NECRA Programme changes 2008.

The NECRA committee have confirmed that the provisional programme will be the programme for 2008 with two additions proposed.

If Sunderland Yacht Club and Royal Northumberland Yacht Club are willing, there will be 2 NECRA inshore races on the Sunday of Roker Regatta and 1 NECRA inshore race on the Saturday of RNYC Regatta. For Classes 1-4 these will be bay races, rather than the Olympic style races.

This of course leaves Whitby Yacht Club out in the cold once again with only the Sunderland Whitby overnight race included in the programme.

New Years Eve Bash

New Years Eve in the Clubhouse

Monday 31st December 2007

Ring Out The Old

Bring In The New

Club Open From 2000hrs

Bacon Butties after Midnight

Kings Cup Final Results

Premier Division Race 6.

Pos Boat Name Country
1 Strewth Geoff Hill AUS
2 Shahtoosh Peter Cremers BEL
3 Moonblue Peter Churchouse NZL
4 Pipe Dream IX David Brennan USA
5 Moonblue Andrew Rickards GBR
6 Yasooda Hans Rahmann GER
7 Australain Maid Dr. Jonathon Wardill AUS
8 Frangipani Girl David Ross AUS
9 Lawana Pena Trungkabunchar THA
10 MA DU ZI Viroj Nualkhair THA
11 Big A Horst Lakits AUT
12 Yo Mo Bob Yapp GBR
13 Resolution of Whitby Stuart Williamson GBR
14 Millenium John Clayton AUS
DNC Intrigue Dr. Ian Nicholson GBR


IRC Class 2 Race 7

Pos Boat Name Country
1 La Samudra Tani Bassadone GBR
2 Royal Thai Navy 1 Lt Peera Sagultem THA
3 Skandia (Endeavour of Whitby) Gerry Firth GBR
4 Phoenix Niels Degenkolw DEN
5 Tropic Bird Michele Pippen AUS
6 Royal Thai Navy 2 NC Pontep Sook-Udom THA
7 Mat Salleh Saskia Van Rijt NED
DNF Nereida Hiroshi Aida JPN
DNF Madam Butterfly Peter Dyer GBR
DNF Aquavit IV Hellmut Schutte GER


Overall Results Premier Division

Pos Boat Name Country Points
1 Strewth Geoff Hill AUS 9
2 Frangipani Girl David Ross AUS 10
3 Shahtoosh Peter Cremers BEL 11
4 Australain Maid Dr. Jonathon Wardill AUS 17
5 Moonblue Andrew Rickards GBR 25
6 Moonblue 2 Peter Churchouse NZL 27
7 Yasooda Hans Rahmann GER 33
8 Pipe Dream IX David Brennan USA 41
9 Intrigue Dr. Ian Nicholson GBR 43
10 Lawana Pena Trungkabunchar THA 51
11 MA DU ZI Viroj Nualkhair THA 53
12 Resolution of Whitby Stuart Williamson GBR 56
13 Yo Mo Bob Yapp GBR 59
14 Big A Horst Lakits AUT 6215 Millenium John Clayton AUS 67


Overall Results IRC Class 2

Pos Boat Name Country Score Points
1 Madam Butterfly Peter Dyer GBR 8
2 La Samudra Tani Bassadone GBR 9
3 Royal Thai Navy 1 Lt Peera Sagultem THA 21
4 Skandia (Endeavour of Whitby) Gerry Firth GBR 24
5 Phoenix Niels Degenkolw DEN 25
6 Tropic Bird Michele Pippen AUS 33
7 Royal Thai Navy 2 NC Pontep Sook-Udom THA 39
8 Aquavit IV Hellmut Schutte GER 40
9 Mat Salleh Saskia Van Rijt NED 49
10 Nereida Hiroshi Aida JPN 57

Phuket King's Cup Regatta Friday Results

Premier Race 4 (PROVISIONAL)

Pos Boat Name Country
1 Frangipani Girl David Ross AUS
2 Strewth Geoff Hill AUS
3 Australain Maid Dr. Jonathon Wardill AUS
4 Shahtoosh Peter Cremers BEL
5 Moonblue Andrew Rickards GBR
6 Big A Horst Lakits AUT
7 Yasooda Hans Rahmann GER
8 Moonblue 2 Peter Churchouse NZL
9 Lawana Pena Trungkabunchar THA
10 Intrigue Dr. Ian Nicholson GBR
11 Resolution of Whitby Stuart Williamson GBR
12 Pipe Dream IX David Brennan USA
13 Yo Mo Bob Yapp GBR
14 MA DU ZI Viroj Nualkhair THA
15 Millenium John Clayton AUS


IRC2 Race 6 (PROVISIONAL)

Pos Boat Name Country
1 Madam Butterfly Peter Dyer GBR
2 La Samudra Tani Bassadone GBR
3 Phoenix Niels Degenkolw DEN
4 Skandia (Endeavour of Whitby) Gerry Firth GBR
5 Royal Thai Navy 1 Lt Peera Sagultem THA
6 Royal Thai Navy 2 NC Pontep Sook-Udom THA
7 Aquavit IV Hellmut Schutte GER
8 Mat Salleh Saskia Van Rijt NED
9 Tropic Bird Michele Pippen AUS
10 Nereida Hiroshi Aida JPN

Phuket King's Cup Regatta Wednesday Results

Premier Race 4 (PROVISIONAL)
Pos Boat Name Country
1 Shahtoosh Peter Cremers BEL
2 Strewth Geoff Hill AUS
3 Frangipani Girl David Ross AUS
4 Australain Maid Dr. Jonathon Wardill AUS
5 Moonblue Andrew Rickards GBR
6 Moonblue 2 Peter Churchouse NZL
7 Intrigue Dr. Ian Nicholson GBR
8 Yasooda Hans Rahmann GER
9 Pipe Dream IX David Brennan USA
10 Resolution of Whitby Stuart Williamson GBR
11 Lawana Pena Trungkabunchar THA
12 Yo Mo Bob Yapp GBL
13 MA DU ZI Viroj Nualkhair THA
14 Millenium John Clayton AUS
15 Big A Horst Lakits AUS


IRC2 Race 4 (PROVISIONAL)

Pos Boat Name Country
1 La Samudra David Lindahl
2 Madam Butterfly Peter Dyer GBR
3 Tropic Bird Michelle Pippen AUS
4 Phoenix Niels Degenkolw DEN
5 Royal Thai Navy 1 THA
6 Royal Thai Navy 2 THA
7 Skandia (Endeavour of Whitby) Stuart Williamson GBR
8 Mat Salleh Neil Ankcorn
9 Nereida Hiroshi Aida
DSQ Aquavit IV Hellmut Schutte GER


IRC2 Race 5 (PROVISIONAL)

Pos Boat Name Country
1 Madam Butterfly Peter Dyer GBR
2 Royal Thai Navy 1 THA
3 La Samudra David Lindahl
4 Skandia (Endeavour of Whitby) Stuart Williamson GBR
5 Phoenix Niels Degenkolw DEN
6 Aquavit IV Hellmut Schutte GER
7 Tropic Bird Michelle Pippen AUS
8 Royal Thai Navy 2 THA
9 Mat Salleh Neil Ankcorn
10 Nereida Hiroshi Aida

Kings Cup Regatta Report

Phuket, 4 December 2007 – The second day of 2007 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta saw continuing strong winds off scenic Phuket island. Second day races were sponsored by Thai Beverage Plc, Siam Winery and Had Thip Plc, local distributor of Coca-Cola. The night’s prize giving ceremony was held at Jungceylon luxury shopping center. Frank Pong’s Jelik won first place again in racing class for the second race of the regatta, followed by Fortis Mandrake and Ray Robert’s Quantum Racing. Third race placing saw Quantum Racing in first, followed by Foxy Lady III and Full Metal Jacket. Firefly 850 Sport class ran two races as well despite seeing two accidents. Twin Sharks and SEA Properties collided resulting in significant damage to the boats. Following a rapid response from the underwater team, two sailors were taken to a hospital and will remain overnight for observation. Moto Inzi collided with an inflatable media boat. There were minor injuries and the boat reportedly will not continue racing. The remaining boats placed Mamba, Pagatoon and Voodoo Child first to third in race one. The second race saw the same placing for the first three boats. IRC 2 ran two races. La Samudra bested Madam Butterfly and Royal Thai Navy 1 in the first race only to see Madam Butterfly retake first over La Samudra and Royal Thai Navy 1 in the second. Tomorrow morning will see the fleet perform a sail past with the Royal Thai Navy in honor of His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 80th birthday. A celebration will be held in the evening to honor HM, joining similar celebrations across the country. Principal sponsorship again this year comes from Raimon Land, who have announced support of the event until 2012. Also joining the event as sponsors are Kata Group, TMB Bank Plc, Nautica, Thai Beverages Plc, Thai Airways, Mom Tri’s Boat House, Sunsail, Siam Winery, Coca-Cola and a host of local Phuket businesses which support the event. Media sponsorship in part comes from Phuket Magazine, The Nation and Phuket Gazette. With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organized by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

