Chairman's Update

Winter 2011

I am sitting here writing this in the increasing gloom of an approaching winter.  That said we had a strange Autumn with t-shirt weekends and the chance for a slight extension to the season.  I hope you managed to get out for some unexpected trips to enjoy the weather.

Those of you who read my Autumn update will remember that I was wishing for an Indian Summer – ‘nough said!

Cruising in Company

Our plans are well advanced for the cruises we are running next year with bookings made with marinas, dates set and skippers chosen so it is just ready for you.  On the web site soon you will see the details and a booking form.  Please send your bookings in quickly as spaces are limited and they will be offered on a first come first served basis.

Remember the main aim of cruising in company (as well as having a great time and an orange juice or two) is to help people to go that little bit further with the assuredness that someone will be there to help, guide and support if there is an question or an issue.

This includes the now ‘required’ skippers briefing, passage plan guidance and training (see more later) or simply help from fellow skippers (- or crew!!).

This year our destinations are Dartmouth, Brixham, Hamble, Ocean Village, Port Solent, Dielette Jersey and Guernsey.  We plan to make some use of MDL marinas to contain costs.

Do try and make sure that you get on one of the cruises next year.

AGM

The association AGM is planned for the 17 March.  It would be great if you could come along and say high.  We would be delighted to have your views about what we are doing.  If any of you think you could help us – either on the committee or with the jumble, party or with any other ideas – please let me know.

Poole Bridges

Any time now we will be using the new ‘2 bridge’ arrangement.  For some time the building works have been operating a lifting arrangement anyway.  Safety is paramount and we will continue to lobby the Harbour Master to commit to lifting both bridges when the basin capacity is close to being reached (so that there is no need to rush and so that anybody who wants to leave on a bridges lift will be able to do so).  This reassurance, for me, is essential for safe use of the bridges.  That said I do believe there are things we can try and do.

For example :-

• Ensure you are visible to bridge cameras if you are a lone boat
• Keep safely closed up to speed up use of bridge use
• Don’t try and overtake the ‘queue’ other than to fill gaps (I am certain that ‘pushing in’ will bring about the worst and least safe behaviour)
• Ensure you leaving a channel clear for exiting boats
• Low air draft and smaller boats to avoid the hourly bridge lift times
• Consider leaving or returning at different times than the ‘usual’ 0930 & 1030 and 1630/1730/1830 – especially on busy days like the air show.
• Keeping closed up (and fendered up) in the basin (gap between the bridges) to maximise boast using the basin or use the temporary pontoons if you are less confident.  (I strongly believe that hanging back and leaving large gaps are likely to bring on a red light)

 

I am keen to hear your experiences so that we can help the Harbour Master with feedback about what is working – and maybe what is not.  Please e mail me.

Training opportunities for CQBHA Members

The RYA/MDL are arranging for practical training in Spring 2012 as part of the MDL/RYA Active Marina programme.  This will offer 1/2 day practical training for skippers and 1/2 day training for partners.  As a lead up to this we are able to offer some focussed workshop learning.

At the Southampton Boat Show I agreed that CQBHA would work in partnership with the RYA (we are a member organisation) to offer a programme of shorebased workshops to support bertholders with general boating skills and capabilities linked to the use of the bridges.  The RYA are to fund 4 workshops in association with Powerboat Training as the local RYA school covering :-

• Navigation
• Pilotage
• Basic Engine maintenance - before going to sea and at sea action
• Supporting the skipper - aimed at the ladies amongst our crews especially

 

Events

We plan a boat jumble in the Spring so bring along your old or not so old ‘bits and pieces’ or simply come along for a look around.

We will be having a Summer Party under a marquee in the sun (!) in June.  MDL will once again be supporting us with the food.  However, without your support there is no point.  Please join us and support your Association.

We will also be offering the popular visits to Harbour Control and also this year to the Bridges control room.  This will give people the chance to see ‘big brother’ and to ask any questions about using the Harbour or the bridges.

New Manager

Big news!!  As I write this Dave Wilson – our marina manager – has let me know that MDL has recognised what he has achieved (I hope partly here at Cobbs) and he has been promoted to regional manager.  We will have a new manager and I look forward to talking about what we have been doing and look building the same great relationship as we have had with Dave.

Meantime I would like to thank Dave for the support he has given to me and CQBHA and wish him the very best in his new job.  Something tells me we will see him again!  Thank you Dave.

To the future

Who knows which way the economy will go but let’s be optimistic.  Thoughts will now be turning to winterising or preparing your boat for next season.  Whether you do this yourself or ask someone to do it for you this is important for safety and preserving the value of your pride and joy.

Marinas – including MDL – are working hard to keep their bertholders and so are looking to be keen with their berthing and services offers.  This year is no exception.

The big news for next year has to be the Olympics.  I am wondering if this will be more of a nuisance on the roads than on the water but we will still see impact.  For instance I know that a number of Weymouth based boats will be berthed at Cobbs for the duration.

Nevertheless enjoy the winter whether it be on your boat in the water or on the hard.  We will try to keep you in touch through the web site and our monthly mailings.

Wrapped up against the cold my eyes can see the new season just over the horizon!

Jonathan Saunders
Chair
CQBHA chairman@cqbha.org

 

 

What's new...

The 2012 Cruising Programme has just been published click here for details

The UK weather page has been updated with several new weather sites. Click here to view

 

 

 

Updated January 2012