Foulger's Gat - Removal of Buoyage

[tillergirl]

Trinity House have announced that on or about 14th May they will be removing the Long Sand Inner and Outer buoys on a temporary basis while the work is ongoing.

For details see here under the Temporary NtM list

http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

 

[Athene V30]

mmmm was planning to come back that way from Calais at end of month - it does make me wonder if the buoys are being removed to discourage traffic whilst the wind farm is in construction. What is wrong with just keeping 500m clear of works!

Still I have the positions in the chart plotter so why do I need to see the buoy too. Maybe I wont do back from Calais by traditional visual fix / dr / ep navigation after all!

 

[Cantata]

I have to say I am surprised that this is happening. Granted there is a lot going on at Foulgers for a while, there is a substation to be built (on a monopile) at one side of the Gat, and cables will cross the Gat on the seabed. Two of the four delivery cables to shore are to be laid in July and August, which presumably will connect to the substation. But as Karouise says the only requirement is to stay 500m clear of any works. This doesn't seem in keeping with the RYA's efforts to ensure the route is kept open. They did secure a concession in the windfarm layout so that the route remains viable, of course.
Trouble is, the Gat seems to be on the move anyway, NE'wards...!

 

[mylo]

I believe Trinity House are removing them to prevent confusion. Foulgers Gat will remain open.

 

[Lucky Duck]

Sadly the RYA have reported that the gap between the turbines has shrunk by a third from 1 mile to 1 kilometre.

If the Foulger's Gat is still open I what confusion would be caused by the buoys remaining in place? Or perhaps their removal is intended to deter people from using it. Going back a few years I used to use Foulger's Gat before the Safe Water Marks were in place so suppose it will be no different from then.