run for berth holders by berth holders

                             Members’ Newsletter Edition No. 112

www.shbha.co.uk                                            January 2008

Success to Andy would be filling up the Marina and as he is trying to establish an environment where people want to be he is looking forward to meeting his customers and finding out more. Contractually Andy is required to work 40 hours but like all managers he finds that he works to do all that’s necessary so often does more than this. He never expects staff to do what he can’t/won’t do and earns respect by this philosophy. Luckily he enjoys all aspects of his job and the variety of tasks means he can be writing reports, dealing with H&S or even working the locks or hoist to launch boats. A laptop is something he couldn’t do without as it saves him so much time and provides a wealth of information at the touch of a button.

 

After a hard day at work Andy likes nothing better than heading out for a spin in his AC Cobra replica which he bought from a friend. It is based on Jaguar running gear and has a Rover V8 (3 ½l.) engine giving 225 brake HP. The car was recently on display at the Exeter Kit car exhibition. Andy always returns from a trip de-stressed and grinning as the wind in his hair(!) gives him a real tonic. When he and his family get time to relax together they head off to either a time share property in Spain or a trip to France. In the New Year they may join their daughter, who is currently a nanny in a ski resort, for a few days. At the moment Andy only has time for reading house details as he is looking for a rural property near to his new workplace. This would suit the five cats that are also part of the family. Andy finds music inspirational and before going racing listens to the music from the Tom Cruise movie ‘Top Gun’. This fires up his spirit!

     Other areas of community life also interest Andy. He has run two London marathons for McMillan Nurses who inspired him to raise over £3000 in the first year. Andy also uses his boating experience to tutor others, both here and in the ‘States, in Certified Marina Manager (CMM) courses (and yes, they’re going to change the name of the course!). These are organised through the UK International Marina Institute, the Chairmanship of which Andy has just relinquished after a period of six years. One of his proudest moments came when he was presented with his own CMM at the London Boat Show in 2000. He is also a Director of the British Marine Federation (Wessex) and has been involved with initiatives such as ‘Try a Boat’ schemes as well as ‘Poole Afloat’. Similar things may be heading to Eastbourne soon.

Clearly a man of action we can look forward to the future with confidence. Andy knows that the marina has potential. He accepts there is a lot of work to be done but promises not to lose sight of his goal …..for Sovereign Harbour to be Premier’s premier marina!

 

 

Circumnavigation of the British Isles 2007

With Rona and Nick Jordan and Poppy in  ’ Stress Breaker’

 

Part 1:

Our voyage round the UK began on the afternoon of 22^nd April 2007 after the Berth holders’ AGM.

 

People have various reasons for starting on a journey like ours – circumnavigating the British Isles. Ours was to gain as much experience as we could in all aspects of sailing in as short a time as possible whilst still being able to enjoy the places we visited and the scenery we passed.

 

Our previous sailing experience had been a one week Competent Crew and a three weeks Day Skipper courses plus a two-week self-charter in the Firth of Clyde, before we bought our 42ft Moody ketch Stress Breaker. We then had a three week sailing holiday to Dartmouth in 2004,the Channel Islands in 2005 and we reached the Helford River in Cornwall in 2006, plus trips across the Channel to various North French marinas.

 

We set off in the 2.30 pm lock out of Eastbourne and reached Brighton after a gentle motor sail in the sunshine, arriving about 6.00pm.The blue sky and sunshine which greeted us the following morning soon deteriorated to mist as we slipped the lines and I steered the boat to the fuel pontoon. After topping off the tanks, we headed out into the Channel. The mist thickened to fog and we were very grateful for the radar equipment on board and the course we had done. That day’s lunch was the first of many ready-made shepherds’ pies hurled into the oven en route. After a day’s motor sailing, Haslar was the next stop; excellent provision shopping and dog walking for Poppy, our Labrador.

