Meeting 5th June

Swanage Bay Users Association
(Draft) Minutes of meeting
Held on Thursday 5th June 2008 at The Globe

Committee Members Present: Roger Marsh, Yasmin Marsh, Mike Hadley, Mark Rowley, John Lucas, Amanda Rowley, Pete Williams, Pat Collins, Justin Streams

1 Moorings:

The Sailing Club has applied for a second mooring area in the bay to increase their moorings to 40. The Club have already put down approx additional 20 moorings in this extended area.

The following concerns were raised over this additional mooring area:

* Close proximity to the established / existing moorings

* Apparently the Sailing Club are claiming the new mooring area requires the removal of long-established moorings owned by others

* There has apparently been damage to property: incidents of moorings being cut (one three times in a few days). This has been reported to the Marine Police. It was emphasised that no one can be certain who cut these moorings.

* There have been threats of physical violence from at least one member of the Sailing Club if a mooring was not removed

* Loss of area for fishing nets

* The risk of insurance premiums increasing as if more yachts are left on moorings (these new moorings are more exposed as further into the bay) and get washed up, as one already has in the last month, then Swanage Bay will become a high insurance risk, affecting all others.

* Reduced visibility of the 5 knot buoys, so more dangerous for people coming on and off boats, and moving among moorings.

* Reduced space in the bay for other watersports.

Mike Hadley felt this was a serious matter that required prompt resolution, which would probably involve a meeting between all interested parties, brokered by an independent party. It was agreed that this should include Moorings Association, Sailing Club, Crown Estate, and commercial operators. Mike suggested that it might be appropriate for the Town Clerk be involved as this affects the entire town.

Pat has spoken to the Crown Estate with regard to the new mooring area and the GPS points. The Crown Estate representative will come down to discuss & review in next two weeks. We will try & arrange a meeting between all parties prior to and at the visit.

2 5 knot buoys:

Mike Hadley reported that he had had discussions with Mike Cemm (SSC) and with Mike Goater (PDC) regarding the fact that a number of buoys are in the wrong location. (PDC are responsible for laying these). Although the new positions have been agreed, PDC say that Swanage Town Council is seeking to take over enforcement of the speed limit. This requires a byelaw to be passed, which PDC is happy to arrange once it receives official confirmation from STC. This is awaited, and then PDC say they will implement the new positions and the new byelaw.

3 Boat Park:

There was some concern expressed at the high cost of launching fees (although some said they seem fair in comparisons to others). Mike Hadley noted that the rate is in part set by comparison with other launch sites, but if people feel a case can be made for lower prices, they should present their argument to the Council for consideration.

Mike to check if slipway is still being cleared regularly and to find out the latest position on funding to repair the jetty.

4 Breakwater:

There was some discussion about the concept of a ‘breakwater’ that might serve as a dive reef as well as providing shelter from waves. Roger noted the need to be careful about sand movements.

5 AGM:

AGM to be held in next 2/3 weeks at Sailing Club if possible. Amanda to check availability with Chris Rabson and meeting to be confirmed. Amanda to produce posters to promote the AGM, also to send letter to Advertiser and letters to all local boating organisations including RNLI, Rowing Club, Sailing Club, Ocean Bay Watersports, Coastguard to invite them to attend.
A draft Agenda for the AGM was discussed and will be finalised over next two weeks.

6 2012 Olympics:

Mike mentioned the future Sailing Olympics to be held in Weymouth in 2012 and the Dress Rehearsal scheduled for 2010, how we thought this would impact Swanage and whether there were any opportunities for the town and water based activities. This topic to be added to Agenda to try any promote some positive ideas for the town



Dates for your diary:
AGM date to be confirmed June 2008

Olympic opportunities?

The Olympics are really not too far away, with the Olympics in general and the Sailing Olympics in Weymouth , in particular, attracting hundreds of thousands of people. I've heard estimates of 40,000 journalists alone, and 2000 spectator yachts expected at Weymouth, with people from over 60 countries. Although the Sailing Olympics take place in 2012, there will be major "test events " in 2010 and 2011. There are opportunities for all sorts of businesses to get involved, and to benefit during the events as well as before and beyond. I'm trying to arrange a presentation in Swanage, but meanwhile,if you think you or business could benefit, you might be interested in two things: free training and registering as a potential supplier. To register as a supplier, see: http://www.competefor.com and https://etenders.london2012.com . For training, see: http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/sharingtheflame/