Phuket Kings Cup Regatta 2007 Day 2 Results

Tuesday Racing

Premier Race 2
Pos Boat Name Country
1 Frangipani Girl David Ross AUS
2 Strewth Geoff Hill AUS
3 Shahtoosh Peter Cremers BEL
4 Moonblue 2 Peter Churchouse NZL
5 Australain Maid Dr. Jonathon Wardill AUS
6 Moonblue Andrew Rickards GBR
7 Yasooda Hans Rahmann GER
8 Pipe Dream IX Scott Piper3
9 MA DU ZI Viroj Nualkhair THA
10 Intrigue Dr. Ian Nicholson GBR
11 Resolution of Whitby Stuart Williamson GBR
12 Yo Mo Bob Yapp GBL
13 Lawana Pena Trungkabunchar THA
14 Big A Horst Lankits AUS
15 Millenium John Clayton AUS

Premier Race 3
Pos Boat Name Country
1 Frangipani Girl David Ross AUS
2 Strewth Geoff Hill AUS
3 Shahtoosh Peter Cremers BEL
4 Australain Maid Dr. Jonathon Wardill AUS
5 Moonblue Andrew Rickards GBR
6 Yasooda Hans Rahmann GER
7 Intrigue Dr. Ian Nicholson GBR
8 Moonblue 2 Peter Churchouse NZL
9 Lawana Pena Trungkabunchar THA
10 MA DU ZI Viroj Nualkhair THA
11 Resolution of Whitby Stuart Williamson GBR
12 Millenium John Clayton AUS
13 Yo Mo Bob Yapp GBL
14 Pipe Dream IX Scott Piper3
15 Big A Horst Lankits AUS


IRC2 Race 2
Pos Boat Name Country
1 Madam Butterfly Peter Dyer GBR
2 Royal Thai Navy 1 THA
3 Tropic Bird Michelle Pippen AUS
4 Pheonix Niels Degenkolw DEN
5 Aquavit IV Hellmut Schutte GER
6 Royal Thai Navy 2 THA
7 Skandia (Endeavour of Whitby) Stuart Williamson GBR
8 Mat Salleh Neil Ankcorn
9 Nereida Sailing Phuket
10 La Samudra David Windahl


IRC2 Race 3
Pos Boat Name Country
1 Madam Butterfly Peter Dyer GBR
2 La Samudra David Windahl
3 Royal Thai Navy 1 THA
4 Pheonix Niels Degenkolw DEN
5 Skandia (Endeavour of Whitby) Stuart Williamson GBR
6 Aquavit IV Hellmut Schutte GER
7 Tropic Bird Michelle Pippen AUS
8 Nereida Sailing Phuket
9 Mat Salleh Neil Ankcorn
10 Royal Thai Navy 2 THA

Phuket Kings Cup 2007 Monday Racing

Premier Class Race 1 (PROVISIONAL)
Pos Boat Skipper Country
1 Australain Maid Dr. Jonathon Wardill AUS
2 Shahtoosh Peter Cremers BEL
3 Strewth Geoff Hill AUS
4 Frangipani Girl David Ross AUS
5 Moonblue Andrew Rickards GBR
6 Moonblue 2 Peter Churchouse NZL
7 Yasooda Hans Rahmann GER
8 Pipe Dream IX Scott Piper3
9 Intrigue Dr. Ian Nicholson GBR
10 Yo Mo Bob Yapp GBL
11 MA DU ZI Viroj Nualkhair THA
12 Millenium John Clayton AUS
13 Resolution of Whitby Stuart Williamson GBR
14 Lawana Pena Trungkabunchar THA
DNF Big A Horst Lankits AUS


IRC Class 2 Race 1 (Provisional)
Pos Boat Name Country
1 Madam Butterfly Peter Dyer GBR
2 Skandia (Endeavour of Whitby) Stuart Williamson GBR
3 Aquavit IV Hellmut Schutte GER
4 Royal Thai Navy 1 THA
5 La Samudra David Windahl
6 Tropic Bird Michelle Pippen AUS
7 Pheonix Niels Degenkolw DEN
8 Mat Salleh Neil Ankcorn
9 Nereida Sailing Phuket THA
DNF Royal Thai Navy 2 THA

2007 Phuket King's Cup Regatta

Our intrepid band of sailors having finished their racing in Malaya are now preparing for their next adventure in Thailand, taking part in the Phuket King's Cup Regatta from the 1st December - 8th December, 2007.
The Phuket King's Cup Regatta is Asia's biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun.
The Phuket King's Cup Regatta is Asia's biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun. Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December. With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

Americas Cup

AC90 Rule is born31 Oct 07: AC Management, as scheduled, published the AC90 Rule marking an exciting milestone in the path to the 33rd America’s Cup. This rule has been crafted over the past six weeks through a design consultation process with all entered challengers, the Defender, and headed by Tom Schnackenberg as the class rule and competition regulations consultant for ACM. Designers from all six entered teams have met regularly since the design process began on 15 September. The AC90 Rule, in brief, will be 90ft overall maximum length, 6.5m in draft whilst racing and will have a displacement of 23tons. We now have to wait and see whether this will be sufficient for GGYC and BMW Oracle to drop it’s court action and let the existing challengers, as well as those waiting in the wings, reach a position where they are able to present potential sponsors with a concrete proposal.

Raja Muda Selangor Int Regatta

Overall Positions

Class 2

Pos Yacht owner/skipper
1 Yasooda Hans Rahmann
2 Intrigue Dr Ian Nicolson
3 Resolution of Whitby Neil Williamson

Class 4

Pos Yacht owner/skipper
1 Aquavit IV Robert Howison
2 Mata Hari Vincent Chan
3 Skandia Gerry Firth

Raja Muda Selangor Int Regatta

Race 6 Langkawi.

Class 2

Pos Yacht owner/skipper
1 Intrigue Dr Ian Nicolson
2 Yasooda Hans Rahmann
3 Resolution of Whitby Neil Williamson

Class 4

Pos Yacht owner/skipper
1 Aquavit IV Robert Howison
2 Skandia Gerry Firth
3 Mata Hari Vincent Chan



Race 7 Langkawi.

Class 4

Pos Yacht owner/skipper
1 Lunchcutter II Keith Dunn
2 Skandia Gerry Firth
3 Aquavit IV Robert Howison

Raja Muda Selangor Regatta 2007

Race 5

Penang to Langkawi

Class 2

Pos Yacht owner/skipper
1 Yasooda Hans Rahmann
2 Intrigue Dr Ian Nicolson
3 Resolution of Whitby Neil Williamson

Class 4
Pos Yacht owner/skipper
1 Skybird John Kara
2 Sarabande Dr Basil Diethelm
3 Mat Salleh Neil Ankcorn
4 Tropicbird Michele Pippen
5 Mata Hari Vincent Chan
6 Skandia Gerry Firth

Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta

Race 1. Port Klang to Pangkor

Class 2
Pos Yacht owner/skipper
1 Yasooda Hans Rahmann
2 Resolution of Whitby Neil Williamson
3 Intrigue Dr Ian Nicolson

Class 4
1 Aquavit IV Robert Howison
2 Skandia Gerry Firth
3 Lunchcutter II Keith Dunn

Race 2. Pangkor to Penang.

Class 2
Pos Yacht owner/skipper
1 Resolution of Whitby Neil Williamson
2 Yasooda Hans Rahmann
3 Intrigue Dr Ian Nicolson

Class 4
1 Aquavit IV Robert Howison
2 Mata Hari Vincent Chan
3 Lunchcutter II Keith Dunn
4 Skandia Gerry Firth


Penang Habour Races Race 1.