 

It was a very gentle day as we headed for Swanwick Marina – a gentle sea, gentle wind and again the gentle throb of the engine! Such a short journey would have been ideal to sail but with only three knots of wind – no chance! We had bought Stress Breaker from Swanwick four summers ago. After the swell we had experienced in Haslar, Swanwick was so quiet; in fact I had the best night’s sleep of the whole South Coast here. Aladdin’s Cave Chandlery was the reason we had stopped here and various purchases were duly made.

 

The following day we actually managed to sail for two hours or so as we negotiated the channel back down river and across the Solent, keeping out of the big ships’ channel and avoiding the shallows, it being low tide. By 2.00pm we had reached the mouth of the Beaulieu River and followed the

 

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initially well-buoyed channel and then the withies (sticks stuck in the mud) indicating the deeper water.

 

Buckler’s Hard Marina was lovely in the warm sunshine. It wasn’t a cheap marina but we loved it and spent two nights here. The scenery, as we walked into Beaulieu, was beautiful. We had dinner onboard with some friends who live locally.

 

On Friday it was back to the Solent heading for Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. We had a lovely sail and berthed on one of the new walk-off pontoons. It was much easier dealing with the dog than the old floating pontoons, the piles and water taxis! We spent Saturday and Sunday in the sunshine, making use of the laundry facilities and meeting up with family. The fridge ceased to function so Nick spent some time trying to fix it.

 

On Monday we set sail at a very civilised 11.30 am for Studland Bay. We motor-sailed through the Needles at a respectable 6 knots with the wind and tide with us. The sea state was benign, but the wind was now right behind us. As Studland Bay appeared ahead of us the wind increased considerably and we decided that Chapman’s Pool around the headland from Studland Bay would give us a more comfortable night at anchor. On paper it had seemed ideal. In practice the wind whipped off the land and was funnelled through the entrance. It was most uncomfortable. We had a cup of tea and decided to move on to Weymouth for the night instead. We avoided the Lulworth Firing Range and reached Weymouth early in the evening expecting to be rafted up. There was only us and one other boat on the town quay.

Weymouth to Dartmouth was a long passage across Lyme Bay. Although there was a pleasant Force 4 wind the sea was calm and the sun shone. I managed to sunbathe on the foredeck. The wind died, so more motor sailing. We reached Dartmouth and moored on a pontoon in the middle of the River Dart that had no electricity or water (but water is available on the town quay). The local water taxi is excellent and inexpensive. We spent one day here – more family visiting!

 

Salcombe was next on our itinerary. We had a somewhat lively passage around Start Point and after some extra calculations, decided we could pass over the bar into Salcombe Harbour at that point of the tide. The buoy we were allocated proved illusive and the Harbour master came to assist us and even took our mooring line. We deployed the dinghy and added a second line.

 

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touched base with some more friends, who kindly took us to Asda by car for provisions. Again, I made use of the laundry facilities. We had intended

to spend about five days here, exploring the area by dinghy, then moving on to the Helford River and thence to Ireland. However, the weather forecast gave us a weather window to allow us to get to the Scilly Isles if we left NOW, so Mylor proved to be our final stop on the South Coast. It would be another 3 months before we walked on English soil again!

 

We left Mylor on 22^nd May for St. Mary’s in the Scilly Isles exactly one month after setting off. 

 

 

To be continued………………………………..

 

R.N.L.I.

As in previous years, the Sovereign Harbour Berth Holders’ Association, on behalf of all its members, presented to the Eastbourne Lifeboat Crew a Christmas Box of ‘goodies’. This included teabags, coffee, sweets and chocolate, cup-a-soups, and a variety of biscuit and cakes. On Tuesday, December 18^th 2007 the presentation was made to Paul Metcalf by our chairman, Nick Jordan who was accompanied by Rona Jordan and Roy and Sue Sydney This comfort box is most welcome when the crew return from a ‘shout’.

 

Gourmet Galley                 ‘ Peach Parcels ’

 Ingredients;

1 x 411 gram can of peach slices, drained.

