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MBM's first cruise of the year gets underway

2009-09-13T22:50:00.003+08:00

MBM's first cruise of the year gets underway
MBM's first Cruising Club event of the year to the Channel Islands and Brittany is now underway.

The fleet of 17 boats made it across the Channel yesterday, and were expecting to make the hop to Jersey this morning.

You can keep up to date with the progress of the cruise through our Cruising Club blog, which is being updated daily with information on passages, weather, and anything else that occurs during the trip.

9 June 2009

RNLI names new chief executive

2009-09-13T22:50:00.001+08:00

RNLI names new chief executive
Paul Boissier has been named as the new chief executive of the RNLI. He recently retired from the Royal Navy, where he specialized in navigation and commanded the submarines Onyx and Trafalgar and the anti-submarine frigate Chatham.

For the past two years he was the Royal Navy's chief operating officer, integrating the vital functions of HR, support, training, logistics and procurement. "It is a huge privilege to be asked to be the chief executive of the RNLI," said Mr Boissier, "and I greatly look forward to taking up the appointment."

He will take up his new role on 24 September, two days before the present CEO, Andrew Freemantle, officially retires.

9 June 2009

Listen up Brussels: new boating body in town

2009-09-12T20:55:00.000+08:00

Listen up Brussels: new boating body in town
British boating authorities are hoping a new pan-Europe lobby group will mean boaters' voices pack more of a punch in Brussels.

The European Leisure Marine Industries Federation (ELMIF) brings together for the first time the leisure marine industries of countries such as the UK, Spain, France the Netherlands and Norway.

The stand-alone organisation will be guided by an elected council of nine representatives, and will have a permanent presence in Brussels. The UK is represented by Jon Eads of MDL Marinas, the current BMF president.

Rob Stevens, chief executive of the British Marine Federation, said: "The BMF has played a leading role in the creation of this new lobbying group and so we are delighted to see it finally launched after two years of negotiation with our counterparts across Europe.

"It is vital for the leisure marine industry to have the strongest possible representation within the European Union at this critical time in such a tough economic climate. I am confident ELMIF will deliver much needed results for the industry."

The 13 European marine industry associations who are the founding members of ELMIF are:

• ANEN (Spain)
• APICAN (Portugal)
• APL (Czech Republic)
• BMF (United Kingdom)
• BVWW (Germany)
• DANBOAT (Denmark)
• FINNBOAT (Finland)
• FIN (France)
• HISWA (Netherlands)
• NAUTIBEL (Belgium)
• NORBOAT (Norway)
• POLSKA IZBA (Poland)
• SWEBOAT (Sweden)
• UCINA (Italy)

8 June 2009

Independent lifeboat awarded royal honour

2009-09-11T21:36:00.000+08:00

Independent lifeboat awarded royal honour
Ryde Inshore Rescue has been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon groups giving their time freely for the benefit of others. The independent lifeboat station, one of around 40 in the UK which operate outside the auspices of the RNLI, is one of the busiest lifeboat stations in the Solent.

RIR operates two inshore lifeboats, a 36-knot 6.3m Ribcraft and an Avon EA16 D-class inflatable, both of which are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The station is HM Coastguard's primary maritime rescue service for the coastal area from Osborne Bay to St Helens Fort, and it also educates many Isle of Wight youth groups about sea safety and beach awareness.

Lifeboat secretary Gordon Osborne said he was proud the lifeboat station he founded more than 50 years ago was still making such a positive impact today.

6 June 2009

Royal Navy foils suspected pirate attack

2009-09-10T20:31:00.001+08:00

Royal Navy foils suspected pirate attack
Marines from the Royal Navy frigate HMS Portland moved in as a group of men prepared for a suspected pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia, on Tuesday.

Suspicions were aroused when HMS Portland's crew detected two skiffs by radar, which did not appear to be just fishing vessels. Working with a Spanish maritime patrol aircraft, as part of the Combined Maritime Forces Task Force 151 - a multinational naval group established to fight piracy - the frigate approached the skiffs for a closer inspection.

Royal Marines moved in on RIBs after they spied weapons and ammunition on board, including rocket-propelled grenades. However, they were later forced to release the group of 10 men due to insufficient evidence directly linking them to a pirate attack. The men were disarmed and HMS Portland destroyed the smaller skiff, along with her 30mm guns and machine guns, before sending them on their way.

Commodore Tim Lowe, deputy commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, said, "This international collaboration cannot be understated and, as more countries join the fight, we will continue to work together to help deter, disrupt and thwart criminal acts of piracy in the maritime environment."

Credit: LA(Phot) Alex Cave/Crown Copyright

4 June 2009

Amphibious coach launched

2009-09-09T22:14:00.000+08:00

Amphibious coach launched
Getting stuck behind a coach is something one associates with road travel, but coaches will soon be taking to the water too. Scotsman George Smith has developed a 50-seater Amphicoach able to take passengers on both land and water.

The vehicle has taken more than six years to develop, and complies with all relevant European Union legislation for passenger vehicles and passenger vessels. Once it is afloat its rear wheels retract into its marine-grade aluminium hull, and its jet-drive gives the vehicle a speed of more than 8 knots.

Production of the Amphicoach is to be set initially at 12 vehicles per year.

3 June 2009

Motorboat tries to mount Formentera

2009-09-08T22:15:00.002+08:00

Motorboat tries to mount Formentera!
Any guesses as to how fast you have to go to get the bulk of a Sea Ray 37 up onto dry land?

It happened on 20 May on the island of Formentera in the Med. No one was hurt in the incident, but the eagle-eyed snapper who sent MBM these pictures said the guy holding onto the boat in the picture was looking a bit sheepish.

Genmar files for bankruptcy protection in the US

2009-09-08T22:15:00.001+08:00

Genmar files for bankruptcy protection in the US
Genmar, the second-largest boatbuilder in the US, has filed for bankruptcy protection after seeing its credit lines dry up.

The builder, producer of well-known brands such as Carver, Four Winns, Larson and Glastron, is based in Minneapolis, where the bankruptcy petition was filed yesterday.

The company's chairman, Irwin Jacobs, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: "If someone would have said to me as recently as even one month ago than Genmar would someday be filing for Chapter 11, I would have said it was not even a remote possibility.

"Despite restructuring steps and infusion of significant equity, the bank reduced [credit] availability. The bank rejected all… proposals for making adequate capital available and continued to reduce the borrowing base."

The company has slashed its workforce over the last 18 months from around 4500 to 1500, while the number of its dealers has declined 20%. Jacobs told the paper that another 30% of the dealers "are just hanging on".

The restructuring of the company that will now take place will no doubt be painful, but Jacobs said he was confident Genmar emerge successfully from bankruptcy proceedings.

2 June 2009

Ever wanted to run the RYA? Now's your chance

2009-09-08T22:12:00.000+08:00

Ever wanted to run the RYA? Now's your chance
The RYA today began its search for a new CEO after the decision by current boss Rod Carr to retire next year.

The successful applicant will pull in a six-figure salary managing the organisation's more than 100,000 members, 150 employees and turnover of £18m.

The RYA is the governing body for the sports of sailing, windsurfing, motorboating, and powerboat racing in the UK.

The job posting on the the RYA's website says the role will require:

- an experienced leader and manager
- a broad knowledge of recreational boating
- excellent inter-personal skills at all levels from grass-roots participants to government ministers
- commercial experience
- the ability to be a strong advocate for the RYA and for the sport

2 June 2009

Cargo ship graffitied - with permission

2009-09-07T20:49:00.001+08:00

Cargo ship graffitied - with permission
Graffiti has been painted over the whole hull of a cargo ship - but with its owner's permission. NileDutch Africa Line said it values graffiti as progressive, modern and active, and it wanted to give young artists a chance to present their art.

Artists were invited to use the 32,000-tonne NileDutch Kwanza as a canvas during its regular calls at Antwerp, Rouen and Lisbon. 29 Dutch, 6 Belgian, 7 French and 5 Portuguese took up the challenge, and the results will be left on the ship for six months.

1 June 2009

First look at brand new Bavaria 28 sportscruiser

2009-09-06T21:50:00.002+08:00

First look at brand new Bavaria 28 sportscruiser
We had hoped that Bavaria's tie-up with BMW, a partnership that delivered the stunning Deep Blue 46, would bear fruit across the range but we didn't think it would happen this soon.

This new Sport 28 from the German builder has clearly inherited the 46's beefy, gunboat-like hull design, a feature that is designed to deliver maximum interior space as well as look mean and sporty outside.

Its size and style mean the 28 is bound to be compared with Sealine's current SC range, but only time will tell if this new German sportscruiser will prove as well thought out or popular.

The interior layout includes a separate double berth mid cabin with what is being touted as a class-leading toilet and shower compartment. On deck it is interesting to see the builder has opted for a fixed sunpad instead of open cockpit seating - a layout that proved unpopular with owners on the Bavaria 30.

No pricing information is currently available. The Bavaria 27, the boat the 28 is to replace, was priced from around £80,000 with a single diesel engine. The 28 is due for launch in September, suggesting that it will be exhibited at the Southampton Boat Show.

29 May 2009

Eight boats destroyed in boatyard blaze

2009-09-06T21:50:00.001+08:00

Eight boats destroyed in boatyard blaze
Eight boats have been destroyed by fire in a Holyhead boatyard. Two other boats were damaged by the blaze which broke out shortly before 6am today (27 May) at Sunshine Marine Boat Yard, Llanrhyddlad.

Firefighters from Holyhead and Amlwch used breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. A joint investigation into its cause is being carried out by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police.

27 May 2009

Fire guts boats and a building at Blackwater Marina

2009-09-05T21:28:00.001+08:00

Fire guts boats and a building at Blackwater Marina
Firefighters have been battling all morning to control a blaze that has destroyed a building and several boats at Blackwater Marina in Essex.

Fire officers arrived on scene at about 8.30am this morning and called for back up. Since then 75 officers have struggled to contain the blaze, which has now been brought under control.

Assistant Divisional Officer, Neil Fenwick, said, "The building has now completely collapsed. It contained five or six boats, which have been destroyed. Crews have worked very hard and faced severe water shortages because of the remote location and the fact that the tide was out."

The building was used for carpentry work and it is thought the blaze was caused by a spark which lit a pile of sawdust. A full investigation will now be carried out.

In a separate incident eight boats have been destroyed in a fire at Sunshine Marine Boat Yard in Llanrhyddlad, near Holyhead on Anglesey.

27 May 2009

Sportscruiser catches fire at Windermere Marina Village

2009-09-04T23:48:00.001+08:00

Sportscruiser catches fire at Windermere Marina Village
A Sealine SC35 caught on fire at Windermere Marina Village, Cumbria, late on Sunday night.

