Strange Goings-On

Driving up from Sussex, mind full of anticipation, even salivating .... what will the "Pancakes R Us" ladies be providing tonight? Based on previous offerings, it would likely be delicious!

As I turned into the gates at the club, I was immediately stopped by a security guard in a hi-vis jacket. As he approached, behind him I could see a whole mass of film crew vehicles, trailers, even a Dining bus. "Surely not" I thought .... " they can't be here to film the GCCC shenanigans!".

"Are you with the yacht club?" he asked. I concurred. "OK sir, please proceed". He knew about it! The mystery deepened ... which TV star would they be sending along to interview the assembled glitterati?

As I entered the clubroom, all was revealed.

The bar was open, drinks were being served, pancakes were being delivered at the counter to order, and people were chatting away, whilst in the corner a lifejacket was being stuffed by two grown men.  "So where is the film crew?" I asked. Debbie quietly said they were filming “something” in Ripley, and Papercourt was a convenient place for all their vehicles at night.

But there was a prolific supply of Pancakes, served with 4 or 5 different fillings for each of savoury and sweet types. Delicious! I think I managed 4, just to show willing, you understand!

Then there came a call ..... " Where is the current "Tosser of the Year?". Time for people to try their pancake tossing skills. Of course there were rules ... 10 seconds, had to turn 180°, disqualification if the pancake went on the floor. After about 10 or 12 participants tried their skills, James Hetherington usurped the current champion to be become " Tosser of the Year 2023". Well done! He duly won his prize - all the pancakes that had been on the floor.

      

Everybody enjoyed the evening, but a small point, where were all the other club members who weren't there .... look at what you missed!! Drinks, eats, fun and laughter.

The Commodore ended with grateful words to the "Pancakes R Us" ladies. We all ended with full tummies!

So we didn't see any film or TV stars, we still have no idea what their subject was going to be. As I said, strange goings-on!! But it was still a fun night.

Junk Rig Sailing Winter Talk Report 070223.pdf

Jan Mayen Winter Talk Report 240123.pdf

Report kindly provided by Paul Armstrong on our recent AGM and 50th Birthday Party.

This is a Cruising Association Zoom presentation and open to non CA members. The presentation will be given by Bob Garrett who is Channel Section Secretary for the CA. The presentation covers experience of CA members this year and future changes to procedures. If you wish to join you will need to register and you will receive a unique Zoom login. Go to https://www.theca.org.uk/channel-crossing-paperwork-experience to register.

If you were unable to join any of the presentations and Q&A sessions given by Magali Hamon, PR Manager of Port Chantereyne, Cherbourg earlier this week and have not seen the message on the club WhatsApp group, below is a link to the presentation which is available on YouTube along with links to the slides themselves and supporting documents.

Video of the presentation (suggest you copy and paste this link into your browser):  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=60ieE39l5u4&feature=youtu.be

Presentation (PowerPoint slides): Cherbourg presentation post Brexit.ppt

Form C1331 – template: C1331_Template_v1.1 (1).xlsx

Form PAF: Formulaire PAF plaisanciers britanniques.pdf

Cherbourg Visitors Information: Infos visiteurs anglais.pdf

As of 17th December 2021 a voluntary no-anchor zone is in place within Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). Through this voluntary measure, boat users are being asked to help protect precious seagrass habitats in Studland Bay and the many species which rely on them for shelter.

This is the first of two planned phases of MMO management of anchoring within the bay as part of the Studland Bay MCZ Habitat Protection Strategy which was launched on 10 September 2021.

The voluntary no-anchor zone covers the initial core area of seagrass which will then be increased from 1 June 2022 to cover the majority of seagrass beds within the bay and form a permanent voluntary no-anchor zone. This phased voluntary approach will support users of the bay to help protect the important habitats and species which call Studland Bay MCZ home, while recognising the importance of the bay for recreational activities. 

See the leaflet with further details - Studland Leaflet Vessel.pdf

Following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, owners of recreational pleasure craft (non-commercial) who sail their craft to and from the United Kingdom (including the Channel Islands) must notify the UK border authorities upon their first arrival into a UK port.

Before leaving the UK (which includes going to the Channel Islands), you must advise the Border Force of your intentions by posting form C1331 (the address it must be posted to can be found on the form).

'Q' Flag

Both non-UK flagged vessels and UK flagged vessels returning from a trip outside of UK territorial waters (12 miles from shore) must now fly the ‘Q’ flag where it can be readily seen as soon as UK waters are entered. The flag must not be taken down until you have finished reporting to the customs authorities. Failure to comply will make you liable to a penalty.

Arriving in the UK

When arriving direct from outside the UK you must phone the National Yachtline on 0300 123 2012. You will need to inform the Yachtline if any of the following apply:

• UK VAT has not been paid on the vessel
• you have on board goods which are to be treated as surplus stores as per Notice 69A.
• you have any prohibited or restricted goods
• there is any notifiable illness on board
• there are any people on board who need immigration clearance
• any repairs or modifications, other than running repairs, have been carried out since the vessel last left the UK
• you have any goods for personal use on which you need to declare and pay UK tax or duty and cannot do so via the online service.

For further information, please view the Government Notice.

The Royal Institute of Navigation, Small Craft Group has published a 100 page 'booklet' called Electronic Navigation Systems - Guidance for safe use on leisure vessels. 

It has advice and guidance on:

• safe use of electronic navigation and associated systems on leisure vessels
• “keys to safety” in many operational situations
• advantages and drawbacks of different systems and approaches

It's is available as a free download from their website.

Why not update your knowledge on this important subject.

Did you know?

It’s the world’s largest wind farm since completion of its extension in September 2018.   

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walney_Wind_Farm