50g (2oz) butter

3 x 15 ml ( 3 tblsp) maple syrup or golden syrup

grated rind of 1 lemon & 25g (1oz) flaked almonds

 

Method: Divide the peaches between 4 squares of foil. Beat together butter, maple or golden syrup, and lemon rind until smooth.

Dot this mixture over the peaches and sprinkle with flaked almonds.

Draw up the corners of the foil and twist to seal.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200 degrees C or Gas Mark 6 for 10 to 15 minutes. Open the foil and serve with Greek Yogurt or ice-cream.

Naughty but nice !

 

Haul- out 2008

The marina general manager, Andy Osman, has asked that berth-holders be reminded to book their winter haul-out soon if they have not already done so.

 

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What’s Been Going On

 

Ø       During November the marina had a Health and Safety audit. Several areas came to light that are currently being addressed. These include improvements to the boat lift area, the top end of the North Harbour and the area in front of the Waterfront. In addition the bridges have had further fencing added to improve their safety.

 

Ø       In our recent discussions with the marina management we are pleased to say that the CCTV is being updated and improved. The cleaning contract has been renewed with another company and the standard at present seems much improved – we are continuing to monitor.

 

Ø       The underground car park gates to both Main and North harbours have been opened to allow easier access to the bridgeheads.

 

Ø       In the spring the marina is hoping to roll out a new improved recycling system using bags for various types of waste.

 

Ø       Marina security has been improved by the regular changing of the visitor gate codes, which takes place on Mondays or as deemed necessary.

 

Ø       Anyone who is concerned about electrolysis in his or her berth can ask to be moved to another area in the marina for a period of time to assess and hopefully locate the problem.

 

Ø       As mentioned in the previous newsletter a pontoon washer has been purchased and a programme of pontoon washing has now been drawn up. If anyone feels that there is a pontoon that needs urgent attention, please contact the marina office.

 

Ø       The cradles in the boatyard have been fitted with new arms after a failure earlier in the year.  With regard to the yard you will observe that it is a lot tidier and cleaner now

 

Ø       The recycling area, which used to be by the office steps, has been moved to the more central position of the boat yard.

 

Ø        Over 90 members took the opportunity to meet other berth-holders from near and far and to share boating experiences and adventures at the first ever SHBHA buffet lunch on Saturday 13^th October. From post event communications it appears that it was a welcome occasion enjoyed by all who attended. 

 

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What Price a Life?

By Sandi Lewis-Cook

With everything crossed and full of apprehension I stepped off the side and into the water. Would my life-jacket inflate? Would I be able to climb into the life-raft? Thank goodness for the SHBHA Sea Safety Course.

No I was not aboard a sinking boat; I was attending the ‘Sink or Swim’ event organized by SHBHA. On November 3^rd 25 members of the Association met at the Motcombe Swimming Pool in Eastbourne. We wore a stunning array of clothing from flotation suites to designer tee-shirts. Our highly qualified instructor was Graham from Suffolk Sailing, Ipswich.

 

We spent some time having our lifejackets checked by members of the Eastbourne RNLI Sea Safety Team who found 3 loose cylinders amongst the 25 that were checked and one jacket that subsequently gradually deflated due to a leaky seam! I learned how to ensure that my gas cylinder was firmly attached and to check its expiry date. Most people who wear a life-jacket probably only do so in an emergency situation. Few wearers understand them or regularly check them their selves. Do you know if your lifejacket is manual or automatic? Does it have crotch straps? When did you last check it over? Lifejackets should be stored and worn with the straps attached as they prevent the jacket from riding up over your face on impact with the water or when you are being helped back on board.

 

Now suitably attired, Graham showed us how to hold one hand over our mouth and nose (not to pinch our nose) and the other hand on the shoulder of the lifejacket. As the big moment rapidly approached I would have willingly given my place over to anyone! From previous comments expressed by other members, I was not the only one facing the point of no return. We were a mixed group, some who had done this before. So, bless them, they took the lead. We stepped off the side and everyone’s lifejacket inflated. As I stepped into the 6 feet of water, my feet didn’t touch the bottom so I don’t know how far down I went. I do know that there was something comforting about the cocoon which rapidly inflated and pushed me back to the surface.