The fire began shortly before midnight and it took two fire crews almost four hours to bring it under control.

Catherine Anders who witnessed the scene said, "A small fire started, then an explosion occurred before the flames grew a lot bigger."

Two other Sealines, an F37 and an SC35, were thought to be damaged in the explosion. The cause of the fire is not yet known and Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is now investigating the incident.

Photo credit: Catherine Anders

26 May 2009

Rescue hovercraft suffers groyne injury

2009-09-03T21:18:00.000+08:00

Rescue hovercraft suffers groyne injury
An RNLI hovercraft had to be rescued after it got stuck on a wooden groyne during the Southend airshow. Vera Ravine and its crew of three were responding to an emergency call when the incident happened late on Monday afternoon.

"The hovercraft was on the beach by the Arches cafes to provide air show cover", said an RNLI spokesman, "but as it was launching it got caught on the groyne". Crews from Essex County Fire & Rescue Service (ECFRS) were called to free the vessel which was stranded about 30 yards from shore near Western Esplanade.

Vera Ravine was released by 6.45pm. "We used a range of specialist hydraulic lifting equipment and two, two tonne airbags at the scene and managed to lift the vessel free of the groyne with some great teamwork and inter-agency co-operation", said the ECFRS Incident Commander.

Photo credit: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

26 May 2009

Changes made to inshore waters forecasts

2009-09-03T21:14:00.000+08:00

Changes made to inshore waters forecasts
Changes have been made to VHF Inshore Waters Forecasts for the northwest coast of Scotland and the Western Isles. Forecasts broadcast on VHF radio by Stornoway and Clyde Coastguard during their Maritime Safety Information (MSI) broadcasts will in future include two new areas, one covering Ardnamurchan Point to Cape Wrath, excluding the Minch, and the other covering the Minch, from South Uist and Rum in the south to Butt of Lewis and Lochinver in the north.

The change has come about as a result of consultation between the MCA, UK Met Office and the Western Isles Fisherman's Association to better define the difference in the weather conditions between the Atlantic coast of the Western Isles and the Minch, Little Minch & Sea of the Hebrides which is covered by the Ardnamurchan Point to Cape Wrath, including the Outer Hebrides forecast.
The two new areas have been determined by Met Office models which showed that average wind speeds were often different in each of the two areas.

These new forecasts are only available from Stornoway or Clyde Coastguard on VHF radio or by telephone. Clyde Coastguard only broadcast the Minch forecast (2) in their MSI broadcasts. The original Ardnamurchan Point to Cape Wrath forecast is still available from the Met Office website and via Navtex.

26 May 2009

300 jobs to go at Princess

2009-09-03T21:12:00.000+08:00

300 jobs to go at Princess
Princess Yachts is to cut more than 300 jobs from its Plymouth workforce next month. Although some employees have accepted voluntary redundancy, more than 260 of the job losses are compulsory.

Managing Director Chris Gates said that the number of redundancies is less than anticipated when the need for cuts was announced in March. "It's a blow, but not as bad as it could have been", he said.

The reduction in the number of redundancies has been partly brought about by cutting the amount of work farmed out to sub-contractors.

22 May 2009

Nine new lifeboats ordered

2009-09-02T20:31:00.002+08:00

Nine new lifeboats ordered
The RNLI has placed an order for a further nine Tamar class all weather lifeboats from Babcock at Devonport. This contract extends the Tamar class build programme to 2013, with a total build of 27 boats, all built at Babcock's Devonport Royal Dockyard.

A total of 12 Tamar class boats have been delivered to date, and are operational at RNLI lifeboat stations around the country. The 16-metre Tamar class slipway-launched lifeboat has a range of 250 miles, while its twin 1,000bhp diesels give it a top speed of 25 knots so that it can reach casualties at sea more quickly and efficiently.

Among numerous innovative features the boats are equipped with the latest advanced computer technology, as well as having a number of safety features including an advanced ergonomically-designed crew seat and specialist suspension characteristics.

21 May 2009

Bluebird cleared for 100mph run

2009-09-02T20:31:00.001+08:00

Bluebird cleared for 100mph run
Bluebird K7 will make one final 100mph run on Coniston Water after the Lake District National Park Authority relaxed its 10mph speed limit. The record breaking boat, in which Donald Campbell lost his life in 1967, is currently undergoing restoration to working order.

Bluebird was attempting to break the World Water Speed Record and was travelling at more than 300mph when it flipped. The boat's wreckage was discovered and salvaged in 2001.

The Authority has given permission for Bluebird to carry out the run as a seaworthiness trial, but the boat will not be allowed to repeat the exercise. It is hoped that restoration will be completed in time to carry out the trial in 2010.

20 May 2009

GPS on verge of breakdown

2009-09-02T20:15:00.000+08:00

GPS on verge of breakdown
Boaters may be forced to return to paper charts as the US warns that the GPS system is close to breakdown.

According to reports in the Guardian today, a study by the US accountability office (GAO) - the equivalent of Britain's National Audit Office - says that the entire Global Positioning System (GPS) has fallen into disrepair and that it could begin to deteriorate as early as next year.

The GPS system has been looked after by the US Air Force since the early 1990s but a combination of mismanagement and a lack of investment has left the system in a poor state and officials are unsure what effect this will have on satellite navigation.

According to the Guardian, the report said, "It is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption. If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected."

These adverse effects could range from system failures, to boaters being given unreliable or incorrect directions.

So for those that rely solely on GPS, it's time to get the paper charts out again.

Caption: Even reliable electronic chartplotters could start playing up

20 May 2009

Man dies in Tobermory speedboat tragedy

2009-09-01T22:12:00.000+08:00

Man dies in Tobermory speedboat tragedy
A man has died and three others were rescued after the RIB they were on crashed into Calve Island, near Mull.

The men, who were divers had left Tobermory and were heading towards Lochaline last night when their 21ft RIB collided with Calve Island in the dark and ran aground.

Tobermory RNLI launched its lifeboat at 11.45pm and rescued the four men, one of whom was unconscious, suffering from serious head injuries. The lifeboat crew administered first aid and once ashore the men were transferred to an ambulance. Shortly afterwards one of the party was declared dead.

According to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency all the men were wearing dry suits but none of them were wearing lifejackets.

Police are currently investigating the incident.

Picture: Tobermory lifeboat
Credit: RNLI/G Davidson

19 May 2009

MPs back British Waterways vision of third sector status

2009-09-01T22:10:00.000+08:00

MPs back British Waterways vision of third sector status
In a Parliamentary reception today British Waterways seemingly gained cross-party support for its plans to become a third sector organisation over the next decade.

In the first step of its 2020 Vision, BW is proposing a public debate, looking at alternative ways of managing its waterways. Central to its 2020 Vision is the idea that rather than being publicly or privately owned, it will eventually become a third sector organisation in a similar vein to that of the National Trust. BW says this will not only help change its public image and help garner support in the local community, but it will also open up its funding options, something it hopes will help bridge its annual funding shortfall, which runs into millions.

Charlotte Atkins, Labour MP for Staffordshire Moorlands, hosted today's reception. In her speech, Atkins underlined the importance of looking after boaters on Britain's 2200-mile canal network. She said, "We need to ensure that we charge boaters prices that aren't so high that only the very rich can afford it. Without the vibrancy that boaters bring and the focal point that they create, people would stop using the waterways."

Peter Ainsworth, Conservative MP for East Surrey and Lembit Opik, Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire joined Atkins. The trio united in their support of what BW is doing to protect the future of the waterways.

BW now plans to spend the next few months consulting its stakeholders and customers to get their reactions to its proposals. BW considers this period of public debate the first step in a 10-year plan and it hopes to put forward something more concrete for consultation early next year.

18 May 2009

Man overboard on P & O ferry

2009-09-01T22:09:00.000+08:00

Man overboard on P & O ferry
Emergency services responded after a man went overboard on a high-speed ferry last night.

Clyde Coastguard received an emergency call shortly after 7pm from the skipper of P&O ferry, Express. The skipper informed the coastguard that he had turned the ferry around and launched the ferry's fast rescue craft.

Clyde Coastguard launched a lifeboat and a helicopter to help the search.

Tarik Yassin, coastguard watch manager at Clyde Maritime Rescue Coordination centre, said, "The casualty has been recovered by the ferry's fast rescue craft and is now safely back on board. The casualty is currently receiving medical attention from doctors aboard the ferry and the winchman from the rescue helicopter is assessing the situation. We understand that the casualty will stay aboard the vessel till it docks in Troon; the ambulance and Strathclyde Police will be in attendance and Ayr Coastguard Rescue team will be on scene to assist." 

18 May 2009

New national navigation authority proposed

2009-09-01T22:08:00.000+08:00

New national navigation authority proposed
Responsibility for lighthouses and navigational aids may be removed from Trinity House. The Marine Navigation Aids Bill, which had its first reading in the House of Lords on 14 May, proposes the creation of a new Marine Navigation Aids Commission to operate and maintain navigational aids around the whole of the UK.

Work currently shared between the Northern Lighthouse Board for Scotland and the Commissioners of Irish Lights would also be transferred to the Commission. The Bill also proposes an end to the General Lighthouse Fund's liability to pay for maintenance of lights and navigational aids in the Republic of Ireland, currently amounting to £16 million per year.

Lord Tony Berkeley, the Bill's sponsor, said that the Bill will address the inequity of the Light Dues system which puts the UK at a major disadvantage in the global economy.

17 May 2009

British Marine Federation forced to cut jobs

2009-09-01T22:06:00.000+08:00

British Marine Federation forced to cut jobs
The British Marine Federation, the trade body for leisure boating businesses in the UK and organiser of the London and Southampton boat shows, announced today that it has been forced to cut jobs at its base in Egham.

It said the cuts would come through a limited number of redundancies and by leaving current vacancies unfilled. The BMF will now enter a two-week consultation before the final decision on numbers is made.

Rob Stevens, chief executive of the BMF, said: "We have done all we can to avoid these regrettable reductions. I know this is a difficult time for colleagues at Marine House but we will ensure that these changes will not compromise our core services or the industry's two boat shows.

"The BMF is not immune to the current economic climate but by taking these tough decisions now we are putting ourselves in a sustainable position to continue to serve and champion the leisure marine industry."