Class 2
Pos Yacht owner/skipper
1 Intrigue Dr Ian Nicolson
2 Yasooda Hans Rahmann
3 Resolution of Whitby Neil Williamson

Class 4
1 Aquavit IV Robert Howison
2 Mata Hari Vincent Chan
3 Sarabande Dr Basil Diethelm
4 Skandia Gerry Firth

18th Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta 2007

Race Report 1
A good test of patience... Race one got off in fine style when PRO Jerry Rollin declared "Clear Start" after five starts were conducted in quick secession on the northern approaches to Pt Klang. Now for the 100 odd miles before they reach the tranquil Pangkor Island group. After a short windward leg the afternoon sea breeze built up to 10 - 12 knots and crews worked feverishly to speed the boat along on a close hauled alternating to fine reaching course to clear the shallows of Selangor. Simon Morris's Sirius 1935 was not so lucky as they promptly ran aground approaching the windward mark and despite efforts to tow them off had to wait for the tide to go out and come in before they could get underway again.
Boat speed is very important in a strait line drag race, so trimming sails and good helming takes over as priority number one. To everyone's surprise Razali Mansor skippering the Royal Malaysian Navy DK Farr 520 Zuhrah nailed the start line and was closely followed by the brand new factory owned DK 46 Janda Baik skippered by Khairul Shahril. Unusual for Ray Roberts Quantum Racing crew to be at the back of the fleet but they may have been suffering from overindulgence at the previous nights welcoming dinner. After six hours of racing the seabreeze gradually petered out and the boats waited for the evening land breeze to materialize. Unfortunately a long wait was to follow and many boats found there own private parking lots and individual zephyrs of wind to move them along. No rain was recorded and a clear starry night had a cooling effect despite the lack of wind.
Frank Pong's Reichel-Pugh 75 Jelik were not so lucky in the wind lottery and were beaten across the line by the Fred Kinmonth / Nick Burns smaller Mills 51 and defending champion Fortis Mandrake. After what could only be described as a frustrating 15 to 16 hours of racing it was the new factory owned DK 46 Janda Baik skippered by Khairul Shahril with a scratch Dutch, Swedish and Malaysian crew that won the first race out of the box. Fred Kinmonth / Nick Burns Mills 51 Fortis Mandrake claimed second spot and Ray Roberts DK46 Quantum Racing third place to make it a small boat benefit on race one.
Most the boats were delayed and only started to finish at dawn. Those that persisted in sailing began to stream in as the day wore on, so the usually raucous Seaview Resort breakfast consisted of the committee and jury only to be interrupted by the occasional colorful hornbill flying in to observe the yearly ritual. At 70ft Hans Rahmann's Judel/Vrolijk Yasooda managed to finish early with the last of the morning land breeze to claim first and fastest in IRC 2. Although Neil Williamson's Oceanis 523 Resolution of Whitby had to wait for the afternoon sea breeze to fill in, they slotted into second place and relegated Dr Ian Nicolson's magnificent Dubois 80 Intrigue down to third place.
David Lindahl's Swan 42 La Samudra kept their race winning record going by scoring an IRC Class 3 win by a healthy margin over Dr Jon Wardill's Cassidy 55 Australian Maid competing here for the fourteenth time. As the race drags on the elapsed time increases and the handicap margins widen to give the smaller handicap boats a chance to improve their standings. After twenty one hours of racing Andrew Findlay's Beneteau First 45f5 Impiana finished a mere forty five seconds behind La Samudra across the line but got bumped down to third overall.
The closely matched IRC Class 4 saw the winning trio finish within an hour of each other. Bob Howison's crew on the Elan 340 Aquavit IV managed to keep the boat moving throughout the night and morning to finish in a respectable time, thereby eclipsing the leaders and taking the Race 1 handicap honours. Gerry Firth's brand new Beneteau First 34.7 Skandia stayed on the pace to claim second place from Keith Dunn's Mountgay 30 Lunchcutter II that showed them the way and benefited from some new reaching sails especially purchased for this event.
The battle of the Hot Water boats (Non IRC Class 5 & 6) boils down to the number of engine hours each skipper submits as being an honest record of their motoring time. These are then multiplied by a factor then added to the elapsed time. Some boats have added on 10 to 14 hours to their time. Peter Jones on the Bashford Howison 41 Jenny III needed only two hours of motoring and by finishing at a respectable hour in the morning earned them a Class 5 victory. Jon & Sandra Stonham's Robert Perry 47 Tui Tai with all the family onboard weighed in with second place. The RSYC Sailing Academy's Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36.2 Panacea skippered by Dave Moxey got in just before the official cut-off time to record a well deserved third place.
The grounding of Simon Morris's Sirius 1935 left the door wide open for RSYC Commodore Dato' Richard Curtis's Shanghai Gaff Rigged Cutter Eveline to do the honours in Class 6, formerly the Classic Class. After a few no shows and some further deliberations by the committee Class 5 & 6 is being split into a more even contest based on the accumulated Race 1 finish and motoring hours. The two catamarans now join in with the grand old ladies. Aussie Don McGrath's Oram 44 Cat Out of the Bag now becomes the winner in front of Eveline and John Mitchell's Crowther Cat 35 Merpati Putih from Indonesia slots in third place.
More info and results at: http://www.rmsir.com/

Frostbite Barbeque

I am extremely pleased to report on the successful start to the Frostbite Racing. There was a good turn out of boats complemented by a light breeze and sunny weather. Myself and Andy Martland manned the safety boat successfully but no one needed rescuing which was a relief. Following the race Siggy collected some burgers and bangers, which he kindly dontated free of charge, from his shop and took me up to the Yacht Club to get things organised. Anni and Nick soon followed and we had a great team organising everything. Plenty of people turned up for the barbeque and drinks and we hope that those who failed to arrive will come next time. In future we are thinking of offering sandwiches when there is no barbeque. The food, thanks to Siggys kind donation, made a good profit, which was given to Anni to cover the costs of fuel for the safety boat. We had many positive comments about the bar including its fabulous location and I have no doubt that some of the Frostbiters will be returning on an evening. On the membership front we have gained five new members. I hope that many of our local members will begin to pop in on a Sunday for a quick pint when we are Frostbiting. Thanks to all who helped make this a memorable and successful event. Deborah

FROSTBITING IN WHITBY

At a meeting with Whitby Yacht Club Committee it was mutually agreed that the Frostbiting would go backunder the Yacht Club "umbrella". This would help to build bridges between both groups. As a result of this the Frostbiters will take up membership of WYC and after their first race of the new season today Sunday 4th November they returned afterwards to the Clubhouse for drinks and a barbeque.It is hoped to continue in this vein and have the bar open each Sunday after racing.

The Frostbite programme for 2007 2008 is now available in the sailing section of the website.

Marina Development Scrapped

SCARBOROUGH Borough Council voted to scrap the controversial Whitby Marina development this week, sending it right back to the drawing board.
It was agreed the council would only commit to finishing the parts of the project currently underway.This means the Water Resource Centre, which came in for so much criticism in the town and which was described as a "carbuncle" in the meeting, has gone. There were whoops of joy and cries of "thank you" when the council voted in favour of the move.But the plans, which had previously been passed by the borough council, only came back before councillors because tenders came in too high for the scheme. Otherwise, nothing would have been able to stop the original scheme.John Freeman, who has led the campaign against the plans, said he was stunned and delighted by the decision.The plan now in place is a scaled down version of the original, with further consultation taking place in the future based on what the people of Whitby want to see at the marina.The council will commit £1.3m, which includes £645,000 already spent on the pontoons and piling work, and will pay for work to complete the pontoon access bridge and provide electricity and water to the
pontoon. A further £156,000 from Yorkshire Forward will be kept.River revetment will also be completed at a cost of £200,000.The meeting was presented with three options – just to finish the work in hand; to throw another £481,500 into the pot to do the whole scheme as originally planned; or commit another £145,600 to keep key elements and lose the southern car park.Councillors were concerned about the tight timescale for the completion of the work in order to get European funding, with just two months leeway for the build, and they were also concerned that it could create a burden for the taxpayers if the project could not be delivered on timeThe accepted plan took an element from a proposal from Whitby councillor Joe Plant who was very concerned with the level of risk for the taxpayerHe said: "When I look at the councils proposal all I see is risk. Risk for the taxpayer.

Photo Competition

The WYC website photo competition closes on October 12th. All the elegible pics have a number at the side. Please select your winner and 'e'mail it to The Commodore.

Cariad

Stewart Williamson and his team have been wasting no time with the renovation of Cariad. The hull is now nearing completion and its proposed launch date is November 25th 2007.

There is a link on the website to his web page with lots of interesting Photos and reports.

FILEY REGATTA CANCELLED

It is with much regret that Filey Sailing Club has decided to cancel Filey Regatta this weekend (21-22 July).

You are probably aware from the national news of the damage caused by flash floods at Filey on Wednesday afternoon. We have tried our best to find a way to run the Regatta despite the flood havoc, but there are too many factors working against us. The key factors are:
Another severe weather warning for Friday afternoon and evening with further very heavy rainfall expected;
Scarborough Borough Council have closed Filey Brigg campsite and withdrawn permission for the Club to use the camping field next to it because of the state of the ground;
The roadway down to the Club is closed to vehicle traffic because of flood damage;
Two way access on to the beach across the Coble Landing presents a hazard for pedestrians and is only possible if the Club indemnifies the Ports Authority; unfortunately our insurance doesn't cover that.
We are very sorry to disappoint the many sailors who were looking forward to sailing on the wonderful waters of Filey Bay, but the problems have proved insuperable.

