B.C.Y.A - Watchet - 10th to 12th August

[Matt]

The 2nd Annual B.C.Y.A. ENGLISH COAST RALLY Watchet Marina

Friday 10th to Sunday 12th August 201

Reception Drink and Free Hog Roast and Tony James Band on the Esplanade from 13.30 on Saturday

Art Exhibition and Sale Marquees
Saturday evening - Sea Shanty Band in Boat Museum
‘Madness Tribute Band’ in Esplanade Pub
Sunday morning Guided Walk - Mineral Line

Sponsored by Watchet Boat Owners Association, Watchet Harbour Marina and the Esplanade Pub

Please register now by contacting:
Susanne Newbold
Mobile: [phone]
Daytime tel no: 029 2023 5756
E-mail: [e-mail]

Half price berthing for registered BCYA members who book in advance.

[Matt]

BRISTOL CHANNEL YACHTING ASSOCIATION

ENGLISH RALLY AT WATCHET MARINA.

Friday 10th to Sunday 12th August, 2012

Watchet Marina has access for all craft on the following tides and*entrance and berthing.
Friday 10 August 2012
02:34 Gate Closing 10:22 Gate Opening 14:44 Gate Closing 22:53 Gate Opening
Saturday 11 August 2012
03:12 Gate Closing 11:31 Gate Opening 15:29 Gate Closing
Sunday 12 August 2012
00:16 Gate Opening 04:07 Gate Closing 12:56 Gate Opening 16:36 Gate Closing
Monday 13 August 2012
01:38 Gate Opening 05:24 Gate Closing 14:09 Gate Opening 18:04 Gate Closing


The Rally will be catered for on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th with half price berthing for all boats registered through BCYA from member clubs.

The Rally marks the start of Watchet Summer Week and there will be an entertainment programme all week for boats that wish to stay.

Reception drink at Esplanade Pub from 13.30 hrs sponsored by BCYA

Free Hog Roast from 13.30 hrs*Free to BCYA Boat Crew

Tony James Band on Esplanade from 13.30 hrs.

Art Exhibition and Sale in Marquees and on Railings

Sea Shanty Band in Boat Museum in evening

Madness Tribute Band in Esplanade Pub in evening

Sunday Morning Guided Walk Mineral Line and St Duncimans



Watchet Statement regarding Mud.

As many people will be aware, Watchet Harbour Marina is currently suffering from a larger than normal mud problem.

Mud is not a new problem in the marina – indeed it has always been a problem within the harbour complex. Due to the geographical location of the harbour and marina and also the original designs, mud has become trapped inside where it settles on the bottom.

Over the last few years a number of different techniques have been trialled to try and find an efficient way of removing the mud from the harbour. This has largely been undertaken by external contractors with specialist equipment. However it has become apparent that the mud removal process was not producing the desired results. This was due to a combination of the techniques used and the limited time and resources that could be allocated to such a task. Following a lot of research and consultation the marina operators – Watchet Harbour Marina Ltd have taken the bold step in purchasing a specialist dredging machine.

The machine (an IMS 7012 Versi dredge) is a relatively new concept, in that it is an entirely self-propelled easily transportable cutter suction machine. The actual machine at Watchet is a used model, and as such has had to have a small number of repairs and modifications made to it to enable maximum operating efficiency which has taken a longer time than planned, but it is now in operation and removing the mud in anger.

A combination of factors – an extremely rainy year so far, delays in getting the machine fully operational and the prior levels of mud within the marina have meant that the marina is suffering from an abnormally high level of mud.

The marina team are now working as hard as possible to rectify the problem. Additional staff have been employed along with investing large sums of money in the machine and infrastructure.

Whilst the short term plan with the machine is to remove the mud within the marina as quickly and efficiently as possible, the longer term plan is to operate the machine on a regular basis which along with improving the mud disposal infrastructure (pipework etc.) should lead to mud problems at Watchet becoming a thing of the past. This should mean
that the machine will have some time in the future when it is not needed at Watchet. As such the machine will be available for charter.