15 May 2009

Arson attack on Essex Yacht Club

2009-09-01T22:05:00.002+08:00

Arson attack on Essex Yacht Club
Arsonists are suspected of destroying up to 15 boats by the cockle sheds at Essex Yacht Club at Leigh-on-Sea. Four fire appliances were called to the incident at 1.29am, and fire crews extinguished the fire using two main jets by 3.17am.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said the cause of the fire is being investigated but is being treated as suspicious. Essex Yacht Club is based on the former Royal Navy minehunter Wilton which was, when built, the largest GRP warship in existence.

14 May 2009

Lifeboat goes to aid of 'floating car'

2009-09-01T22:05:00.001+08:00

Lifeboat goes to aid of 'floating car'
The Queensferry lifeboat was called out on Tuesday after a car carrying four passengers fell 15ft off Long Craig Pier, near Queensferry, Scotland.

The incident happened shortly after 6pm on Tuesday. The Queensferry Coastguard Rescue Team was first on the scene and helped the four people out of the car.

By the time the lifeboat arrived the car had begun floating away on the rising tide so rescue workers battled to recover it.

A statement from the RNLI said, "The lifeboat dropped a volunteer crewmember into the water with a line. After a survey of the situation, helm and crewmember opted to use the door pillar as an anchor point and after a tiring battle with the waves the line was on. The line was passed ashore and the coastguard crew then secured the vehicle."

It is not known what caused the vehicle to veer off the slipway, though passengers were thought to have been viewing the Forth Road Bridge at the time.

Photo Credit: RNLI

14 May 2009

Revolutionary new motorboat unveiled

2009-08-31T21:35:00.002+08:00

Revolutionary new motorboat unveiled
A revolutionary new motorboat has been unveiled that will require 75 per cent less horsepower than a fibreglass boat of the same size. The 54ft 540SE utilises next generation carbon nanotube (CNT) enhanced prepreg Arovex® composites, and will weigh less than 3700kg.

This is approximately 75 per cent less than fibreglass boats its size and 33 per cent less than conventional carbon fibre boats, so a pair of small diesel engines, typically found on boats under 40ft in length will be able to propel the hull to speeds of over 50mph. The drastic weight reduction also allows considerably reduced emissions and extended range.

Zyvex Performance Materials, which developed the Arovex® composite, says the prototype 540SE is being built by Strategic Composites in Pacific, Washington, and will be launched in November. Although designed with defence and security missions in mind, the technology demonstrator will be a conventional civilian/recreational boat, and a recreational version using the same hull and materials is planned and should be available in early 2010 through Synergy Yachts.

13 May 2009

Doomed barge abandons maiden voyage

2009-08-31T21:35:00.001+08:00

Doomed barge abandons maiden voyage
A 67-metre barge, which began to sink near Deal in Kent on Friday has been temporarily repaired and towed back to the Netherlands. The dipper dredger, Goliat, was on tow from Belgium to Ireland - on its maiden voyage - when it got into trouble on Friday while on passage to Dover Harbour.

The vessel began sinking while on passage between Deal and Kingsdown in Kent. Rescue workers from Dover arrived on scene and attended until salvage experts, Multraship of Holland, arrived and towed the barge towards the beach to prevent it from sinking.

An investigation concluded that water ingress on the port side and an open vent cover were likely to have caused the sinking. All affected areas were then sealed and Goliat was towed to an anchorage so divers could inspect her hull before she was deemed safe to be towed to Moerdijk in the Netherlands where she will be looked at further.

The barge was carrying large quantities of fuel and hydraulic oils but there have been no reports of any oil spills and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said a surveillance flight had not revealed any signs of pollution in the area.

Photo credit: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

11 May 2009

Unusual Norman Foster superyacht delivered

2009-08-31T11:03:00.000+08:00

Unusual Norman Foster superyacht delivered
Ocean Emerald, the first of four unusual but identical superyachts designed by architect Norman Foster, has been officially launched. The 40m Signature Series yacht was built by Rodriguez Cantieri Navali at Sarzana in Italy for fractional ownership company YachtPlus.

Aluminium alloy was used for Ocean Emerald's hull with composite for the superstructure, and it has accommodation for 12 guests and 7 crew. Up to eight owners will each pay from €1,875,000 to gain flexible year-round use of the yacht, which will be located in the Mediterranean in summer and in the Caribbean in winter.

Renewed search for missing Loch Awe anglers

2009-08-31T11:02:00.000+08:00

Renewed search for missing Loch Awe anglers
The family of an angler that went missing on Loch Awe almost two months ago have spoken of their hope that a sniffer dog will finally be able to locate the bodies of Stephen Carty and his friend, Tam Douglas.

As reported in the May issue of MBM, the two men were part of a party of four that got into trouble on their outboard-powered craft in the early hours of 21 March, in foggy and freezing conditions.

The bodies of Craig Currie, 30 and Stephen's brother, William Carty, were recovered later that morning but neither Stephen nor Tam have ever been found and the search has since been scaled down.

Stephen's Carty's daughter, Michelle, told the Scottish Sun that the family has taken some comfort from the fact that the spaniel has identified two key search areas.

Michelle, said, "It seems that this amazing dog is trying to tell us something. The first spot is 20 metres from their campsite and the second is in the middle of the loch. We've been told that there will be another official dive at both spots."

11 May 2009

Aussie builder Riviera enters receivership

2009-08-31T11:01:00.000+08:00

Aussie builder Riviera enters receivership
Riviera, one of Australia's leading motorboat builders, has entered voluntary receivership after seeing sales "significantly impacted" by the global downturn.

The move will see receivers Deloitte attempt to restructure the 30-year-old business and sell it as a going concern.

The past 18 months have not been easy for the Gold Coast-based builder. It cut 300 staff in 2008, another 117 in January this year, and the remaining 550 workers have just returned to work after a four-week factory shutdown.

Chris Campbell from receivers Deloitte said: "This process may take some time. Our first task will be to review the financial position of the company to evaluate the best possible outcome for creditors and other stakeholders with interests in the business.

"Our key focus is to ensure the continued trading and preservation of employee jobs, as well as to derive and implement a restructuring plan. This will allow us to continue to care for the needs of the strong customer base."

11 May 2009

Lifeboat rescues caravan

2009-08-31T11:00:00.000+08:00

Lifeboat rescues caravan
Lifeboatmen have made one their most unusual rescues - towing a caravan to safety. Kinghorn Lifeboat was called out by the Coastguard on 3 May after the caravan, which had been pushed into the water by a gang of youths, was reported floating near Cockenzie Power Station on the Firth of Forth.

When the lifeboat arrived on scene the caravan was floating just a few metres offshore, and two RNLI crewmen entered the water to check that nobody was trapped. The caravan proved to be empty but attempts to push it ashore failed, so the Atlantic 75 lifeboat towed it in to deeper water and along to an area of beach near the slipway at Cockenzie for recovery.

"This must be a first for the RNLI," said lifeboat helmsman Scott McIlravie, "I doubt we will have been called out to tow a caravan before, but it certainly would have posed a danger to passing vessels if it hadn't been brought ashore."

Motor Boats Monthly, 9 May 2009

Birchwood catches fire at Old Windsor Lock

2009-08-31T10:59:00.001+08:00

Birchwood catches fire at Old Windsor Lock
A family of four managed to escape from a fire on board their Birchwood on Saturday following an explosion at Old Windsor Lock.

Two adults and two children were on board the Birchwood 22 when the explosion took place shortly before 1pm on Saturday.

According to bystanders the boat was preparing to leave the lock when there was an explosion and the lock-keeper quickly evacuated the scene.

Firefighters from Windsor, Slough and Langley and a water rescue unit from Reading responded and took about 25 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Christine Wilkinson who witnessed the whole scene said, "Within minutes there was thick black smoke and then flames and five minutes later it was an inferno. One of the children was inside but was quickly pulled to safety through the front hatch. Only superficial skin singeing was experienced by one of the people."

6 May 2009

Abramovich denies losing yacht at poker

2009-08-31T10:58:00.001+08:00

Abramovich denies losing yacht at poker
Reports that Roman Abramovich lost a $500,000 yacht in a game of poker have been strongly denied. "The story is absolutely, completely, entirely false," said Abramovich's spokesman John Mann.

Russian daily newspaper Moskovsky Komsomelets reported that the Russian billionaire lost one of the yachts from his sizeable fleet while playing poker in Barcelona last week. Several other Russian newspapers, including Izvestia and Trud, published the story, giving Italian newspaper La Repubblica as their source.

5 May 2009

Aircraft carrier to visit London

2009-08-31T10:57:00.000+08:00

Aircraft carrier to visit London
HMS Illustrious is due to sail up the Thames this Wednesday, 6 May, at the start of a visit to celebrate 100 years of naval aviation. The 22,000-tonne aircraft carrier will be moored to buoys at Greenwich Tier, just upstream from Greenwich Pier, until Monday 11 May.

Forty naval helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will stage a centenary flypast on Thursday 7 May, passing over HMS Illustrious from east to west at exactly midday. This will be followed, on Saturday 9 May and Sunday 10 May, by naval helicopter role demonstrations over the river in partnership with surface vessels.

On these two days the river will be closed to navigation between the Upper end of Greenwich Pier and Lovell's Wharf from 1350hrs until 1435hrs, although vessels may be able to remain alongside at Greenwich Pier during the closures.

4 May 2009

Giant car carrier sinks on trials

2009-08-31T10:56:00.000+08:00

Giant car carrier sinks on trials
A brand new car carrier has capsized after hitting rocks while on her way to carry out sea trials. Dyvi Pacific was holed as she sailed from her builders in Weihai in China, but, although she managed to return to her fitting out berth, capsized alongside soon afterwards.

Insurers have declared the $80 million vessel, which was due to be delivered to her Norwegian owners in just a few weeks time, a total loss. Dyvi Pacific is capable of carrying more than 6,000 cars, and salvors are now working out the best way to right the 50,000-tonne ship.

1 May 2009

Thames squatters evicted from Raven's Ait

2009-08-31T10:55:00.000+08:00

Thames squatters evicted from Raven's Ait
A group of people that have been illegally occupying Raven's Ait Island, near Surbiton on the Thames, were forcibly removed today.

The group, which had hoped to set up an eco conference centre, moved on to the island in February after the previous occupants of the buildings on the island - a wedding venue company - went bust.

The group made the most of their time on the island, holding weekly music jams, talking circles and yoga sessions but today, it seemed, the party was over. This morning High Court enforcement officers, acting on behalf of Kingston Council, implemented a County Court Order to evict 23 squatters, with the support of the Metropolitan Police.

The group had planned to hold a new media conference on the island this weekend but they now have to find a new venue.

1 May 2009

Look forward to a long, hot summer: Met Office

2009-08-31T10:54:00.001+08:00

Look forward to a long, hot summer: Met Office
Boaters can look forward to a "barbecue summer", the Met Office said today.

