SOUTH COAST & CHANNEL ISLANDS
Work has started on the £1.4million project to replace two pontoons at Guernsey’s Queen Elizabeth II Marina. Much of the current infrastructure, including pontoons D and E, dates back to its 1980s construction and has passed the end of its design life. Further investment is planned, including the replacement of the current gates that impound water within the marina.
The 130 affected mooring holders have either been relocated to another Guernsey Ports’ marina berth, or had their boats lifted out and stored while the work is completed.
Guernsey Ports has proposed above-inflation increases to current fees and charges for 2024, including passengers, freight, landing fees, hydrocarbon imports and mooring fees to help fund investment in the ports’ ageing infrastructure.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to support an unexpected cost for Spirit of Falmouth, the flagship of veterans’ sailing charity, Turn to Starboard.
The Cornwall-based charity is having to raise additional funds to replace the pilot schooner’s two masts at a cost of around £40,000 and her sails at around £46,000.
Set up in 2013 to support UK service veterans, Turn to Starboard is supported by other military charities, businesses and the public. Sailing experiences, including food, are offered free to veterans. Spirit of Falmouth is including food, are offered free to listed on the National Registerlisted on the National Register of Historic Ships.of Historic Ships. n www.gofundme.com/f/n www.gofundme.com/f/ sos-save-our-spirit
Dorset Police are holding a Harbour Watch Conference on 10 April from 6pm-9pm. All are welcome to attend and hear speakers from the Border Agency, Poole Harbour Commissioners, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) and Dorset Police Marine team discuss how Harbour Watch is vital as the ‘eyes and ears’ of harbours and associated rivers. The free event will be held in the North Building, Poole Ferryy Terminal. Tea and coffee will be provided. To find out more email: harbourwatch@dorset. pnn.police.uk
WEST COAST, WALES & IRELAND
Five independent family-run marinas are joining forces to entice inland boaters to explore further with a new discounted visitor mooring scheme. Boaters who sign up for a ‘Cruise Moor’ card can stay at Aqueduct Marina, Droitwich Spa Marina, Dunchurch Pools Marina, Overwater Marina and White Mills Marina for two weeks per marina, with a 20% discount. A spokesman for Cruise Moor, Robert Parton, of Aqueduct Marina, said: “It’s a terrific scheme and a wonderful opportunity for us all to showcase