Then, and only then, did I experience the importance of this piece of equipment. Never again will I question its costs. What is the price of a life?

 

 

We now spent time on our backs, keeping calm, and learning to float in wet clothing. It was not as difficult as I had expected. Our instructor told

us how our clothes would help us retain body heat thereby extending the

time before the body would begin to close-down.

 

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In pairs we took it in turns to simulate waves splashing over our faces by frantically splashing each other. Again we were shown how to cover our mouth and nose and to breathe through clenched teeth to prevent large amounts of sea water being taken in.

Next came the liferaft.

Have you ever tried to lift a 6 man liferaft? I would not be able to do so. But I can push one! That’s something to think about if yours is stored in a locker below decks. Remember your strongest crew member may not be able to help due to illness or injury. The liferaft must be attached by its rip cord to a strong point on the boat before pushing it into the water.

(The rip cord can be as long as 20 metres in some cases!)

 

The life-raft hit the water and took a few moments to fully inflate. I tried to jump into the inflated life-raft from the poolside (as if from a boat) but was not successful. It is always preferable to step into the liferaft dry and warm rather than wet and cold from the sea but circumstances will dictate what you have to do. We were not however about to board the raft.

 

Our instructor flipped the raft over simulating what can happen in a rough sea. In small groups we entered the body of the life-raft by swimming up under the side through the door. We sat in the raft with the roof at our feet. There was plenty of air space and again I realized how important staying calm while planning strategies was.

 

No-one could have prepared me for what came next as we had to right the life-raft single handed! However, with excellent tuition we all managed to do it. I was amazed: it’s definitely a case of knack rather then strength.

Unfortunately some of us forgot to hold on and the life-raft floated away. A lesson learnt by default.

 

By now one would have thought the easy bit was to come, boarding the life-raft. Wrong again. Boarding a life-raft is not easy. We divided into groups of 6 and our strategy was to put the two strongest members of our group in first. They were then able to haul the others in by whichever body part was available, mainly arms. Landing on your face in a pool of water is quite daunting. The water collects from your wet clothing. You are now confronted by arms and legs, elbows and heads. We curled up to give more space for the in-coming bodies. Then we sat with our feet in the centre like the spokes of a wheel.

                                                                         Cont’d over

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Do you know what you would want in your life-raft ? Exhausted we sat back and reflected. ( spare glasses, inhaler, fresh water etc. )

 

As the training came to an end I realized that time had passed really quickly. Once we were into dry clothes we were able to purchase replacement parts for our life-jackets, some for as little as £5. Suffolk Sailing carried most replacement parts though some life-jackets were a little more complicated.

 

Everyone who took part was elated by this exhausting experience. Some were pleased to have updated their knowledge but most of us were new to

this experience and were pleased to have had the opportunity. We realize that this course will help us should we ever need to take to our life-rafts in a real life sea rescue. Most of us believe it will never happen to us. For those mariners who have had such real life drama, I am sure many lessons were learned. How lucky I was to have had these lessons in a controlled environment with an excellent instructor. It has for me taken away the fear of the unknown and given me confidence to be a more useful crew member and not to rely on others.

 

People recognise that updates of knowledge are essential. Some however believe that once is enough. In my professional life I require updates of knowledge that I use in emergency situations. For all of us, including those who ‘bury their heads in the sand’, we should take advantage of the incredible Sea Safety events organized by the SHBHA. Watch the notice boards around the harbour for further details. For crew who are not strong swimmers, or for those who do not swim, this course is invaluable. I know because I fit into that category.

 

The next time we take our boat on a trip even to Beachy Head, my knowledge and experience will go with me and I shall continue to grow in confidence. ……….Will you ?