In its long-range forecast of the coming summer, the Met Office said temperatures are likely to be warmer than average with rainfall near or below average.

Chief meteorologist Ewan McCallum said: "After two disappointingly wet summers, the signs are much more promising this year. We can expect times when temperatures will be above 30°C, something we hardly saw at all last year."

This doesn't mean we can rule out the possibility of occasional heavy downpours, but a repeat of the wet summers of 2007 and 2008 is unlikely, the Met Office said.

See all the information about the forecast on the Met Office's website.

30 April 2009

Boaters told to make way for Studland seahorses

2009-08-31T10:53:00.000+08:00

Boaters told to make way for Studland seahorses
Boatowners will be asked to keep clear of one half of Studland Bay for the next two years. This will allow marine conservationists to carry out a study into an underwater field of seagrass which is home to the UK's largest breeding colony of seahorses.

The study will help to establish if the seagrass, a crucial habitat for spiny and short-snouted seahorses, is being damaged by anchors and moorings. Half of the bay will be marked out while the study is taking place.

Seahorses are already a protected species under the Countryside and Wildlife Act, but a spokesman for Natural England said that it is difficult to enforce the law. "To act, we would need to demonstrate that any damage was in fact damaging the seahorses," he said, "and we would need to demonstrate that the damage was deliberate or reckless."

30 April 2009

Bangor Marina celebrates with Miss Northern Ireland

2009-08-31T10:52:00.000+08:00

Bangor Marina celebrates with Miss Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's largest marina has celebrated its 20th birthday with a little help from Miss Northern Ireland, Judith Wilson.

The beauty pageant winner was on hand to cut the cake at 450-berth Bangor Marina with Trevor Polly from North Down Borough Council and Andrew Jaggers from Quay Marinas, the site's operator.

Quay Marinas was recently awarded a 15-year extension to manage the marina, which holds the coveted Five Gold Anchor award from The Yacht Harbour Association and the European Blue Flag Award.

30 April 2009

British Waterways to cut 100 staff in restructuring

2009-08-31T10:50:00.000+08:00

British Waterways to cut 100 staff in restructuring
British Waterways is planning to make approximately 100 of its office staff redundant after conducting a strategic review of its business.

The Government quango, which manages some 2200 miles of canals and rivers, said today the redundancies were necessary to secure the "long-term sustainability" of the waterways in its care.

Other measures include the creation of 11 smaller waterway units designed to create closer links to local communities and the removal of a layer of management.

Together with other planned changes, this should save around £10m a year, BW said, which will be redirected to waterways maintenance.

The ultimate goal, it said, was to sever direct ties with Government and become a 'third sector' trust or charity. This ambition is known as BW's 2020 Vision.

Robin Evans, BW's chief executive, said: "Despite this turnaround the waterways today still face serious challenges. The global downturn has reduced our ability to earn additional funds for the network, public funding will come under considerable pressure for the foreseeable future and we are already short of the money required to maintain the network properly.

"With this in mind, our absolute priority must be to maintain investment in the waterways and this means reducing spending elsewhere. Our proposed new structure will both redirect important funding to essential maintenance work but also make us much more responsive to customers and partners."

29 April 2009

Dog blamed for boat accident

2009-08-30T22:52:00.000+08:00

Dog blamed for boat accident
A small dog being carried aboard a boat in America has been blamed for causing a bizarre accident. Michael Gonzalez was driving his high speed bass boat on Lake Taneycomo on 25 April when he was momentarily distracted by the dog.

As a result he failed to notice a floating log, and the boat slammed into it while still on the plane. The boat became airborne, landed on the lake bank and struck a tree, while one of the two passengers was thrown from the boat onto the bank.

Missouri State Water Patrol said that the boat's driver and this passenger were injured and were transported to nearby hospitals, but the boat's third occupant escaped unscathed. The fate of the dog was not reported.

27 April 2009

Supertankers head for Romsey

2009-08-29T19:14:00.001+08:00

Supertankers head for Romsey
Some of Britain's most unusual boats will be moving to a new home next year, a 9th century lake near Romsey in Hampshire. The boats, which are scaled down versions of some of the world's largest tankers, ferries and container ships, are operated by Warsash Maritime Academy.

Timsbury Lake has been purchased by Solent University to become the Academy's Manned Model Shiphandling Centre, replacing the present centre at Marchwood. Using various ship models, berths, basins and channels on the new lake, a variety of port scenarios, canal transits and berthing operations can be simulated for ships' officers and pilots under training.

Complex and potentially hazardous manoeuvres can be practised in complete safety in the manned models, making them a key training tool for the shipping industry.

24 April 2009

When is an Aquastar not an Aqua-Star?

2009-08-29T19:13:00.000+08:00

When is an Aquastar not an Aqua-Star?
Aqua-Star, the Guernsey-based manufacturer of semi-displacement motorboats, is threatening legal action against Aquastar, a start-up Chinese motorboat builder that the former believes stole its name.

The two companies make vastly different craft - sportsctruisers versus long-distance motoryachts - but the MD of Aqua-Star, Geoff Wilson, has written to the Chinese company demanding that it change its name or risk substantial damages.

The plot thickened when Wilson discovered that a former employee of his firm went out to Suzhou, the town where the Chinese firm is based, to work. Wilson believes one of his company's brochures fell into the hands of the Chinese builder.

"They've seen the Aqua-Star name in the brochure and blatantly copied it," Wilson told MBM. "We've had confirmation from this ex-employee and he said that they did see a brochure. It's very frustrating after 40 years of promoting a name. It's not fair that they should capitalise on that."

The problem of copyright theft is rampant in China, where companies have been known to play fast and loose with the law, although this is the first time MBM has heard of it happening to a big boatbuilder.

But Aqua-Star admits there is little it can do unless the Chinese company tries to expand into markets in which it also has a stake, which is certainly a risk considering the Chinese yard's commitment in a section on its website called "Our Vast Promises" to become the "No. 1 yacht brand in China".

Wilson added that he was keen to hear from anyone that might have experienced a similar problem with copyright infringement in China, and asked them to email him on aquastar@guernsey.net

Photo: An Aqua-Star arriving at the Southampton Boat Show

23 April 2009

New Isle of Wight boat for wheelchair users

2009-08-29T19:12:00.000+08:00

New Isle of Wight boat for wheelchair users
The Fishbourne Sailability Club has raised funds to buy a catamaran to enable its members to get a taste of motorboating.

The Fishbourne Sailability Club was founded in 2002 to enable people with disabilities to enjoy water-based activities in both sailing and motorboats. Last year it looked into a suitable motorboat and the catamaran was chosen due to its ease of access, stability and working space.

The boat is now ready for use and to celebrate a naming ceremony will be held on Saturday 25 April at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Fishbourne, Isle of Wight from 12pm. The ceremony will be presided over by the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Gabrielle Edwards and yachtsman, Geoff Holt.

A spokesperson from the club said, "We believe that the availability of this boat will make a real difference to many people with disabilities on the Island."

22 April 2009

British Waterways holds on to property in Budget

2009-08-29T19:11:00.000+08:00

British Waterways holds on to property in Budget
British Waterways (BW) will retain full control of its property portfolio, together with the income that it generates, following a Government review of spending.

In today's Budget - thought to be the worse since the Second World War - Alistair Darling announced efficiency savings of up to £15 billion. Aside from savings the Government says it also wants to make best use of its assets, including BW's property portfolio.

The news comes after a year-long review into Government spending in the public sector known as the Operational Efficiency Programme (OEP). According to the findings of the OEP review there is, "potential for the Government to realise greater value from its commercial asset base," which includes the BW property estate.

The properties, which generate a huge amount of funding for waterway maintenance, will continue to be managed by BW. However, a separate company will now be set up to manage the properties, which will be wholly owned by BW and which HM Treasury says will enable it to be run more efficiently, generating optimum revenue.

BW welcomed the news, Robin Evans, chief executive of BW said, "In the last decade canalside property has produced the largest source of commercial funding for our historic canals, rivers and docks. This decision underlines the Government's commitment to the long-term future of the waterways."

A spokesperson for HM Treasury said there were no plans to sell off the property portfolio in the foreseeable future.

Caption: The Interchange Building in Camden, London, which generates about as much revenue for waterways maintenance as the financial contribution of all the boats in London.

22 April 2009

Holes make vessel officially shorter

2009-08-29T19:10:00.000+08:00

Holes make vessel officially shorter
A ship owner has found a novel way of officially shortening his vessel to save costs - by drilling holes in its bow. New Zealand authorities have accepted his argument that this has turned the bow into a false bow, with a 4m free flooding area between it and a new watertight bow fitted internally.

The solution reduces the official length of the Anatoki to less than 45m, reducing berthing fees and crossing a threshhold which allows fewer and less qualified crew members to be carried. It also means that the vessel no longer has to adopt mandatory international shore and ship safety and pollution prevention systems.

Maritime New Zealand's decision to approve the modifications has been strongly criticised. "This is extreme bending of the rules and I cannot see how they can get away with it", said one surveyor, while another added, "the holes drilled in the original bow should be named `loopholes'."

21 April 2009

'Toy' boat sparks Burnham rescue operation

2009-08-29T19:09:00.000+08:00

'Toy' boat sparks Burnham rescue operation
An Australian couple had a close shave on Saturday when they were rescued from being swept out to the Bristol Channel by an outgoing tide.

The alarm was raised when an eagle-eyed observer saw the two occupants frantically trying to row to shore on board their tiny 6ft inflatable, near Burnham beach, and alerted the coastguard. The Burnham-on-Sea lifeboat was launched at 4.20pm and managed to safely retrieve both occupants.

The couple, who are on holiday from Perth, Australia, had borrowed the small rubber boat to go fishing but once they had launched it they were unable to make headway against the fast flowing ebbing tide and found themselves being swept away from the beach.

Lifeboat helmsman, Nick Prout, said, "They were approximately a mile and a half out to sea when we reached them. It just goes to show that toy inflatable boats are not suitable for coastal waters, and local tide knowledge is essential when setting out to sea."

Caption: The couple are transferred from the RNLI boat to the station's soft-track tractor Kay's Cart to be carried over the soft mud at Burnham.
Credit: RNLI

21 April 2009

Detailed UK water depth data announced

2009-08-29T19:08:00.000+08:00

Detailed UK water depth data announced
A unique database detailing the underwater terrain for waters around the UK has been made available. SeaZone, a subsidiary of the UK Hydrographic Office, has spent 2 years capturing and processing hydrographic survey data for the project.

