Gunnery Patrol Vessels, Ferries etc etc

[Jerbro]

Like BrendanS, forgot that Lulworth Ranges fire some weekends, and intercepted twice (on way to Poole and on return to Weymouth). Did remember to ask them on first encounter what time they would finish on Sunday. They said 1pm, so tried to blast through at 12:30pm. Still stopped us though.

Was our first trip to Poole in latest boat. Timed entrance to the harbour at worst possible time - big ferry exiting followed by thousands of yachts, dinghies, PWCs, MBs etc. No problem though as every single one was abiding by the rules of the road - not!

Stayed at Dolphin Quay. Yacht next to us had rude awakening Sunday morning as another yacht piled into the back of them! Offending yacht had been sailing all night from Brixham direction - crew very tired, not concentrating - crunch!

Great weekend though!

<hr width=100% size=1>Jerbro
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Click here for <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.btinternet.com/~jerbro> My ex-boat pics</A>

 

[BrendanS]

We were told 9:30 to 1:30, so went right outside on way back from Weymouth, and then noticed all the traffic bombing straight through (about 10:30) with not a safety boat in sight! Still, if you're going to go the long way round, doing it in glassy calm takes some beating.

It was rougher later when we were heading to Studland, was it still that flat later in the day?

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[Solitaire]

Out of interest they have no legal right to stop you! I had a similar situation to you when doing the Weymouth trip a few years ago. The weather was worse than you encountered over the weekend and they tried to push the "fleet" right out. On safety grounds I refused and told them that they had no legal jurisdiction and they agreed - we went on and they stopped firing. Also mad easier due to the fact that I had serving Naval Commander onboard. I was also informed by an "agancy" that the gunnery boats cannot sop you. I must admit that a few words were exchanged but we (CH was with us as well) carried on.

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[oldharry]

Yes but do they stop firing if you insist on going on? A long time ago (25 years +) making my way up from Weymouth in a 20 footer, there was no sign of a patrol boat, and I carried on through the ranges: about half way across I heard firing, then a shell landed about quarter of a mile away!

Now was that deliberate, or what....?! What do you do about it (no VHF fitted in those days) anyway - other than look out a clean pair of trousers! And a Life Jacket.

Personally I would not entirely rely on the army not to try a stunt like that again..... 'Sorry sir, didnt know you were there'

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[Solitaire]

Yes they have to. My Commander friend says that they have to "down tools" for safety reasons which is why the boats are there, but they can only request you move.They were however very rude and there was much arm waving. In fact the patrol boat tried to run up the back of one of the boats in our group. In the main w/e firing is "terri" stuff. I also have a friend who when in the navy, fired from the Lulworth ranges and said that it was a bit of a pain when you had to stop - but stop you had to! There is a number you can ring to check firing days or check with Portland Coastguard.

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[whisper]

Come on you lot, why be awkward, they are only trying to do their job. You may be grateful that they do practice one day and preventing them doing so efficiently will only increase the costs to us taxpayers. Live & let live.

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[tony_brighton]

Why do they have to practice in a really busy spot - whats wrong withScotland or Wales?

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[Solitaire]

Its only a few w/e's a year they do it, its normally done durring the week when there is less pleasure activitity. If small power baots are making passage to Weymouth etc and the sea state is a bit on the rough side, to go so far off shore may be more dangerous than facing the guns!. A power boat travelling at say 25 knts is out of the "danger" area within a matter of minutes anyway.

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[whisper]

Logistical costs would be higher due to having to cart everyone to such remote and inhospitable areas. Would be especially difficult for the weekend Territorial crowd - they might get lost!

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[Jerbro]

The bye-law that lets you go ahead if you insist is well known in the area. I'm based in Weymouth and try to co-exist peacefully with my 'neighbours'. Besides, last winter, both patrol boats were berthed next to me in Weymouth marina! In the past, I've got on the VHF to Portland CG asking them to relay a message to the range that I'm coming through due to low fuel etc. They always accommodate. The only complaint I have is the patrol boats themselves are difficult to reach on the VHF.

<hr width=100% size=1>Jerbro
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Click here for <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.btinternet.com/~jerbro> My ex-boat pics</A>

 

[Solitaire]

Interesting point about the VHF. I was told they could be contacted on Ch 12, but to no avail!

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[duncan]

Had similar discussion re VHF; stopped off St Albans head, radioed, got no response so went into Chapmans Pool for a bit then across to Lulworth.

Just anchored in Lulworth when the range safety boat arrived, sat off our stern, passed leaflet in long pole and 'chatted quite reasonably' about how we had caused the entire army to stop work for 30 mins.
It's not often weekends (about 4 a year and never in school holidays), calling the guard room on the phone, or Portland CG on the VHF, will ellict firing times. Numbers all in the Almanac

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[BrendanS]

Ch 8

They hold a bleedin big placard up to tell you so! as I learnt last weekend /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

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