 

 

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It’s not too late!

If there is sufficient interest in a future  ‘Sink or Swim’ course it may be possible for us to run it again in the Autumn of 2008. To register your interest please complete the form on page 10.

 

 

 

 

Page 10

AGM and Buffet Lunch

Following the success of the last member’s buffet we are arranging for something similar to follow the 2008 AGM. Members are offered the lunch at the special price of £4. A cash bar will be open. More information on the formal part of the day can be found on page 14.

 

Please complete the form below and send it together with your remittance, no later than April 2^nd 2008 to the SHBHA Treasurer,

Mrs. R. Jordan,

132, Castle Drive,

Pevensey Bay,

Eastbourne        BN24 6JU

(Cheques to be made payable to ‘ SHBH Association ‘ )

 

Please reserve me______ places at the AGM buffet lunch on April 20^th 2008

 

Name/s__________________________________________________

 

Telephone contact number _________________________________

 

Boat name ______________________________________________

 

Signed__________________________________________________

 

 

Future ‘Sink or Swim’ opportunity

Lots of you still want to do it!

To register your interest in a future sea survival event you can contact Sandi on 07790 689137 or complete this reply slip and return it no later than March 1^st 2008 to,

Sandi Lewis-Cook,

PO Box 2983,

Eastbourne,  BN29 9AJ

 

I am interested in joining a future ‘Sink or Swim ‘ event along with the following people…………

 

 

 

Telephone contact number________________________________

 

Boat Name_____________________________________________

 

Signed_________________________________________________

 

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Discounts for members

As the sailing season of 2008 gets closer many owners’ thoughts turn to preparing their boats for the approaching spring and summer. Catalogues are perused, words like anodes, anti-foul, ropes and rigging seem to be in every sentence spoken. Listed below are the names and contact details of those businesses dealing in the marine market that currently offer discounts to members of Sovereign Harbour Berth Holders Association on production of a current membership card.

 

RINKER BOATS offer a 10% discount on their chandlery stock.

Contact: 01323 470444   www.rinker.uk.com

 

WATERFRONT SAILING ACADEMY offer a 10% discount off all standard RYA courses. Contact: 01424 844181 or 07775 904122.

E-mail –anglomed@tesco.net

 

CABLE AND ROPEWORKS offer a 5% discount on mainly ropes and rigging. Contact: 01323 763019/766185 www.cableandropeworks.com

 

SUFFOLK SAILING offer a pre booked 10% reduction on liferaft servicing cost and spares (but not carriage).  Collection/delivery can be arranged. Arrangements can sometimes be made to see your liferaft inflated. Contact: 01473 833010  www.suffolk-sailing.co.uk

 

The R.N.L.I. offer a free Sea Check at your convenience. Contact: R.N.L.I. 0800 328 0600 or local officer Terry Colbran on 07860 362367.

 

PREMIER SOVEREIGN HARBOUR offer fuel prices at cost. (conditions apply) Contact: 01323 470099 www.sovereignharbour.co.uk

 

SOVEREIGN SPORTSBOAT TRAINING offer a 10% reduction on

the RYA VHF short range certificated course. Contact: 01323 470844/470823

e-mail  mail@sovereign-sportsboat.co.uk

 

MAYDAY MARINE, formerly MESSENGER MARINE of Emsworth offer a 10% reduction on liferaft servicing costs and other marine safety equipment. Arrangements can be made to see your liferaft inflated. Contact 08708 921629

 

ETHOS stainless steel fabricators and marine trimmers offer trade rates to SHBHA members. Contact; 01323 764004 or 07951 739953

 

YACHT AND POWERBOAT SURVEYOR, Rupert Smith, has offered a 20% discount to members of SHBHA for surveys on mono hulls during the months of December, January and February. He can be contacted on 01323 898782 and 07931 565798

 

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MALTHOUSE MARINE CHANDLERY offers a 5% discount to SHBHA members. They can be found online at www.malthouse-marine.com and by phone on 01843 825825

 

FAST BOAT SURVEYS, based at Battle, offer a 20% discount for members of SHBHA. Contact Ted Neame on 01424 777730 or 07933 771326.