SeaZone's Digital Survey Bathymetry extends across the majority of the UK continental shelf and represents the most detailed information of water depth available. It is much more accurate and detailed than depth soundings marked on traditional navigational charts.

Digital bathymetry data sources are either single-beam or multi-beam surveys, the majority of which were captured by the Royal Navy and the Civil Hydrography Programme. Other data is sourced from harbour authorities and private companies in the engineering, utilities, dredging, and the offshore oil and gas sectors.

20 April 2009

EA hops on hovercraft to test coastal waters

2009-08-28T19:35:00.002+08:00

EA hops on hovercraft to test coastal waters
The Environment Agency (EA) is using a hovercraft to test the cleanliness of water in the estuaries and harbours of the southwest.

Under the European Water Framework Directive, the EA is obliged to assess the health of our coastal waters by monitoring climate change and pollution. To do this it takes mud samples, which are then sent away for analysis.

However, many of the sampling points are in hard to reach areas, not accessible by foot or boat as samples usually need to be taken at low tide. To combat this problem the EA has been using a miniature hovercraft on the Fal and Camel estuaries in Cornwall, the Taw and Torridge in north Devon, and Poole Harbour in Dorset.

Not surprisingly, the EA's inventive method has resulted in a few raised eyebrows from onlookers. "We sometimes get strange looks because people don't expect to see a hovercraft on their local estuary. It's a bit different to your usual coastal craft," said Amy Beard of the EA.

Caption: EA officers set off at Poole Harbour

16 April 2009

Race to stop minesweeper sinking

2009-08-28T19:35:00.001+08:00

Race to stop minesweeper sinking
Scrappers are racing against time to dismantle a former Royal Navy minesweeper before it sinks. Kellington, which had been sitting idle at Stockton on Tees since being vacated by the Sea Cadets several years ago, started to sink after being vandalised at the weekend.

Booms have been placed around the 440-ton vessel to contain any contamination, and pumps have been working to try and stabilise the situation. Able UK, which recently took delivery of the French aircraft carrier Clemenceau for scrapping, has been awarded a contract to dispose of the minesweeper.

The company hopes to move the ship to a slipway near to the Tees barrage for demolition. Kellington was built in 1955 and spent much of her later naval career with Sussex Division of the Royal Navy Reserve.

15 April 2009

Pembrokeshire wave crash injures five

2009-08-28T19:32:00.000+08:00

Pembrokeshire wave crash injures five
Five people were injured yesterday when a large RIB landed heavily after coming off a wave off St Justinian's, about 1.5 miles from St Davids. A rescue helicopter was called to the scene and airlifted one passenger to hospital with serious back injuries.

Two other people with back injuries were flown to hospital by air ambulance once the boat returned to St Justinian's, while a further two with lesser injuries made the journey by road. Eleven passengers were aboard the jetboat, Ocean Ranger, when the accident happened in a slight to moderate sea shortly before 2pm.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been informed, but Thousand Island Expeditions, the boat's operator, said it was not in a position to comment on the incident.

Motor Boats Monthly, 15 April 2009

California plans to bailout over-stretched boaters

2009-08-28T19:31:00.000+08:00

California plans to bailout over-stretched boaters
Boaters in California struggling with the costs of keeping a boat are to be effectively bailed out by the state government under a new bill expected to become law this summer.

California, with the second largest boating population in the US with approximately 1m registered vessels, faces a plague of abandoned boats as owners facing financial hardship find there are no buyers for their craft.

The new bill, which recently passed the state legislature's transportation committee, will make it possible for struggling boatowners to call upon the state government to dispose of the vessel free of charge at the expense of the taxpayer.

To encourage boaters to take this path, the bill also doubles the minimum penalty for boat dumping to $1000.

The logic runs that by taking on the responsibility for disposing of the vessel when it is still relatively seaworthy, the government saves the expense of dealing with it later when it is abandoned or sunk by its owner.

"We have watched vessels sink while awaiting permission to demolish them. The bill is a win-win on every level - for the environment, the vessel owner and the agency left with the job of cleaning up after abandoned vessels," Linda McIntyre, president of the California Association of Harbor Masters and Port Captains, said.

The problem of abandoned vessels is a growing one across the US.

"Our waters have become dumping grounds," Major Paul R. Ouellette of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told The New York Times. "It's got to the point where something has to be done."

Some of the vessels are being dumped because there is finance outstanding on them, but most of the craft being run onto beaches and left or sunk deliberately are fully paid for, marine officials believe.

Their owners can't sell them, cannot afford to keep them, and similarly don't have deep enough pockets to dispose of them properly.

Florida recently approved plans to remove 118 derelict boats this summer, up from a handful last year and investigators in South Carolina recently identified 150 boats that were likely derelicts.

"There are a lot more than we thought there would be," a local South Carolina official told The New York Times. "There were a few boats that have always been there, and now all of a sudden they've added up and added up."

Photo: A Californian policeman looks over an abandoned boat. Credit: Eric Risberg/AP/PA Photos

14 April 2009

Two people rescued after boat explosion

2009-08-28T19:29:00.000+08:00

Two people rescued after boat explosion
Two people were airlifted to hospital after their boat blew up off north Wales on Good Friday. Four people were aboard the Princess 25 at Mochras Lagoon, Shell Island, when it was shattered by a gas explosion shortly before 6pm.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control, but the boat was severely damaged. Paramedics treated the four people who had been aboard the boat, but called an RAF helicopter to fly two of the victims to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

"We don't really know what happened yet", said a Coastguard spokesman, "the first call we got was that a gas bottle had blown up".

11 April 2009

New third party insurance policy launched

2009-08-27T19:54:00.001+08:00

New third party insurance policy launched
Navigators & General has launched a new third party only boat insurance policy for boaters who may find the cost of comprehensive cover prohibitive. It is designed to meet the requirement for third party cover made by many marinas, harbours, waterways and boatyards.

"There have been increasing instances of fires leading to damage to nearby craft, and boats becoming unmoored and drifting into others", said N&G head James Roberts. "We wanted to provide low cost cover for boat owners who are simply looking to lay their boat up in a yard outside peak sailing season or whilst it's up for sale".

The policy, which can be taken out online, includes liability protection against passenger or third party claims, cover for wreck removal and destruction, and pollution related costs and fines.

10 April 2009

Beneteau confirms rumours of big job cuts

2009-08-27T19:52:00.002+08:00

Beneteau confirms rumours of big job cuts
Beneteau Group, the maker of Beneteau and Jeanneau motorboats and yachts, has confirmed rumours of mass job cuts by announcing today that nearly 1600 jobs are at risk.

Previous measures such as a shorter working week and the cutting of temporary staff have proved insufficient in the face of a boat market that has contracted by around 50%, the company said in a statement.

"Faced with this challenge, we do not have any other choice than to consider adapting our workforce in line with the developments in the market," Beneteau's chairman, Bruno Cathelinais, said.

There is hope, however, that up to 1000 of the 1590 jobs that Beneteau classes as "overstaffing" may be saved, through a further cutback in the working week, voluntary redundancies, and a measured reduction in outsourcing.

The cost-cutting measures have now been submitted to the company's labour relations partners. "The company will uphold its social responsibility and act as a respectful employer in relation to its staff," Cathelinais said.

He added: "Our fundamentals are healthy. The Beneteau Group's sound financial structure means that it is in a strong position to withstand the crisis. As we were able to demonstrate during the crisis in the 90s, which the company emerged from stronger, I am confident in our collective ability to secure our future."

9 April 2009

Hope as Ferretti agrees new deal with creditors

2009-08-27T19:52:00.001+08:00

Hope as Ferretti agrees new deal with creditors
The light at the end of the tunnel has grown significantly brighter for ailing boatbuilder Ferretti after its lenders today agreed a debt restructuring deal.

The company, which not only produces boats under the Ferretti badge, but also Riva, Pershing and Mochi, had previously been on the ropes after falling behind on its debt payments on the back of falling boat orders.

The prospects of the company became so bad that Candover, the private equity firm that borrowed in excess of €1bn to buy the firm, walked away from its investment last month.

It then emerged that Norberto Ferretti, the company's chairman and founder, was seeking to renegotiate the company's debt, largely owned by Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

With today's news, it would appear that he has been successful in saving his company from a potentially messy administration.

The Financial Times reported that Mr Ferretti will take a 45% stake in the firm alongside Mediobanca, which is investing €15m. RBS, meanwhile, will take a 32% share of the company in return for wiping off 28% of its debts.

When the dust has settled, the burdensome borrowing that nearly ruined one of Europe's premier boatbuilders will drop from around €1bn to €640m.

9 April 2009

Loch Ness RNLI in missing motorcruiser mystery

2009-08-27T19:49:00.002+08:00

Loch Ness RNLI in missing motorcruiser mystery
An RNLI training session was interrupted on Tuesday when a call came in regarding a sinking motorcruiser, but despite the best efforts of rescue workers no boat was found.

The RNLI received the call just after 8pm on Tuesday alerting them to a motorcruiser that was reported as low in the water or sinking near the Cobb Memorial, about two miles south of Urquhart Castle.

But after searching for two hours, and with no further reports of vessels or persons in danger, the crew was stood down.

Martin Douglas, volunteer crewmember at Loch Ness RNLI, said, "At times like this your emotions are fairly mixed - particularly as motorcruisers often contain whole families on holiday. Hopefully this was a sincere report from a concerned individual reporting something that didn't seem right."

Credit: RNLI

9 April 2009

Angry swan attacks boats on River Cam

2009-08-27T19:49:00.001+08:00

Angry swan attacks boats on River Cam
A swan nesting on the River Cam in Cambridgeshire has been attacking boaters that come too close to its nesting area.

The cob, which has been nicknamed 'Mr Asbo', is nesting with its mate at Ditton Corner on the River Cam in Cambridge. So far the bad-tempered bird has caused a single sculler to capsize and reportedly attacked a group of university rowers.

However, a spokesperson from the river's navigation authority, the Cam Conservators, leapt to the swan's defence saying that this kind of territorial behaviour is fairly normal during breeding season.

The spokesperson said, "The swan has caused one boat to capsize. Our advice to anyone going round this section of the river is to give it space and show due respect."

9 April 2009

Moonraker hits sunken Bentley

2009-08-26T20:04:00.002+08:00

Moonraker hits sunken Bentley
A boater came across an unexpected obstacle on the River Lee last week - when he hit a Bentley Continental GT.

According to The Sun, the Bentley ended up in the river after an employee from a nearby car graphics company went to move a customer's car and lost control.