Our worry now is to stop as many people as possible making an unnecessary journey to Filey. If you could inform anyone you know who is intending to come, we would be very grateful. And ask them to spread the word, too, please. In the meantime in addition to an announcement on the FSC website we shall be ringing pre-booked competitors and trying to get announcements in the sailing press and class websites plus TV and radio where possible.

The Regatta will be back in action next July (weather permitting!), and we look forward to welcoming back the many sailors who have discovered the usually sunny delights of Filey Bay.

Best wishes

Stuart Ede Commodore, Filey Sailing Club Riverbank Cottage Moor MonktonYorkYO26 8JAtel 01904 738158mobile 07910 280969

Navigation Courses

RYA Yachtmaster, Coastal Skipper and Day Skipper courses and new this year a Basic Safety & Navigation course are to be held at the Yacht Club.

Full details of dates times and prices are available on the Notices page of the website

Committee Changes

Members please note that after a Special Committee Meeting held on Saturday Jume 30th 2007 certain changes were made to the Executive Committee. Details appear on the Members page of the club website.

WHITBY HARBOUR USERS MEETING

NOTES OF THE WHITBY HARBOUR USERS MEETING
HELD IN WHITBY HARBOUR OFFICE, WHITBY
FRIDAY 13 APRIL 2007 AT 2 PM

Present: Capt. W. Estill, Port Manager (Chairman)
Cllr B Christon, Portfolio Holder for Harbours and Performance Management
Mr G Benson, Whitby Cruising Association
Mr M Coates, Whitby Yacht Club
Mr K Hall, Financial Controller
Ms D Jeuda, Whitby Boating Association
Mr R Marsden, Whitby Coblemens Association
Mr J Riby, Head of Engineering and Harbour Services
Mr D Winspear, Alliance Fish
Mr J Whitton, Whitby Chartered Skippers Association
Mr J Woodhead, Northern Area Engineer
Mrs L Dale, Ports Administration

1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Mr A Locker and Mr A Richards

2. Notes of Previous Meeting
The notes of the meeting held 12 January 2007 were agreed as a true record.
(Appendix 1)

3. Matters Arising
Safety Ladders – Capt Estill reported that the ladders had been tested and fitted to the East side pontoon. They would be fitted to the west side pontoon in due course.

Dredging – Capt Estill reported that they had not had an opportunity to address the concerns on the inside of the Church Street Pontoon but that they would be included in the programme.

Dredging Cont – Mr Coates thanked the Harbours for the dredging works which
had been undertaken around the Yacht Club Pontoon.

Eskside Wharf – Ms Jeuda expressed concern that the season was now underway and there was still no provision of facilities on the East Side. She stated that the nearest public toilet is approximately a 20 min walk from the pontoons and she was concerned that people would use their sea toilets and the environmental impact this would have upon the harbour. Mr Riby stated that the area of Eskside Wharf which had been considered for facilities had now gone out to tender and other solutions might need to be explored and he would have to consult with the planners. Capt Estill reported that in previous discussions with Mr D Green, Northern Area Planning Officer, he stated that he would look favourably upon a cage at the top near a gate but was unsure of Mr Green’s views, the proposition of a temporary toilet at that site? This discussion ensued and Ms Jeuda stressed the requirement of some facilities for the East Side harbour users. Mr Whitton informed the group that Whitby Town Council were looking into providing some temporary, self-financing, toilets adjacent to the Church Street Car Park. Mr Riby is to discuss this issue with Mr Green.
ACTION: JR
/continued ….
- 2 -

Ms Jeuda stated that her members would be obliged to use their toilets onboard with discharge into the harbour. Capt Estill advised that while this was not currently against the law it was not a practice that could be endorsed.

RNLI Station – Capt Estill reported that these works have fallen behind schedule and the issues of a portakabin on the marina car park has been discussed with them.

Fire Fighting Equipment – Ms Jeuda asked if the Drying Pontoon has been provided with a fire alarm and a water pipe? Capt Estill confirmed that they hadn’t although the provision of a hose was being organised. Capt Estill stated that the Fire Brigade would be attending next Wednesday to do their inspection of the new pontoons. It was agreed that Ms Jeuda and Mr Coates would be invited to attend this meeting to walk around the pontoons. It has been tentatively arranged for 3pm (subject to Fire Brigade emergency commitments).

West Pier – Mr Woodhead informed the meeting that the ladder to the lower level of the West Pier has been installed.

Marina Refuse – Capt Estill reported that he was unable to determine why the bin was locked over the Christmas period.

4. Port Managers Report
Capt Estill highlighted the pleasing increase in the fishing landings.

Received: Port Managers Report (Dec 2006 - Feb 2007) (Appendix 2)
Agreed: to note and accept the report

5. Port Marine Safety Code
Capt. Estill reported that there had been no reported incidents

6. Fishing Industry – including Shellfish Holding Facility
Capt Estill reported that Grant Aid for the Shellfish Holding Facility had been re-applied for and a decision was due on 24 April 2007 and he was hopeful that the bid would be successful. Should the bid fail then a smaller scheme may need to be considered.
Mr Winspear reported that the fishing figures showed an increase on previous years and this was mainly down to the extremely large landings of whitings and increase in cod. He stated that the run of whitings was the largest he’d seen in his 30 years in the business. However, the quotas were being used fast and many fishermen had diversified into prawn fishing. Another trawler would be joining the fleet in June.

7. Whitby Upper Harbour Development
Capt Estill reported that the pontoons were in place and useable. Electricity and water would be installed next week as well as six safety stations. All snagging issues would also be dealt with next week. For the time being, the electricity would only be available to the original west side pontoon, water would be available to the west side pontoons including the single berths. However, the ‘trident’ pontoons would receive no facilities until the shore works got under way. The contractor for the shore side works has yet to be appointed. /continued ….
- 3 -

Cleats - Ms Jeuda stated that she had walked around the pontoons with Mr P Turner and Capt Estill that morning and expressed concern that there appeared to be insufficient cleats. Capt Estill stated that extra cleats had been purchased and were to be fitted.
Safety Ladders - Ms Jeuda stated that the safety ladders were supposed to be fitted on the seaward ends of the pontoons but the construction with a pile at the end now made this impossible. Capt Estill reported that the safety ladders were to be fitted next week.
Car Parking – Ms Jeuda stated that it had been agreed that Endeavour Wharf would be used as an overflow for the marina users car park but it was very busy and she expressed concern that unless a dedicated area was set aside then parking would be difficult. Mr Riby stated that if the use of the West Cliff area as a car park was approved then this would hopefully alleviate the situation by lessening the demand on local spaces. The general issues with car parking in Whitby were briefly discussed and Mr Riby stated the long term solution would need to be integrated with park and ride etc. It was agreed that the use of Endeavour Wharf for harbour users during the works would be monitored.

8. Harbour Byelaws
Capt Estill gave a brief background to the Harbour Byelaws which had originally been submitted to the Dept for Transport (DfT) in 2001. They had gone out to consultation at the time and then been “misplaced” until March 2007. It was usual practice for the DfT to consult and then the draft Byelaws be passed back to the port for local consultation and advertising. The DfT had decided to go out to consultation again due to the time lapse. The RYA had been consulted and they in turn have consulted the WyBA and WYC. Capt Estill had agreed with the DfT that the date for their consultation could be delayed until 20 April and that the best course of action was for the draft Byelaws to be discussed with the harbour users then put back to the DfT, advertised and then a final version be sought at the end of the consultation. Capt Estill stated that all the Byelaws in the draft version had been taken from other ports and were relatively contemporary. It was agreed that a meeting would take place on Monday 16 April at 3.30pm at Whitby Harbour Office and all harbour user representatives were welcome. Capt Estill highlighted the fact that the Byelaws were to be instated to act as a control measure rather than a restrictive measure. Discussion also took place regarding the harbour speed limit.
Mr Coates asked if priorities of passage through the bridge could be incorporated within the byelaws?
Received: Draft Harbour Byelaws for Whitby (Appendix 3)
ACTION: MEETING 3.30PM 16/4/07
Mr Winspear left the meeting during this item.

9. Dredging
Capt. Estill reported that dredging works had been successful during the winter period mainly concentrating on the upper harbour scheme requirements. The system was now working in the outer harbour. The Inside of the Church Street pontoon will be progressed if possible. Mr Whitton asked if the area adjacent to the pontoon on the Dock End Jetty could be addressed as the depth was restricted? Capt Estill agreed to examine this. Capt Estill advised that the system is due to go to Scarborough Harbour next week and we will be tendering for a contract on the Tyne at the end of the year.

/continued ….
- 4 -

10. Waste Recycling
Capt Estill reported that he had been approached by a private firm who were hoping to establish a country wide recycling scheme for harbour visitors. Bespoke bags are being advocated, purchased for a small fee, to keep recyclable rubbish in and then these could be emptied at any harbour which provided facilities. He asked if a recyclable facility was incorporated into the new building/area did the group think their members would use them? Ms Jeuda thought that if the facility was there her members would use them but didn’t think it likely that they would invest in the ‘bags’.