In the short term we are encouraging people to still continue to visit us at Watchet. The mud is extremely soft and vessels will merely sink down into it at low tide and refloat on the incoming water. As we are dredging almost constantly at the moment fewer and fewer of the berths will be drying and we will soon return to full depth. We recommend that crews keep the seacocks closed but otherwise there are no special precautions that need to be taken.

The current situation does mean that for some berths the lack of water at impounded (gate shut) level means that the tidal access window is slightly shortened, but if boats need to leave soon after gate opening, alternative plans can be made beforehand to ensure a quick departure.

As we all know cruising destinations are few within the Bristol Channel and we believe it is vital that people continue to use the marina to ensure the future of this facility. As a private enterprise Watchet will always struggle to compete with marinas that are part of larger groups. However the support of boat owners coupled with not just dredging but a number of other current efficiency improving projects will ensure that Watchet Harbour Marina Ltd can ensure the long term viability of the project.

James Burnell

[Matt]

It isn't long before this trip and I'm guessing space maybe at a premium in Watchet. If anyone is interested in going and hasn't contacted Sue let me know and I will pass on the details. A few people have expressed an interest but not confirmed. I know its all weather dependent but the marina staff would appreciate potential numbers.

Let me know your name, vessels name, size, draft, what day you plan to arrive and leave.

Can you let me have the information by this Friday 3rd August and I will send off the details.

Many thanks.

Matt

[keith]

Matt
I have booked in with Sue. Do you fancy going over on Friday night, or is anyone else going over on Friday

[chrisevans]

Hi Keith,
We are going over on friday, Im also trying to find out who is going.
Chris, Seren Wen.

[vikingsmb]

have a good time

[Habso]

Aug 5, 2012 10:26:01 GMT keith said:

Matt
I have booked in with Sue. Do you fancy going over on Friday night, or is anyone else going over on Friday

Plans are for Poppea to be leaving Friday morning to arrive in watchet around lunchtime and returning Sunday. I understand Ocean factor is running to the same plan. Will be very happy to be part of a group if that fits in with anyone else's plans... Arietta? Seren Wen?

[chrisevans]

Sounds fine to me, what time do you want to meet up / lock out. I'm guessing it to be a four hour trip, but I've never been before so open to advice.
Seren Wen

[allan]

I've yet to decide but I'll be heading off Friday night or Saturday morning.
Allan

[Dave Howell]

Plan to go on Fri am & return Sun
Dave "Gem"

[Habso]

My plan is to get the 10.00 am lock out, head down to Barry very close to the coast as we will be against the tide, then as the tide starts to slacken, turn and head over to Watchet, hoping to arrive between 13.30 and 14.00

[Matt]

I've let Sue know about all the boats that maybe planning to arrive from our club as listed above.

Lyndon has some good advice about locking out. About 10am - 10.30am Friday morning should be fine. The weather is looking great so should be a nice event!

Matt

[chrisevans]

OK 10am it is. See you all on Friday morning.
Seren Wen.

[Matt]

We had a great time at Watchet over the long weekend with lovely weather, tasty cider and wonderful company. I'll post some pictures and a bit more info on the trip later in the week when I have time.

I have sent Sue, Don and the team our thanks in organising the event and making it a great summer weekend away for us.

Matt

[allan]

We had a good sail over on Saturday, 15kts on the beam most of the way. Plenty of good beer and entertainment on Saturday.
Due to the horrendous mud problem it was almost HW by the time we got out. Luckily there was just enough wind to sail all the way to just before the Rannie. On the pontoon just in time to watch the Olympic closing show. A really good weekend.
Allan

[chrisevans]

A really enjoyable weekend, thanks for all the encouragement from CYC members who took part. The weather was warm, the beer cold, a happy balance. Seren Wen.

[chrisevans]

A really enjoyable weekend, thanks for all the encouragement from CYC members. The weather was warm, the beer cold, a happy balance. Seren Wen.