The incident occurred on 2 April on the River Lee at River View Road, off Jeffreys Road in Enfield. The fire brigade responded and searched the car before confirming that there was nobody trapped inside.

Firefighters were unable to retrieve the car, as they did not have a winch strong enough so it was left in the river for 36 hours before insurance contractors were able to remove it.

British Waterways (BW) marked the wreck with buoys and the river was closed between Stonebridge Lock in Tottenham and Waltham Abbey in Essex until the car was removed.

The unfortunate boater had cruised from Stapleford Abbotts - clearly oblivious to BW's warnings - when his Moonraker 30, Galatear, hit the sunken wreck. His boat escaped relatively unharmed

Credit: Paul Wood

8 April 2009

Stunning underwater photos of marine wildlife

2009-08-26T20:04:00.001+08:00

Stunning underwater photos of marine wildlife
This is the photo that has won the Wildlife Trusts category at the British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP) Print Competition 2009.

It shows a corkwing wrasse, considered one of the UK's most beautiful fish, building a nest among a backdrop of coral.

The male wrasse scours the shallows looking for a nook or cranny in the rocks in which to fashion his nest.

He then spends several days carefully selecting choice pieces of seaweed with which to decorate and line the nest, forming a mound or ball shape.

The female wrasse then leaves a clutch of eggs, which the male corkwing wrasse devotedly guards until they hatch.

The photo, by Robert Bailey, is one of 10 finalists in the category, which this year was sponsored by The Wildlife Trusts, a group of 47 local Wildlife Trusts found across the UK.

To see the others, head to MBM's gallery.

Motor Boats Monthly, 7 April 2009

Tamil protester saved after jumping into Thames

2009-08-25T20:53:00.000+08:00

Tamil protester saved after jumping into Thames
A man protesting against the war in Sri Lanka was rescued from the Thames this morning after he jumped from Westminster Bridge.

He was rescued by Tower RNLI lifeboat and later transferred to a police boat and taken ashore.

The man, in his 30s, was one of thousands of protesters that staged an all-night demonstration in Bridge Street and Parliament Square against the Sri Lankan Government's conflict against the Tamil Tigers rebel group.

Four RNLI lifeboats had earlier been on duty after reports that some 900 protesters planned to jump into the Thames en masse.

7 April 2009

Boatowners asked to keep eyes peeled for bees

2009-08-25T20:52:00.000+08:00

Boatowners asked to keep eyes peeled for bees
Boatowners navigating Britain's waterways are being asked to report any bees they see. The request comes from British Waterways whose 2009 Wildlife Survey is supported by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

British Waterways is keen to stress that knowledge of different types of bee is not required - all reports will be collated to establish locations of high bee density which can then be visited by experts in the field. Three of Britain's native species of bumblebee are now nationally extinct, and a further six species have been identified by the Government as being at crisis point.

The 2009 survey is not just about bees, however, and British Waterways is keen to hear of all creatures that have been counted on its waterways, and where. Sighting reports can be made online at www.waterscape.com/wildlife-survey-2009/survey-form

Motor Boats Monthly, 7 April 2009

HMS Endurance gets piggy-back home

2009-08-25T20:51:00.000+08:00

HMS Endurance gets piggy-back home
HMS Endurance, the Royal Navy's badly damaged Antarctic patrol ship, is due to arrive in the Solent aboard a heavy lift ship on 8 April after an 8,000-mile piggy-back voyage from the South Atlantic. Endurance was operating in the Magellan Strait before Christmas when a faulty seawater valve allowed her engine room and a significant proportion of C Deck to flood, and she lost all propulsion and most auxiliary systems.

Subject to suitable weather conditions she will be floated off the 53,800-tonne semi-submersible heavy lift ship Target in Spithead on 10-11 April in an operation which is expected to take between 18-20 hours. There will be a 250-metre exclusion zone in place around the ships while the operation takes place.

6 April 2009

RNLI rescues two people from sinking boat

2009-08-25T20:50:00.000+08:00

RNLI rescues two people from sinking boat
Two fishermen who were forced to launch their liferaft and abort their sinking boat were rescued yesterday afternoon near Strangford Lough, County Down.

The Portaferry Coastguard and the Portaferry RNLI responded to the emergency call at 1pm yesterday when the 10m fishing boat, Jenemi, got into trouble about eight miles east of the entrance to Strangford Lough. Both men were rescued and safely brought to shore, although there was no indication as to what caused the boat to sink.

Alan Pritchard, watch manager at Belfast Coastguard, which took the 999 call, said, "It's fortunate that the crew of Jenemi had a liferaft that they could use when they needed to abandon ship."

Portaferry is one of the busiest lifeboat stations in Northern Ireland and will be introducing an Atlantic 85 RIB (pictured) later this year that can carry more people and will have radar capabilities.

3 April 2009

Big job losses at Beneteau and Jeanneau

2009-08-25T20:49:00.000+08:00

'Big job losses at Beneteau and Jeanneau'
A major French newspaper has reported that up to 800 jobs are to go at Jeanneau and Beneteau after a 50% fall in orders since January.

According to the paper, 2000 staff at Beneteau and 1500 staff at Jeanneau have been on a shorter working week since the start of the year, but further measures are needed to cut costs after a "catastrophic year" for the French leisure sector.

Beneteau Group, the parent company of both builders, declined to comment on the number of job losses, but told MBM that it was reviewing its prospects for the 2010 season and talking to representatives of Beneteau and Jeanneau's almost 4000 staff.

"During this period, the Group's management will first of all inform its employees and elected staff representatives. However, it will not fail to communicate more widely in due course," a spokesperson said.

2 April 2009

US Navy supercarrier visits Solent

2009-08-24T21:08:00.000+08:00

US Navy supercarrier visits Solent
One of the world's largest warships will anchor in the Solent this weekend. The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt will be moored in Stokes Bay from Saturday 4 April until Wednesday 8 April.

The 96,000-ton vessel is 333m long, but her two nuclear reactors and four steam turbines provide enough power to drive her through the water at speeds in excess of 30 knots. She carries more than 50 aircraft, and has a crew, including flying personnel, of nearly 6,000 men and women.

Whilst at anchor there will be a 250 metre Exclusion Zone in place around the vessel, which will be enforced by Ministry of Defence Police. Only vessels authorised by QHM will be allowed to enter this zone.

1 April 2009

Crouch wildlife project imminent

2009-08-24T21:07:00.000+08:00

Crouch wildlife project imminent
The Crouch Harbour Authority (CHA) says it is working with interested parties to ensure the creation of the proposed £20m Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project causes minimum disruption to river users.

The CHA is in discussions with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Crossrail to ensure the proposed Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project will not cause chaos on the river.

Plans to build the RSPB-owned and managed habitat are well underway, despite protest from local boaters who are concerned that it could lead to the river silting up, causing problems with navigation.

The idea behind the 750-acre conservation area is to create a saltmarsh wildlife habitat by artificially raising the level of the island using recovered tunnelled material from London's Crossrail Project.

John Archer, chairman of CHA, said, "We believe that the finished project will be a big asset for our river - a wild and beautiful place for boaters to enjoy. Our prime consideration is that the process is safe and to ensure river users are inconvenienced to the minimum extent."

Subject to the licence being granted, work will begin in early 2010.

A public meeting on the progress of the project will be held at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club on 17 April at 7.30pm.

1 April 2009

Fire destroys boat in St Olave's Marina

2009-08-24T21:06:00.001+08:00

Fire destroys boat in St Olave's Marina
Fire destroyed a motorcruiser in a Suffolk marina overnight. The blaze is reported to have broken out aboard a 44ft Birchwood moored in St Olave's Marina at around 2.20am.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, assisted by the RNLI South Broads lifeboat, confirmed that nobody was aboard the cruiser, and succeeded in extinguishing the blaze. Anti-pollution booms were deployed by marina staff, and the incident was declared over at 5am.

31 March 2009

Couach applies for court protection

2009-08-24T21:05:00.001+08:00

Couach applies for court protection
French yacht maker Couach has applied for court protection from its creditors. The group has failed to secure a deal with banks over the restructuring of debts amounting to some Euro 23 million, and has placed itself under the protection of the Court of Commerce of Bordeaux.

More than 300 employees have been laid off temporarily, and it has been announced that Couach chairman Andre-Jean Goimard is to leave the company. "The current financial and banking crisis annihilated all our efforts," said the group.

Couach, 75 per cent of which is owned by the Cazeaux family, has been building yachts for more than 100 years.

31 March 2009

Famous Thames artist remembered

2009-08-24T21:03:00.000+08:00

Famous Thames artist remembered
An exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of the painter Stanley Spencer will be held from April 1-November 1.

Renowned artist Spencer was born and lived in Cookham and he drew most of his inspiration for painting from the River Thames.

The exhibition will include two of his most famous paintings, 'Swan Upping at Cookham', and 'The Bridge' (pictured), which shows spectators on Cookham Bridge, possibly watching the regatta. Both these paintings are on loan from Tate Britain, along with two other paintings.

In total there will be up to 20 paintings of the Thames on show at the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham.

30 March 2009

Four rescued from boat fire in Chichester Harbour

2009-08-24T21:02:00.000+08:00

Four rescued from boat fire in Chichester Harbour
Four men were rescued from a burning motorboat in Chichester Harbour yesterday.

The men, all locals in their 50s and 60s, were plucked from their 36ft boat, Rochford, within minutes of the fire starting by another boat that was nearby.

They were then transferred to an RNLI lifeboat and taken to Northney Marina. The MCA reported that they were cold, but otherwise unharmed.

Firefighters from Hampshire Fire and Rescue tackled the blaze from Hayling Rescue and then the shore as the motorboat grounded off Conigar Point.

Tony Wheeler, Solent Coastguard watch manager, said: "The four men were rescued within minutes of the fire starting and I am pleased to say that they are unharmed."

Photo: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

30 March 2009

Entrepreneur plans Titanic replica

2009-08-24T21:01:00.000+08:00

Entrepreneur plans Titanic replica
Finland could soon boast a full scale replica of the Titanic. The 270m vessel will be surrounded by ice for much of the time but, unlike its ill-fated predecessor, will be in no danger - it will be on land!

Finnish businessman Toivo Sukari says the replica will be as true a copy of the original as possible, and will house a selection of luxury hotels and restaurants. The 'ship' will be built alongside a shopping centre in Kiiminki, nearly 400 miles north of Helsinki in the Oulu region of northern Finland.

It is hoped to start work on the Euro40 million project, which, says Mr Sukari, will attract tourists from around the world, later this year.