Battery Disposal – Ms Jeuda stated that a bigger issue was disposal of boat batteries. This was discussed. At present the Harbour Office contact a scrap dealer who disposes of them but Capt Estill is reluctant to advertise or provide a storage area for these. It was agreed that harbour users be encouraged to contact the Marina Office/Harbour Office who would provide them with a contact number to arrange for their batteries to be removed. At present the Council does not provide this facility.

11. Swing Bridge
Capt. Estill apologised for the error of the extra bridge opening which was advertised for 8 April and didn’t take place. This was due to a breakdown in communication and will not happen again. He informed the group that the east side leaf of the bridge was very slow and servicing had been arranged. He requested patience by users.

12. Any Other Business
Contacting Mr Riby – Mr Riby stated that recent many e-mails concerning day to day issued had been sent to him rather than the Harbour Office. He stated that this was only delaying any response as he did was pass them onto the Harbour Office. The appropriate and more expeditious procedure would be to approach the Harbour Office in the first instance. He asked the members to use the port.services@scarborough.gov.uk e-mail address.

Walkway between West Side Pontoon and Single Berths – Ms Jeuda stated that in previous discussions it was agreed that the walkway between these berths would be made of metal and have no floats so that any debris coming down the river and ‘hugging’ the west side of the river could not build up. Capt Estill confirmed that he had discussed the matter with Ms Jeuda previously and does not see the floats as causing a problem. He also reiterated that river borne debris does not tend to congregate via the upstream direction at this location. Ms Jeuda reiterated that she had serious concerns about the single berths / walkway which could only be verified by seeing the river in spate – she wished these concerns to be officially recorded.

13. Date of Next Meeting - Friday 6 July 2007

14. Following Meeting Date – This would be put back to Friday 12 October 2007

Marina Amendments

D-day on Marina plans
THE CONTROVERSIAL amendments made to the marina planning application go before councillors on Thursday.
Scarborough Council planners will decide whether to accept the changes which include amendments to the water resource building, the addition of a waste disposal building and an electricity substation.The first stage of the £2.8 million development started this month when work began on the new pontoons.Many groups and individuals throughout the town, including the town council and Whitby Civic Society, which originally supported the plans, have voiced their opposition.In a list of concerns raised by the society, and sent to the council, it says the group feels the overall appearance of the buildings has not been enhanced by the changes."I regret to have to say that our support is now at an end," said the society in its letter."We would not wish to see this planning application accepted in anything like its current form, and what is required is to start the planning process again, to issue ultimately a completely new application."Whitby Boating Association has also raised concerns about missing facilities from the plans such as a holding tank pumping out facility which they say will become increasingly important in the future.The association feels that the new plans do not make enough provisions for day sailors, with 20 or 30 extra day boats coming into the harbour at weekends.Earlier this month five of the leading community groups in the town got together to voice their opposition to the development.Whitby Marina Action Group, Whitby District and Tourism Association, the Chamber of Trade, Whitby Hospitality Association and Whitby Beacon Town Forum wrote a letter to MP Robert Goodwill.Esk Terrace Residents Association has also submitted a letter of objection stating: "Many Whitby people are totally against this development (as shown by the 2,500 signature petition in 2006) and are deeply suspicious of SBCs motives."The centre is a dangerous precedent and cynics among the locals speculate as to whether there is a hidden agenda."It total there are 10 objections raised by members of the public which mainly focus on the number of changes made to the original application.Many feel that the planning process should be started again.The planning and development services committee recommends permission be granted subject to certain conditions, which include an archaeological investigation and security measures.

Block urged on £2.8m marina plan

Yorkshire Post.

Block urged on £2.8m marina plan

LEADERS of Whitby's tourism and business sectors are asking their MP to intervene to block Scarborough Council's plans for a new £2.8m marina in the upper harbour at Whitby.
Five non-political community organisations, including Whitby Beacon Town Forum, have told Robert Goodwill that Whitby's reputation as a historic port will not be improved by a "run-of-the-mill" development.Their letter has been copied to Local Government Minister Ruth Kelly, Euro-MPs, the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber, the Environment Department and others, including regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.They wrote: "We call on you as our MP to intervene quickly in Scarborough Borough Council's unwelcome plans to impose their Water Resource Centre on Whitby harbour."With Scarborough Council as the applicant, the planning authority, the site owner and the future landlord, we feel their urgency in pushing this over-development through the planning process has more to do with grabbing grants and avoiding new legislation than with sustainable or sympathetic development."It is claimed that in total the council has made 80 changes to the plans.
It says they are minor changes but the objectors claim they include the re-design of the steel framework, extra steel bracing resulting in different window positions and the need to change the door positions.They ask: "How can Scarborough Council claim that these are just 'minor amendments' to the original planning application? In truth, this is a very different building from the original proposal and a whole new planning application should be started from the beginning."The council's Water Resource Centre is already the subject of a complaint to the Ombudsman alleging consultation with residents was a sham. The scheme attracted 100 letters of objection and a 2,500-signature petition but was approved 9-4.The letter said: "The plans for Scarborough Council's Water Resource Carbuncle should be abandoned in favour of the low-key and small-scale improvements in marina facilities which were originally requested by the users of Whitby Marina."The objectors told Mr Goodwill: "Scarborough Council claims to be 'a listening council, in touch with the local community'. We are the local community, we have told them it is not wanted nor needed and they are not listening to us. Maybe they will listen to you?"Scarborough Council had nobody available to comment.

Resort temporary parking

Resort temporary parking plan to avert marina scheme chaos

PLANS have been drawn up to prevent work on a marina scheme from causing traffic chaos in Whitby – including letting many vehicles park on a pitch and putt course.
Work on the development is due to start early this year and will result in the temporary loss of a large number of bays on the marina front car park and the marina users' car park.At present the marina front site has 96 pay and display spaces while the unmarked marina users' facility can accommodate about 80 vehicles and the potential loss of income is £100,000.The number of coaches allowed to park on the marina back car park will also be reduced to 20 a day from May to September, leaving operators hunting for alternative spaces.As well as parking congestion, and the council's income, there could be an impact on the local tourism economy unless temporary spaces are laid out.Head of engineering John Riby said the preferred solution was expected to at least balance the financial loss and included using land next to the West Cliff car park, at present a pitch and putt course, for temporary parking from May to September.
Mr Riby added that the council would have to compensate the tenant, but it was likely that the parking revenue from the land would easily offset this figure.He said temporary signing would be provided for visitors. Consultations would be carried out with town councillors, traders in Langbourne Road, tourism and hospitality associations and highways experts.Scarborough councillors will be recommended to approve the arrangements at a meeting today, clearing the way for legal agreements to be drawn up.

Marina Development

New move to stop marina.

The organisations – Whitby Beacon Town Forum, Whitby Hospitality Association, Whitby and District Tourism Association, Whitby Chamber of Trade and Whitby Marina Action Group – have sent a letter to Robert Goodwill asking him to step in.
The groups ask Mr Goodwill to intervene quickly in the council’s “unwelcome plans to impose their Water Resource Centre on Whitby harbour.”The letter has been copied to European MPs, the Government office for Yorkshire and Humber, local government minister Ruth Kelly, the Environment Department and Yorkshire Forward among others.It states: “With Scarborough Council as the applicant, the planning authority, the site owner and the future landlord, we feel their urgency in pushing this over-development through the planning process has more to do with grabbing grants and avoiding new legislation than with sustainable or sympathetic development.”John Freeman, chairman of Whitby Marina Action Group, said that they were moved to act after nearly 80 changes were made to the original planning application.He said: “With the amount of changes they have made it is definitely a new development and we felt we had to do something.“This will go the same way as the Tourist Information Centre where they told us what they were going to do with and that’s what we got.”The five organisations are calling for a halt to the proposed development until three conditions have been met.The first is until the Ombudsman’s report on the council’s standard of consultation on this project has been published, although the group claim the council has said it will ignore the findings. The council has strongly denied this was ever said.They also ask for an updated flood risk assessment to be carried out on the newly re-designated Zone 3 flood plain

Lift In

This years lift in on Saturday the 31st March"should not be affected by the development work on the Marina."

The fishing boats who traditionally use the main pontoon in winter have already been moved to the new visitor berths at Endeavour Wharf.

The existing pontoons are to be replaced work commencing on the 19th of March and should be completed in 3 or 4 days. The power supply will be installed at a later date and will involve the use of meters. At this stage we do not know when the water supply will be available but it is hoped it will be in by the 1st April.

