit: Non-Native Species Secretariat

Wakame Seaweed – It can be identified by its green-brown leaves and its frilly base. The Seaweed is a prolific grower and excludes native algal species and alters the local food chain. It can grow up to nine feet and can create a thick canopy.

Credit: Non-Native Species Secretariat

Carpet Sea Squirt – The Carpet Sea Squirt is a marine filter feeder and smothers local marine life. As an individual, it is incredibly small, however individuals live in large colonies creating the appearance of one large structure, once established they can spread fast on the seabed. The Squirt is brownish in colour and can become a serious threat to biodiversity.

Pacific Oyster – They are more irregularly shaped than the flat native oysters, and the edges of the shell have wavy, large frills. The inside of the shell is white to off/white with purple streaks. Establishment of Pacific Oysters can significantly alter diversity, community structure and ecosystems.

Chinese Mitten Crab – These crabs often begin life in lower estuaries and marine habitats and then move upstream to riverbanks and streams. They can range from green, brown to grey in colour and their front white tipped pincers are covered in dense fine white hairs. Due to their burrowing activity in riverbanks, they can cause heavy bank erosion and flooding.

The Green Blue is dedicating the 24 – 30 May to ‘Invasive Species Week.’ The week’s aim is to raise awareness of non-native invasive species, to help water users feel confident in identifying any invasive species that they encounter and to share preventative measures and tips.

Can’t wait ‘til then? Check out The Green Blue website: www.thegreenblue.org.uk where you will find a range of information on how you can improve the biosecurity of your sailing club or centre as well as guidance and advice for how all recreational boaters can do our bit to prevent the spread of invasive species.

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