26 March 2009

Shipowners say boaters 'pay nothing' for nav aids

2009-08-24T21:00:00.000+08:00

Shipowners say boaters 'pay nothing' for nav aids
Shipowners are complaining that pleasure craft pay nothing for navigation aids. "Industry has long objected to the imposition of light dues on merchant shipping," said the chairman of the London Shipowners' and River Users' Society, "while pleasure craft pay nothing at all despite the benefits they derive from navigational aids."

The society, which represents companies involved in shipping and port activities, is urging the Government to reconsider recent proposals which will lead to a very significant increase in light dues. "This is certainly not the time to be imposing a further burden on an already hard pressed industry", he said.

24 March 2009

Loch Awe tragedy stirs up lifeboat debate

2009-08-24T20:58:00.000+08:00

Loch Awe tragedy stirs up lifeboat debate
A tragedy that left two men dead and two more missing on Loch Awe, Scotland, has stirred up a debate on whether more lifeboat resources should be concentrated in the region.

It took the nearest lifeboat over an hour to respond to a 999 call when four friends got into trouble on Loch Awe on Saturday, as it had to be driven from Renfrew fire station, some 70 miles away.

Despite attempts by the fire crew, Oban Mountain Rescue and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the bodies of William Carty, 47, and Craig Currie, 30, were recovered shortly after 6am.

Both men were wearing lifejackets and their companions, William's brother, Steven Carty, 42, and Thomas Douglas, 36, are still missing.

In light of the tragedy there have been calls to assess the need for a lifeboat in the area, to which Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has responded to say that it is carrying out a six-month review of water rescue provision in the region.

Both the RNLI and the MCA have said they would be willing to discuss options, although Mark Clark of the MCA said the need "would have to be balanced against the level of danger and other considerations."

24 March 2009

Scottish Coastguard helicopters fly again

2009-08-23T23:01:00.000+08:00

Scottish Coastguard helicopters fly again
Coastguard Sikorsky S92 Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters operating out of Stornoway and Sumburgh have been cleared to resume flying. They were withdrawn from service on Friday 20 March after Sikorsky instructed operators of all S92 helicopters to ground them pending an urgent modification.

The potential problem was identified after a S92 helicopter crashed off the coast of Newfoundland on 12 March killing 17 of its 18 passengers and crew. CHC, which operates the Maritime & Coastguard Agency's helicopters under contract, has now carried out the necessary modification to the four Scottish-based S92s.

Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Sea King helicopters, from Prestwick and Lossiemouth respectively, provided SAR while the MCA helicopters were out of service.

23 March 2009

Steel boat proves its mettle in boat hoist collapse

2009-08-23T23:00:00.000+08:00

Steel boat proves its mettle in boat hoist collapse
This is what happens when you drive a 50-tonne travel hoist carrying a big steel boat over a manhole cover.

The accident happened earlier this month at Dean & Reddyhoff's new flagship marina in Portland, Dorset.

The boat, believed to be a Linssen 410, was being lifted back into the water by the brand new travel hoist when the entire apparatus collapsed after one of its legs fell down a manhole.

The steel boat's hull was damaged, but we can't help wondering how much worse it would have been had it been a GRP boat in the lift.

The manhole has since been filled with concrete, James Beaver from Dean & Reddyhoff told MBM, and insurers are working to satisfy all parties.

23 March 2009

Sewage tanker sinks in Southampton

2009-08-23T22:59:00.002+08:00

Sewage tanker sinks in Southampton
Anti-pollution measures were put in place at Southampton this morning after an effluent carrier sank at its berth. Humber Star was alongside the Southern Water jetty on the east bank of the River Itchen when she went down at around 5.30am.

Much of the 400 tonnes of sewage and 800 gallons of red diesel aboard is thought to have spilled into the river posing an environmental risk. Anti-pollution booms have been deployed to contain the spillage, but a spokesman for the MCA said it was likely to disperse quickly.

Work is underway to salvage the vessel, and an investigation will be carried out into the cause of the sinking.

20 March 2009

Charity ale goes year round

2009-08-23T22:59:00.001+08:00

Charity ale goes year round
Gales Seafarers Ale, which raises funds for one of the UK's leading maritime charities, is to be made available all year round. Commodore Barry Bryant, Director General, Seafarers UK, said, "I am thrilled that Fuller's has decided to make Seafarers a permanent fixture."

"It can help us raise even more funds for the many thousands of seafarers in distress." £3 from every barrel sold will go to help people who have worked at sea, including serving and former members of the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and fishing fleets and their families.

John Roberts, managing director of The Fuller's Beer Company, said, "Gales Seafarers has built up a strong following in its time as a seasonal beer and I'm delighted that we can launch it as a permanent addition to our year-round range of cask ales."

19 March 2009

RYA steps up attacks on Government policy

2009-08-23T22:57:00.002+08:00

RYA steps up attacks on Government policy
The Royal Yachting Association has stepped up attacks in recent weeks against Government policy that will directly impact boating.

Following the recent launch of a consultation on which boats should be subject to future drink boating offences, the RYA went on the offensive, describing the Government's proposals "misguided" and "badly drafted".

Now the RYA has gone after e-Borders, saying today that it "does not support the UK Border Agency's proposals to extend the application of the e-Borders programme to recreational boaters".

This signals a new approach to e-Borders from the RYA, which had previously declined to come out completely against the scheme.

The boating body claims the only way e-Borders will work is if it does not:

- impose unfair or unreasonable restrictions on boater

- criminalise law-abiding citizens when they take action in the face of adverse conditions

- impact on the safety of navigation

Most importantly, the RYA claims that e-Borders must have the support of boaters to be effective, something the scheme might find elusive.

Gus Lewis, the RYA's government and legal affairs advisor, said: "We need to stay engaged with the Agency in order to best serve our members and the recreational boating community as a whole. Without our engagement it may, through ignorance of the recreational boating sector implement a completely inappropriate scheme that could be disastrous for us all."

19 March 2009

NBS: Boats would have been at motor show

2009-08-23T22:57:00.001+08:00

NBS: Boats would have been at motor show
National Boat Shows had been preparing to sign up exhibitors for a marine section at the 2010 British International Motor Show before the event was cancelled.

This morning it was announced that the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders had cancelled the 2010 edition of the motor show due to the recession and the "unprecedented challenges facing the industry both in the UK and the world".

At the show last year, National Boat Shows (NBS), the British Marine Federation subsidiary that runs the London and Southampton boat shows, organised for a number of marine businesses to exhibit on pontoons outside ExCeL.

Andy Williams, MD of NBS, told MBM: "We were planning to collaborate with them. The marine section was a great success in 2008 and there was a lot of interest for the 2010 event. We hadn't signed anybody up, but it would have been about now that we would have started putting it together.

"Whenever the motor show is ready to return, we'll be there with them."

Williams also drew a line under speculation that the London Boat Show might also fall victim to the recession.

"The motor show didn't sell products, whereas our show is a great sales opportunity, and at times like now, every sales opportunity is a welcome one. The objectives of the two shows are different, which is why it's very important to keep going with the boat show."

19 March 2009

Longhope tragedy remembered

2009-08-23T22:56:00.000+08:00

Longhope tragedy remembered
Flags in Orkney are being flown at half mast to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the loss of the crew of the Longhope lifeboat. All eight men aboard the 47ft Watson type lifeboat 'T.G.B.' died when it was overturned by huge waves on 17 March 1969 while attempting to rescue the crew of a cargo ship in a Force 9 gale.

The lifeboat was found floating upside down four miles south west of Torness the following afternoon. Aboard were the bodies of Coxswain Daniel Kirkpatrick and his sons Daniel and John, Robert R Johnstone and his sons Robert and James, and Eric McFadyen, but assistant mechanic Jim Swanson was never recovered.

It was one of the worst tragedies in British lifeboat history, but led to research into the development of new self-righting boats. 'T.G.B.' itself was refitted and remained in RNLI service until 1986, since when it has been displayed at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine.

17 March 2009

Tower-damaged motor yacht settlement

2009-08-23T22:55:00.000+08:00

Tower-damaged motor yacht settlement
Builders of Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower have agreed to pay £200,000 for damage caused to a motor yacht moored at Gunwharf Quays. Brave Challenger, owned by Wensley Haydon-Baillie, was struck by falling gravel while the tower was being built.

Mr Haydon-Baillie tried to sue Portsmouth City Council, but the matter has now been resolved after the tower's builders, Mowlem, agreed the out-of-court settlement. Brave Challenger is powered by 3 Rolls Royce Proteus gas turbines and has a top speed of more than 60 knots.

She was built by Vospers in 1960 for shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos, and her design was based on that of the Royal Navy's Brave class fast patrol boats.

14 March 2009

Canine crew member for lifeboat

2009-08-23T22:54:00.002+08:00

Canine crew member for lifeboat
Southport lifeboat has recruited a dog to help with search and rescue. William, inevitably dubbed crewman K-9, is being trained to help the lifeboat by searching for casualties along the shoreline, and then barking to bring the crew to the location.

If the tide comes in before the casualty has been rescued, he will be expected to swim backwards and forwards nearby to mark the spot. The 15-month old dog, an Irish water spaniel/labradoodle (labrador-poodle) cross, will wear a dog lifejacket and a high visibility coat fitted with lights so that he can be seen at night.

Southport Rescue is one of around 40 independent lifeboat stations around the UK, and is a declared facility with HM Coastguard. It services the area between the Mersey and Ribble estuaries, and 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of its formation.

13 March 2009

Renewable energy plan for the waterways

2009-08-23T22:54:00.001+08:00

Renewable energy plan for the waterways
British Waterways has hatched a novel plan to plough money back into its waterways by generating renewable energy and selling it back into the power grid.

Through a joint initiative with The Small Hydro Company, BW plans to generate some 210,000-megawatt hours of electricity annually from around 25 small-scale hydro electricity generators installed alongside weirs.

The scheme will require around £120m of private capital over the next three years, but if successful, will eventually generate enough power for 40,000 homes, create 150 construction jobs and save around 110,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.

The process of gaining consent for the installation of the first five hydro schemes will begin later this month, with the first turbines expected to be up and running next year.

The partnership with The Small Hydro Company follows a similar scheme to install wind turbines on canal-side property over the next five years that BW hopes will one day generate 219,000-megawatt hours renewable energy.

Hilary Benn MP, the environment secretary, said: "Britain's waterways were the arteries of our economy, providing transport and power. This scheme shows how with ingenuity and innovation they can once again deliver real economic, social, and environmental benefits, especially in tackling and adapting to climate change."

13 March 2009

Berths up for grabs at Cardiff Marina

2009-08-23T22:53:00.000+08:00

Berths up for grabs at Cardiff Marina
Moorings are now up for grabs at Cardiff Marina after the completion of 150 extra berths.