Opportunities for Ports in Local Authority Ownership

Extract from ‘Opportunities for Ports in Local Authority Ownership: A Review of Municipal ports in England and Wales’ published by the Department for Communities and Local Government and Department for Transport – May 2006

1. Executive Summary

The reasons behind this review

1.1 Work on the Trust Port Review clearly indicated that many of the issues raised by
that review around accountability, governance and finance were shared with the municipal
sector. This view was reinforced by feedback from the annual exercise to allocate
Supplementary Credit Approvals aimed to support essential safety and maintenance
works in the municipal sector.

1.2 Government’s commitment towards this review of the role, status and constitution of
municipal ports was contained in “Modern Ports – a UK Policy” published in November
2000. In delivering this review the Department worked closely with the British Ports
Association (BPA) and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The methodology employed

1.3 The conclusions of this review are derived from the results of a questionnaire sent
out to 61 municipal ports in England and Wales and their owning authorities supported by
a closer scrutiny of a representative cross section of visits involving discussions with the
port managers, portfolio holders, chief executives, the owning authorities and some MP’s.
The entire review process has been closely supported by a working group of municipal
port managers and the BPA.

Key findings

Accountability and decision making

1.4 As a direct result of the ‘Modernising Local Government’ initiative many ports now
report to a small committee, portfolio holder or cabinet member.

1.5 This has led to concerns from some of the consultees about the capacity and
capability of harbour management. There is a perception that in some cases authorities’
management structures are failing to provide appropriate accountability, there is
insufficient stakeholder involvement, and that some portfolio holders are not seen as
accountable to the full council for the decisions they make.

Strategy and business planning

1.6 Concerns have been expressed that many local authorities are pitching dues at a
level designed to maximise income from lucrative visitor leisure traffic. Such a policy could
be in danger of excluding local stakeholders who have traditionally used the harbour
facilities for business and domestic pleasure purposes.

1.7 Local authorities need to have a clear idea of what they want to achieve from
ownership of a commercial/industrial port as opposed to a leisure/ tourist harbour.

Management and performance review

1.8 Like trust ports, municipal ports are operated for the benefit of stakeholders
including the local community but, unlike trusts, they are not in general governed by an
independent, bespoke, expert and directly accountable body. Instead municipal ports
generally form an integral part of the local authority and are treated the same way as any
other service.

Municipal port finances

1.9 Some consultees felt that local authority accounting methods were not well suited to
the needs of a commercial body. Failure to separate port accounts from those of the
owning authorities has also hindered systematic provision for maintenance and
development and prevented sensible commercial business planning.

The way forward

1.10 Canterbury City Council conducted a best value review of Whitstable. This was
carried out by an independent consultant. This review concluded that a (new style trust)
harbour management committee ( “HMC”) structure (incorporating some elements of the
trust port management structure) was the best option. They consider that this has since
been borne out in practice.

In view of our analysis of the data collected, the report makes the following
recommendations. We invite local authorities to consider the circumstances of their
ports in the light of these recommendations.

Accountability and decision making

1.11 Each authority should already have in place a mechanism to review and scrutinise
decisions and actions by the executive in relation to its port. Overview and scrutiny
committees should be used to question authorities’ discharge of their functions in
managing their ports.

1.12 Each authority, where ports are a responsibility of the executive, should keep under
review the effectiveness of its existing systems for the delegation of functions, so it is
clear what level of decision can be taken by the executive member, by the cabinet as a
group and by the full council.
1.13 Local authorities must accommodate underlying statutory requirements (both in local
government legislation and in any specific local harbours legislation) in their approach to
management of municipal ports. They should also seek to address stakeholder
requirements and take full account of the commercial realities of municipal port
operations.

1.14 Adoption of the structures recommended in Modernising Trust Ports: a Guide to
Good Governance (www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_shipping/documents/page/
dft_shipping_505328.pdf) could assist in addressing the reported concerns that relevant
stakeholders and those with relevant expertise have in practice been excluded from the
decision-making process in some ports, to the detriment of important issues such as
commercial viability, environment, health and safety.

Strategy and business planning

1.15 Municipal ports are in the main a local asset. Local authorities are strongly advised
to carefully consider, and to consult on, the impact of their policies on the communities
the ports serve.

1.16 Municipal ports should consider producing a business plan that looks at the future
prospects of the port and how it will meet the requirements of the stakeholders, who
should be involved in its development. The plan should review the strategy of the port and
present measurable objectives.

1.17 A local authority’s overview and scrutiny committee may wish to consider making a
specific inquiry into the role and status, including any statutory basis, of the municipal port
and whether this is compatible with the overarching objectives of the local authorities. The
committee may subsequently wish to review the circumstances of, and decisions taken
on, that port on a regular basis, e.g. by including port business as a permanent agenda
item for every overview and scrutiny meeting.

Management and performance review

1.18 Local authorities or municipal ports should undertake an audit of their current status,
benchmark themselves against the Modernising Trust Ports: a Guide to Good Governance
and adapt their structures accordingly.

1.19 When a local authority undertakes a review of its municipal port, the review should
be tailored to examine the port as a commercial operation, which allows the port
management the appropriate level of independence and flexibility.

1.20 Municipal ports may see benefits in assessing, on a regular basis, their level of
compliance with the benchmarks of good and accountable practice set out Modernising
Trust Ports: a Guide to Good Governance. Each port should set out an implementation
schedule for review. Ideally this should allow six months to formulate a plan and two years
for implementation.

Municipal port finances

1.21 We feel that municipal ports would benefit from the introduction of ‘assured
accounts’. We believe that any rental levy imposed on a municipal port by the owning
authority should be set within the memorandum of understanding between the port
managing body and the owning authority.

1.22 Where a municipal port is in receipt of an operational subsidy the owning authority
should explore, as a priority, the feasibility of adopting a strategy for delivering a
commercially viable port for the benefit of all stakeholders.

1.23 We believe that prudent and adequate provision should be made for capital asset
replacement and future development.

1.24 Local authorities should allow ports to undertake capital expenditure financed by
unsupported borrowing where the port can show that it can afford to service the debt.

The way forward

1.25 We believe that the trust port model as described in Modernising Trust Ports: a
Guide to Good Governance now offers many tried and tested benefits which are readily
transferable to the municipal ports sector and offer a real opportunity to provide municipal
ports with an accountable, expert and more responsive form of governance.

1.26 We recommend that all local authorities carefully consider whether the experience of
Canterbury City Council (Whitstable) and Cumbria County Council (Workington) (detailed
in Section 4) could bring similar benefits to their own ports.

1.27 Municipal ports should consider adopting and adapting the recommendations made
in the Modernising Trust Ports: A Guide to Good Governance. This sets out the
benchmarks in terms of board composition, appointment, performance and accountability.

1.28 The Municipal ports sector should consider establishing a similar scheme to run in
parallel with the beacon scheme that has been established by ODPM. This would provide
recognition of ports that have adopted the recommendations made within this review.

1.29 Department for Transport Ports Division will welcome future opportunities to discuss
with local authorities the ways forward for municipal ports.

NOTES OF THE WHITBY HARBOUR USERS MEETING

NOTES OF THE WHITBY HARBOUR USERS MEETING
HELD IN WHITBY HARBOUR OFFICE, WHITBY
FRIDAY 12 JANUARY 2007 AT 2 PM



Present: Capt. W. Estill, Port Manager (Chairman)
Cllr B Christon, Portfolio Holder for Harbours and Performance Management
Mr G Benson, Whitby Cruising Association
Mr M Coates, Whitby Yacht Club
Mr K Hall, Financial Controller
Ms D Jeuda, Whitby Boating Association
Mr A Locker, Lockers Trawlers
Mr R Marsden, Whitby Coblemens Association
Mr J Riby, Head of Engineering and Harbour Services
Mr A Richards, Project Officer
Mr D Winspear, Alliance Fish
Mr J Whitton, Whitby Chartered Skippers Association
Mr J Woodhead, Northern Area Engineer
Mrs L Dale, Ports Administration


1. Apologies for Absence

2. Notes of Previous Meeting
The notes of the meeting held 6 October 2006 were agreed as a true record. (Appendix 1)

3. Matters Arising
Ice Quality – Mr Winspear wished to clarify that the ice at both Whitby and Scarborough were of a high quality but are of a different type.

Safety Ladders – Capt. Estill reported that Ms Jeuda and Mr Willis were in discussions to find a mutually acceptable date to test the ladders.

Ms Jeuda arrived during this item

4. Port Managers Report

Received: Port Managers Report (September to November 2006) (Appendix 2) Agreed: to note and accept the report

5. Port Marine Safety Code
Capt. Estill reported that only one incident had been reported to the office concerning a near miss between a fishing vessel and a private craft as they approached the harbour. All the necessary reports have been sent to the MCA but no further action is required.

/continued ….