 

MORGAN SAILING offer RYA shore-based courses, new Basic Navigation and Safety Course (16 hours tuition), RYA Day Skipper theory (40 hours tuition), Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster course (48 hours tuition). Fully equipped classroom, all tuition materials, plotter/dividers included in the price. A 10% reduction is offered to members of SHBHA. Contact David Morgan on 01323 472222.

 

SPRAY WATERSPORTS offer a 5% discount on all of its courses to  members of SHBHA. Contact Peter Towner re forthcoming 2008 courses which include, Day Skipper January 7^th -11^th and 4^th-8^thJuly and Yachtmaster January 21^st-27^th and February 25^th to March 1^st at Spray.Watersports@eastsussex.gov.uk

 

This is by no means a comprehensive list and the editor will be pleased to receive details of other businesses offering a preferential rate for members of the Sovereign Harbour Berth Holders Association.

 

Answers to the last edition’s crossword

Across clues; 5 Scapa Flow, 7 Navy News, 8 GMT, 11 Julie Andrews,

14 Whizzer, 15 Number One, 16 Jonnik, 18 Wokka-Wokka, 19 Centurion.

Down Clues; 1 Judas, 2 Vasco, 3 Dog Watch, 4 Fred Quimby, 6 Fiddler’s Green, 9 Trunky, 10 Bluenose, 12 Jankers, 13 Yuloh.

 

Oops!

In the last newsletter (September 2007) I produced an article on navigation. Unfortunately I somehow managed to omit the diagram referred to in the article……..So here it is with my apologies! Ed

 

 

Page 13

 

 

46 Word Wordsearch

Page 14

 

Annual General Meeting 2008

The Annual General Meeting of Sovereign Harbour Berth-holder’s Association will be held on Sunday, April 20^th 2008 in the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club beginning at 10.30.  A copy of the Association’s accounts and an agenda will be posted to members in early April 2008.

Members wanting business items adding to the meeting’s agenda must lodge these in writing with the secretary no later than March 9^th 2008

The AGM will be followed by a pre-booked buffet lunch, on offer at the special price of £4. To complete the occasion a presentation of interest to all boat owners will also be given. Please complete the booking form on page 10.

 

Diesel Spills

In line with the practice of Premier Marinas Limited, should you discover evidence of a diesel spill, or of any other contaminant, please contact the marina reception without delay. Use VHF channel 17, the courtesy phone in the West Harbour, mobile phone or better still visit marina reception and complete an incident report form.

 

Safety Group Evenings

These will continue in the New Year and future topics will include; Passage Planning, (grouped for Beginners and the More Advanced), Using G.P.S., Buoyage and Lights, Passage Planning and the pitfalls of G.P.S. Watch the display boards around the harbour for further details.

Feathered Passenger

Sunday October 21^st saw the private angling boat ‘Shamrock’ at sea for a days fishing. During the calm voyage, both captain and crew became aware of a very small bird heading in the same direction. Having left ‘Shamrock’ behind the bird made a complete turn and flew back to the boat perching on the steel guard rail. This it did with great difficulty as its small feet could not encircle the rail. The bird looked very tired and was shivering when without warning it flew into the boat’s cabin and settled itself on the top of the VHF radio. It stayed there for about ¾ of an hour during which the boat covered the best part of 20 miles. Photographs were taken and the bird was identified as a Goldcrest. Let’s just hope it was heading in the right direction.

 

 

 

Contributions  

Thanks to all those members who responded to my plea for books and magazines for the exchange scheme. A wide range of material was forthcoming and has been hugely enjoyed by other berth-holders.

Articles for possible inclusion in future newsletters can be sent to the Editor by e-mail  through the ‘ Contact Us’ page on the association’s web-site at;

www.shbha.co.uk