The addition of the berths represents the final stage of expansion for the young marina and brings the total number of berths on site to 350.

All moorings are serviced by electricity and water, and boatowners can take advantage of free wi-fi internet.

The marina's Rob Freemantle said, "As a company we offer much more than simply a berth for your boat, we provide a full range of boat services with our marine servicing centre, dry stack, hard storage and Marine Village. Our aim is to ensure that keeping your boat with us is as convenient and cost effective as possible."

See www.cardiffmarina.com for more.

12 March 2009

BMF's help for struggling marine businesses

2009-08-23T22:52:00.001+08:00

BMF's help for struggling marine businesses
The British Marine Federation (BMF) and its boat show-organising subsidiary National Boat Shows have responded to the deteriorating economic conditions by slashing 20% off the cost of exhibitor space at next year's London Boat Show.

The saving for marine businesses is just one of three cost-cutting measures put in place by the BMF through an Economic Conditions Discounts (ECD) package. The trade body has also cut 10% off its membership fees and halted any increase in the cost of exhibitor space at this year's PSP Southampton Boat Show.

Some will argue that the BMF is late in announcing such a package, after several high-profile pullouts at the recent London Boat Show, and the relatively cheaper option of exhibiting at shows like the National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show at the NEC.

But however belated, any move that will cut expenses for leisure marine businesses will doubtless be welcomed.

12 March 2009

Giant red nose fitted to ferry

2009-08-23T22:51:00.001+08:00

Giant red nose fitted to ferry
A North Sea ferry has grown an enormous conk in support of Comic Relief's Red Nose Day. DFDS Seaways attached the inflatable hooter to the bow of the 32,000-tonne King of Scandinavia while the ship was alongside the Newcastle ferry terminal.

The nose measures six metres in diameter and is believed to be the biggest red nose the world has ever seen. "Comic Relief is an incredibly worthwhile charity," said John Crummie, UK managing director for DFDS Seaways.

"We really felt that Red Nose Day was something that our guests would support and would be keen to donate to, plus of course it is great fun! Our donations are being collected not only this week but across the year."

11 March 2009

Third Welsh boat fire this year

2009-08-23T22:49:00.000+08:00

Third Welsh boat fire this year
Fire has damaged three boats at a boatyard in Abersoch, the third such incident in northwest Wales this year.

Two boats were destroyed by fire in a Conwy boatyard earlier this week, and three others were burnt out by a blaze at Pwllheli Marina in January.

North Wales Police are investigating the latest fire, which broke out shortly after midnight on 6 March. "At this stage of the investigation, we are not making links with any other offences," said a spokesman.

"We do appeal to anyone, who feels that they may have information in respect of these crimes, to come forward or telephone Crimestoppers anonymously," he added.

6 March 2009

Drug RIB woman given suspended sentence

2009-08-23T22:47:00.000+08:00

Drug RIB woman given suspended sentence
A woman whose business was found to have been selling £350,000 RIBs to the drug trade - netting a profit of £20m - has been given a two-year suspended sentence.

Ellen George set up Lowestoft-based Crompton Marine, a property and boat company, with her partner Richard Davidson but in 2004 the couple were accused of adapting the boats so they were "uncatchable" and capable of carrying large quantities of drugs.

George admitted possession of criminal property and laundering money through the property side of the business but claimed she believed she was selling the boats to tobacco smugglers.

Richard Davidson has absconded while on bail facing drug smuggling charges.

6 March 2009

Princess cuts workforce by one fifth

2009-08-22T22:43:00.001+08:00

Princess cuts workforce by one fifth
Princess Yachts is to shed up to 450 jobs, more than one fifth of its workforce. Managing Director Chris Gates said the cutbacks would enable the business to meet the challenges being seen across all industries and match production capacity to the changing demand.

"We have concluded that, despite market conditions, Princess has the strength to sustain a workforce of around 1,700, a figure similar to that of 18 months ago", he said, "but, regrettably, this will require a reduction of up to 450 employees."

Production staff at Princess's base at Stonehouse in Plymouth have been working reduced hours since 5 January in an attempt to safeguard jobs.

Motor Boats Monthly, 5 March 2009

Pirate radio ship returns

2009-08-22T22:41:00.001+08:00

Pirate radio ship returns
Floating pirate radio broadcasts will return to the airwaves this Easter, but this time with the approval of the authorities. 'Pirate BBC Essex' has been established to mark the 45th anniversary of the launch of Radios Caroline, London, City and Atlanta, and will broadcast from a retired lightship.

Former Radio Caroline DJs Tony Blackburn, Roger Day, Johnnie Walker and Keith Skues, will take part in the broadcasts. They will no doubt be pleased to learn that, this time round, their radio ship will secured alongside Ha'penny Pier in Harwich rather than bouncing around the North Sea.

'Pirate BBC Essex' will broadcast from April 10-13 on BBC Essex frequencies, 95.3 and 103.5 FM.

Motor Boats Monthly, 4 March 2009

Bomb scare at Haslar Marina

2009-08-22T22:39:00.000+08:00

Bomb scare at Haslar Marina
The MOD has sent letters to berth holders at Haslar Marina in Gosport, outlining plans to restrict access to the marina from 10-13 April as searches are made of HMS Blockhouse for possible World War II bombs.

The exclusion zone will cover a 272m diameter over Haslar Creek and will affect about three pontoons as well as cutting off other boaters that would need to go through the zone to get in or out.

Helen Bramah of Haslar Marina said "It's very unfortunate and we were very unhappy with the operation but it is totally out of our control. However, this will only affect about a third of our berths and will not affect our visitor moorings at all."

The announcement has caused outrage among berth holders who say it will ruin their bank holiday weekend but Haslar Marina says that all berth holders will have some access to their moorings, albeit restricted.

Although it is expected that no bombs will actually be found the MOD says an examination of the site is essential to rule bombs out.

3 March 2009

Suspected arsonist attack at Conwy

2009-08-22T22:38:00.000+08:00

Suspected arsonist attack at Conwy
Police are investigating a fire that may have been started deliberately at a boat yard in Conwy Marina.

At 00.36 this morning fire crews from Conwy and Llandudno responded to a call at Conwy Marina. The two crews arrived at the scene to find two 30ft sailing boats ablaze on the hard.

At 1.52am the fire investigating officer called in the police as it was suspected the fire may have been "deliberately ignited."

A spokesperson from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the fire investigation is currently underway, but the cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

3 March 2009

Bubble boat unveiled

2009-08-22T22:37:00.000+08:00

Bubble boat unveiled
Plans have been unveiled for a giant bubble boat capable of carrying 250 people. The spherical craft, which will be largely transparent, is designed to be an educational and tourist attraction by day, but will turn into a restaurant and club by night.

'Bubble on the Tyne', also nicknamed the 'Goldfish bowl', is the brainchild of Parviz Alizadeh, owner of a restaurant on the banks of the Tyne in Gateshead. The floating bubble, which will cost around £4 million to build, will be powered by three propellers, while telescopic legs will extend to allow it to secure itself to the river bed.

A tube will meet the bubble to form the basic shape of the structure, which will be connected to the quayside by two bridge tunnels.

27 February 2009

Have your say on conservation zones in South West

2009-08-22T22:36:00.000+08:00

Have your say on conservation zones in South West
Boaters are being sought to join a 'steering group' to help decide where the first Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) will be located in South West England.

MBM reported in February's issue how the Government was having a bigger impact than ever on boating, and one of the ways it was doing this was through MCZs.

The concern is that boating activities like anchoring and travelling at speed might be restricted in any MCZs that are designated, which makes it crucial that we have our say.

Finding Sanctuary, the first of a number of organisations to be set up around the country to decide the location of the zones, is now seeking input from a "wide cross section of stakeholders".

Sir Harry Studholme, chairman of the steering group, said: "Steering Group representatives should have a high profile and excellent knowledge of the sector they are representing. They must also be willing to actively speak about the interests of their stakeholder group in discussions and engage positively in the process."

If you think you fit the bill and would like to have your say on the future of boating in the South West, apply before 6 March to Joana Doyle on 01392 878328 or by email - Joana.Doyle@southwestfoodanddrink.com

26 February 2009

Any takers for top-secret stealth ship?

2009-08-22T22:34:00.000+08:00

Any takers for top-secret stealth ship?
The brokerage market may be suffering at the moment, but this is ridiculous - the US Navy can't even give away a former top-secret stealth ship.

She even comes with her very own submersible dry dock originally developed to raise a sunken Soviet submarine.

Sea Shadow, which looks like part of Darth Vader's helmet stuck on two diagonal shards of hull, is no longer needed by the US Navy, which has been trying to give it away since 2006, according to the Wall Street Journal.

So far the only interested party is a naval museum in Providence, Rhode Island, whose only exhibit is a Russian sub that sank in 2007 during a storm.

Sea Shadow would make a fascinating exhibit. The 170ft-long craft was built in 1985 under the utmost secrecy, and only came to light in 1993 when the navy lifted the lid on the project.

According to one former officer who served on the ship, she was incredibly stable, barely shuddering in 12m seas. "We operated at night with impunity. We would disappear and sneak up on whomever we wanted," S K Gupta told the newspaper.

But time, it would seem, is running out for Sea Shadow and her dry dock. If a new home isn't found, both are destined for the scrapyard.

25 February 2009

Maritime 'Batmobile' trialled

2009-08-22T22:33:00.000+08:00

Maritime 'Batmobile' trialled
Trials of a futuristic boat capable of speeds of 50 knots in water just one metre deep have been carried out off the coast of Colombia. Stiletto is being tested by the US military's Office of Force Transformation, and has been developed to counter fast boats used by drug smugglers.

Crewmen describe the 27m Stiletto, which uses an M-shaped hull form to create an air cushion, as a 'maritime version of a Batmobile'. It is not a comfortable ride, however, and seasickness is reported to be commonplace.

The revolutionary craft is scheduled to carry out further trials, this time in open waters, later this year.

24 February 2009

Littlehampton boatyard fire

2009-08-22T22:32:00.000+08:00

Littlehampton boatyard fire
Fire badly damaged a Littlehampton boatyard on Saturday. Six fire engines attended the blaze which broke out in a workshop at Hillyards boat yard in Rope Walk at around 2am.

Fifty per cent of the building was damaged by fire and heat, with the remainder damaged by smoke. The cause of the fire is being investigated, but arson has not been ruled out at this stage.

It was reported that the company's current managing director had been absent for over four weeks, during which none of the nine workers there had been paid, and that the landlord had reclaimed the site.

24 February 2009