- 2 -

6. Fees and Charges 2007/8
Capt. Estill reported that there had been large landings of prawns into both Whitby and Scarborough Harbours over the year and as an incentive to attract more vessels the ad valorem charge for nephrops had been reduced to 2%. He has had discussions with representatives of the industry who had all expressed interest in the reduction. Mr Locker asked if this reduction would be advertised in the Fishing Press. Capt. Estill reported that this had been his intention.
All other fees have been increased by 3%.

7. Fishing Industry Prospects – including Shellfish Holding Facility
Mr Locker reported that two of the larger vessels have left Scarborough Harbour and one of these has come to fish out of Whitby. Mr Locker expects that Whitby will become the primary port for 2007.
Mr Locker also reported changes to quota from the recent meeting in Brussels. Haddock quota increased by 5%, Whiting by 23%, Prawns reduced by 7%. Cod is reduced by 14%. The extra restrictions in cod fishing are at odds with the FRS and CEFAS science which indicates a 35% increase in cod.
Mr Locker reported that while the Whitby fleets landings have been reduced in weight their value has increased. There are good prawn and lemon sole fisheries off the coast. Mr Winspear reported that the cod landings over Christmas had shown a good mix of all sizes of fish – proving that the cod stocks are healthy and regenerating.

Shellfish Holding Facility – Capt. Estill reported that the application for a Government grant in November had failed and the Shellfish Holding Facility Liaison Group had met in November to explore possible options. The application had been refused due to ‘distortion of competition’ as a merchant had objected against the application. It is hoped to re-apply, perhaps for a smaller facility.
The meeting discussed the need for the facility and the essential role it would play in the future viability of shell fishermen. Capt. Estill reported that he had received an enquiry about the facility and products from Spain.

8. Whitby Upper Harbour Development
Mr Richards, Project Officer, reported that the funding is in place to deliver the project and the works have been split with the pontoon works taking place between January and April 2007 and the building and car parking works being completed by December 2007. The car parking works will affect the town and discussions with relevant parties have taken place to minimise disruption. Capt. Estill advised that a liaison group would be established to keep relevant agencies informed and try and deliver the project to everyone’s benefit.
Ms Jeuda asked for clarification regarding the available funding as the Ombudsman has not yet reported their findings. Mr Riby stated that Yorkshire Forward has attached conditions to the funding and the Council has considered the risks involved before making its decision to go ahead with the scheme. However, if the Ombudsman finds anything wrong then Yorkshire Forward can ask for their funding to be returned.


/continued ….


- 3 -

Ms Jeuda asked for confirmation that the Council had no prior knowledge of the Ombudsman’s decision before deciding to go ahead with the scheme. Mr Riby confirmed that this was the case.
Mr Riby stated that it has been current practice will all major SBC projects to form a liaison group to assist with delivery of projects. The meeting will be held in the Harbour Office and attendance will be limited. The remit of the Group is to minimise interference and discuss the practicalities of getting the scheme introduced. It will not be a public meeting.
Ms Jeuda stated that on behalf of the Whitby Boating Association she wished it to be on record that the projects is ill conceived and they consider their concerns have not been dealt with. She believes there were flaws in the consultation process and the way things were handled. However, she will work with the Council to approach the scheme in a constructive way.
Mr Coates also wished it to be placed on record that the Whitby Yacht Club echoed the statement made by Ms Jeuda.
Capt. Estill reported that the dredging was almost two thirds completed and the fishing boat pontoon previously located adjacent to Endeavour Wharf has been removed. Following the advice of the RYA consultant some extra visitor spaces will be provided by utilising the replaced pontoons, during the summer, off of Endeavour Wharf.
Mr Marsden asked about the fishing boat pontoon which had been removed. Capt. Estill assured the group that he had held discussions with each boat owner and they had all co-operated. The pontoon will be moved towards the corner and reinstated in the future.

9. Swing Bridge
Capt. Estill reported that despite the recent coverage in the press the bridge has not been neglected and a firm in Teesside has been engaged when urgent attention is required. There has been a problem with the East Leaf for the past 7-8 months but the part should be replaced within a week. A maintenance agreement is to be put in place to provide regular servicing and maintenance.
Mr Coates stated that the extra bridge openings had been a great success and asked if they could be extended for the full season, April to October, with extra lunch time bridges fortnightly to accommodate racing. He also requested that the extra bridges be included in the Reeds Almanac etc. Capt. Estill asked Ms Jeuda and Mr Coates to make an appointment to see him to discuss their requirements.
Ms Jeuda asked if the tide times could be calculated using ‘Reeds’ rather than the ‘Proudman Institutes’. Therefore vessels would not need to purchase a Tide Table booklet and the tide times could then be published on the website. Although, in some cases, there is up to 20 minutes difference between these tide times. Capt. Estill will investigate for 2008 as it is too late for this year.
ACTION: Capt.Estill
10. Dredging
Capt. Estill reported that the developments at Whitby and Scarborough Harbours had taken priority and as soon as the work in the marina area is completed then the entrance and other harbour areas will be addressed.
Ms Jeuda asked if the inside of the Church Street pontoon could be dredged. Capt. Estill stated that every effort would be made to fit this into the programme.
/continued ….

- 4 -

11. Eskside Wharf
Mr Riby reported that since initial discussions had been held and the possibility of toilets and showers on this area investigated other parties have expressed an interest in the area. The Joiners Shop is in a perilous state and requires removal. A report will be made to Cllr Christon for a decision as to how to proceed with the area.
Ms Jeuda requested that if there was to be a delay with the toilets etc, could access keys for the Main Pontoon be given for the Church Street users so they could row across to access the facilities.
Mr Locker stated that Parkol were now very successful and productive and one of the best boat builders in the UK. He thought that to use the area adjacent to the company as a car park was a nonsense and Parkol would be involving their MP.
Capt. Estill reported that the removal of the Joiners Shop would be delayed for 10 weeks as the electrics require removal.

12. RNLI Development
Capt. Estill reported that a completion date of April/May had been given for the new station.

13. Any Other Business
Group Remit and Terms of Reference – Mr Riby asked the Group to consider how it actually works, its remit, membership and functionality. Could the group be expanded or reduced to make it more productive. The Municipal Ports Review (MPR) suggests how ports should be organised and makes recommendations about consultative groups including membership from the voluntary sectors and environmental groups and should group members be trained? The recommendations made in the MPR will be considered after May and Mr Riby asked the group to consider the options and it could be discussed at the next meeting in April.
Mr Benson asked if the status of the group and its authority could be clarified.
Capt. Estill stated that the group cannot pass resolutions and has no decision making power but the Portfolio Holder is present at these meetings so that the groups views can be taken account of when decisions are being made.
Ms Jeuda agreed that the group should not have decision making powers but would like time to consider how the group could be taken forward and have a wider communication field to the other users. Ms Jeuda asked for a copy of the MPR Executive Summary to be distributed with the notes of the meeting.
ACTION: LMD
Mr Locker stated that the group fulfils its remit in its current form. It is an open forum for frank discussion with no decision making powers, as representatives of users of the harbour we try to make the best use of the harbour for all concerned.
Mr Winspear stated that he had been co-opted onto the Harbour Committee for many years and in his view those meetings had been taken over by Councillors trying to make decisions. He would hate to see the common sense, open approach of this group diluted by politically required people rather than those people who actually use the harbour.


/continued ….


- 5 -

WyBA Site Inspection – Ms Jeuda reported that she had undertaken a site inspection with Mr Cooper and the following points were highlighted:
i. The fire-fighting equipment was welcomed (fire gongs) and she hoped these would remain on the pontoons all year round. However the drying pontoon was unprotected and she asked for a gong to be placed on this pontoon also.
ii. The testing of the man overboard ladders had yet to take place but the delay was due to illness.
iii. The pontoons were being regularly cleaned.
iv. The float on the access to the Church Street pontoon requires attention. Capt. Estill is aware of this although solving the problem will take further investigation.
v. The toilet block now cleaned to a higher standard.
vi. Could a longer hose pipe and a fire gong be fitted to the drying pontoon. Capt. Estill to consider.
vii. As agreed could the word ‘Ladder’ be painted on the piles for the location of the man overboard ladders.
viii. Could the fixed ladder on the inside of the Main Pontoon be moved. The location will be decided upon when the new pontoons are put in place.

Ms Jeuda stated that overall she was pleased the authority seemed to have a more positive attitude to safety.

Fire Exercise – Whitby Yacht Club Pontoon – Mr Coates asked if the fire services had ever had an exercise within the harbour. Capt. Estill reported that while the fire brigade had inspected all pontoons an exercise had never taken place. Mr Coates asked if one could be arranged for the Yacht Club Pontoon. Capt. Estill stated that the pontoon was the responsibility of the Yacht Club and while the Harbour Office would assist if necessary it was up to them to make necessary arrangements, take required precautions and put procedures in place.

Fish Market Scaffolding – Mr Woodhead reported that scaffolding would be placed on the fish quay next week covering approximately 17 metres to replace five piles, it should be in place for approximately 2 weeks. The crab winch will be inaccessible during this time.
Discussion took place regarding the practicalities of landings for the smaller vessels if this winch was unavailable.
Capt. Estill agreed to investigate possibilities regarding a temporary replacement being used. ACTION: Capt. Estill

Fish Quay Crane – Mr Woodhead asked if the industry still required the crane to be moved up the quay, holes had previously been drilled. Mr Locker stated that the crane should be left where it is as it enabled increased use of the market. He also asked if the illegal parking of vans in this area could be addressed. Mr Marsden agreed with Mr Locker and stated that the crane should stay in its present location. However, there is a wiring fault which requires attention. ACTION: Capt. Estill

West Pier – Lower Level - Mr Woodhead reported that the lower level of the West Pier had been reopened after harbour staff had done an excellent job of fitting high tensile wire between the existing handrails.
/continued ….
- 6 -

East Pier Access Bridge – Mr Woodhead reported that it had been intended to replace this bridge as part of the coast protection works but funding for these has been stopped so it is unlikely that the bridge will be reinstated in the near future. Mr Riby added that these repairs had been taken to Council Members as a capital bid for £100,000 but had been viewed as low priority.

Locked Refuse Bin – Mr Coates asked why the marina refuse bin had been locked over the Christmas period? Capt. Estill to investigate.
ACTION: Capt. Estill

Endeavour Wharf - Mr Locker asked about the storage of crab pots on the wharf. Capt. Estill reported that all shell fishermen had been written to about the current situation which could not be allowed in the future. The quantity of pots on the wharf has caused problems and frustration for all concerned.

Church Street Car Parking – Mr Whitton asked if the charges for the car parks had been set yet. Capt. Estill reported that a copy of the proposed charges was held in the office and Mr Whitton would be provided with a copy if required.

14. Date of Next Meeting - Friday 13 April 2007

Race Programme

New provisional race programme is now available on the website along with the courses. Now is your chance to have your say and suggest alterations, because later is too late.

Changes to Marina Development

OPPONENTS of Whitby's controversial £2.8m harbour development have expressed outrage over "major changes" Scarborough Council has proposed to the original plans.

The scheme which has attracted thousands of objections from locals includes 40 new pontoons, a water resource centre incorporating improved facilities for harbour users, a café and business units.

Work costing £500,000 begins this month on the pontoons – they are currently being manufacturered off site by Solent Marine – while building work is set to start in April. But now Scarborough Council has submitted a new planning application detailing more than 35 changes to the building and the land surrounding it.

These include the addition of a single storey brick-built electrical sub-station raised above ground level, a waste disposal building for bins, chemicals and oil and the extension of a balcony around the corners of the building which the council says is for "structural integrity. "Other changes include the provision of an external fire escape which was missed off the original plans, loss of planting in some areas and the revision of the parking layout to include more motorcycle spaces and parking spaces for the disabled.

Independent planning consultants Spawforths, who have submitted the planning application on behalf of the council's renaissance section, say the changes do not fundamentally change the design of the approved scheme.And in a letter of support to the council they say the alterations to the original plans are required to incorporate the structure of the water resource centre and to enable heating and ventilation to be put into into the building.

John Freeman, chairman of the Stop The Marina Action Group, said in his opinion Scarborough Council wants to make major changes to the building plans – and he is calling for the whole project to go back to public consultation. He said: "These additions constitute visual material exterior changes in an area where visual impact must be of paramount importance. "Our local councillors must look at their acceptance of the original plans and call into question Scarborough Council's motives regarding this development. "It always has been the wrong building in the wrong place.

"Mr Freeman also questioned the need for an electrical sub-station and said the fact it will be positioned at a raised level is an acknowledgement by the council that flooding is a real possibility. The local government ombudsman is still investigating whether or not the public were properly involved in the planning process – despite almost 2,500 people signing a position opposing the development Scarborough Council approved the plans.

A decision on the application looks likely to be made at the council's planning and development meeting on 29 March.
The plans are available for inspection at the council's office in Skinner Street and on its website and any comments should be sent to the Whitby office before the end of this month.Head of planning at Scarborough Council, Gordon Somerville, said the alterations to the marina building are of a very minor nature apart from the fire escape staircase which is needed to comply with building regulations. "The overall area of landscaping hasn't been changed. The landscaping has been revised to incorporate more appropriate species for the maritime climate of the site," he said.
"The floor level of the sub-station is the same as that of the marina building and follows advice received from the Environment Agency. "The need for these minor amendments has arisen from the detailed technical work carried out by consultants in working up the final details of the proposal before the start of work on site."

Fitting Out

The latest photos on the website of Cariad brings an whole new meaning to the words Fitting Out. I know it can be tough on Whitby Carpark but at least we don't need a man with a gun yet.

Marina Improvements

Further changes are being proposed to the Marina Improvement Scheme details are available on the WyBA website at:
http://wyba.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!523ACC95B84FEE9D!290.entry.

Every Yacht Should Have One

Every yacht should have one on board!!!

To find out what read the notice page

End of season Sailing Meeting

MINUTES OF THE SAILING MEETING HELD AT THE YACHT CLUB ON 8th OCTOBER AT 1030.


1. RATINGS
a.) Split between class A and B It was decided to defer the decision between the class A and B split until the new season when it would become more obvious how many boats were racing. The defining split point on the NERR handicap would be placed such that there would be equal numbers in both class A and B.

b.) Class A: After much debate on the advantages and disadvantages of the three possible systems, PY, IRC and NERR, the present Class A boat owners voted 0 for PY, 2 for IRC and 5 for NERR. NERR will be used for class A next season.

c.) Class B: Class B voted 0 IRC, 2 for NERR, 4 for PY.
Class B will use PY next season.

d.) Combined Fleet: It was a unanimous decision to adopt NERR handicaps for Combined Fleet racing.

e.) Portsmouth Yardstick Information: The RCR had released this season’s PY performance numbers (with adjustments) to the RYA. Class A wished it to be known that they did not want their numbers to be released in future.

2. PROGRAMME
a.) Bridge Openings: The feeling of the meeting was that the late imposed bridge opening regime was not favourable to our racing and that the previous system should be readopted. The Commodore, who represents the club at the meetings with the Harbour Master, should be approached and the Racing Members’ feelings be voiced.

b.) Programme: If change in bridge Regime not possible.
There were few suggestions for utilising the sailing period if the newly introduced bridge regime is utilised again next year. The only points raised were:
1a.) Have 3 races in a day with the minimum period between races and do not specify starting times for 2nd and 3rd races.
2a.) Do not utilise the 0930 bridge if standard bridges can support our racing.


3. SAFETY REGULATIONS
a.) Bay Races: The North East Sailing Safety (NESS), Category 4 Safety Regulations would be adopted for bay races.

b.) Out of Bay Races: The NESS Category 3 safety regulations including all recommendations would be mandatory for all out of bay races

c.) Inspections: Inspections would take place at the beginning of next season. Should any boat be deficient, he will be warned and re-inspected within a reasonable period. Persistent deficiency will result in disqualification from all races raced. Snap checks would be conducted throughout the season.

4. COURSES:
a. Bay Courses: It was decided that class A and B would have separate courses in order that both classes would occasionally meet and produce some fleet racing.

b. Out Of Bay Courses: It was decided we would attempt races out of bay around “virtual marks”.

5. PURSUIT:
Starting Order: It was decided to continue Modified Pursuit Races from this year’s end of season starting times.

6. OFFICE HOLDERS:
a. NERR Measurer: John Allen would continue as NERR measurer.

b. NERR Handicapper: Alan Smith would continue as NERR handicapper.

c. PY Handicapper: Nigel Robinson would continue as PY handicapper.

d. NECRA Representative: John Allen wished to stand down from this position. Nigel Robinson said he’d attend meetings when available.

e. NESS Representative: Neil Williamson would continue as the NESS representative

f. Rear Commodore Racing: Nigel Robinson let it be known that he would be happy to stand down from this position if there was anybody interested in doing the job. Debbie Theaker stated that Jim could be interested and he would be approached. (Subsequently, this was confirmed and would be put forward to the AGM).

The meeting closed at 1345.

N S ROBINSON
Rear Commodore Racing

Racing Prospects Improve for 2007

Now that all the dust is settling after the New Year celebrations we will soon be thinking about the coming season. Well the picture is looking better and better for the Whitby fleet with new to Whitby boats already committed.Pictured above is Stuart Lockwoods Formula 1 and alongside Andy Martlands' Micro 18.
We look forward to seeing them out on the start line for some keen racing.