Permanent Mooring at Porthcressa

[Adonnante]

Just found this... http://www.scillytoday.com/2011/12/01/plans-submitted-for-permanent-moorings-at-porthcressa/ Permission is being sought from the MMO to install permanent visitors mooring in Porthcressa, Natural England are also happy with the propsal. I guess I might have to do my shopping on Tresco in future.

Peter.

 

[snowleopard]

Oh dear! If they cram them in as tightly as they have the other side that will be another place I can't visit. I still bear the scars on my stern from bashing against the buoy behind while moored at Hugh Town.

 

[Sans Bateau]

So am I reading that correctly? Local resident decides he wants to install mooring bouys and he gets permission, just like that? Does that mean anyone can seek permission from CE and MMO and plonk a load of mooring bouys in an open bay, then no doubt collect fees for using them!?

Why stop there, why not build a bloody marina!

 

[jimi]

from the link
"Charlie Carrs on her moorings plan...We simply propose to place 20 visitor yacht moorings in Porthcressa. The MMO (Marine Maritime Organisation) have described this as a very minor works.
Around the Islands, there already exist around 450 moorings. We are only
proposing to place another 20 which amounts to only another 5%. Visiting
yachts already use the Bay. We are simply offering them a safer option than
putting down their own anchors which a) often drag and b) they could snag on
the electricity cables running through the Bay, endangering themselves and
quite frankly, offering the potential to disrupt the essential electricity
supply to these islands. Visually, these moorings would have very little
impact. They will be small and green in colour. We have carefully identified
the area that they will be placed in order to ensure that there is no
disruption to the fishing community (no one fishes there) and to ensure that
there is no environmental impact as they will be placed at the back of the Bay,
on sand, so there will be no damage to wrecks or to things such as the eel
grass. By placing them here this will also still give the option for yachtsman
to moor up further in as they do now, under their own anchors, and for free.
All of the relevant bodies have been consulted and everyone is in favour of the
Scheme. The Chair of the RYA even phoned to say how pleased he was that
finally the islands could offer a safe mooring in Porthcressa. This is totally
in line with the Council’s re-generation scheme for Porthcressa which is
attempting to encourage more visitors to this Bay and which involves the
conversion of the public toilets to give washing and shower facilities to
Yachtsman to this area."

 

[doug748]

Pete's comment (below in the link) is worth reading. A severe gale from the S might bring the whole lot ashore.
There is scary footage of a Folkboat being ovewhelmed on that beach.

 

[Scillypete]

Not much in the way of any local consultation as this is totally out of the blue and not exactly a popular proposal as it will set a precedent for other bays and anchorages within the islands. I am Not entirely sure how he will manage to fund the mooring gear and associated costs of laying and insurance. This is a free anchorage area and should stay that way, putting moorings there will reduce the available anchoring space and put yachts off or worse lull visiting yachts into thinking they are fairly safe.

I have tried checking the MMO site for details of the proposal and license application but there is nothing so have emailed them to see if there is any way of making a representation regarding this.

 

[Scillypete]

"Porthcressa 20 moorings: The application reference is MLA/2011/​00244. If you reply with your comments back to this email address (marine.consents@marinemanagement.org.uk​), we will send your comments to the relevant case officer for this application. Please quote the application reference in the subject box."

If anyone feels the need to say their piece on whether they want to keep this area free as an anchorage only, or not then please use the above.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Done.

 

[Adonnante]

If anyone feels the need to say their piece on whether they want to keep this area free as an anchorage only, or not then please use the above.[/QUOTE]



Thanks Pete, email sent.

 

[deep denial]

done

 

[sailingjoy]

So am I reading that correctly? Local resident decides he wants to install mooring bouys and he gets permission, just like that? Does that mean anyone can seek permission from CE and MMO and plonk a load of mooring bouys in an open bay, then no doubt collect fees for using them!?

Why stop there, why not build a bloody marina!

Completely agree. I was in the Scillies this summer and one of the attractions of Porthcressa (apart from a lovely white beach with palm trees and a deep blue sea) is that there are no permanent moorings. When you walk over to the other side and see the packed moorings in St. Mary’s Harbour (Hugh Town) the difference is shocking. You must be really desperate to pick a mooring there.
Please keep Porthcressa free as it is now!

PS: Hi Stephen, do you remember the Joy from Holland? I’ll send you a PM.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Yes, email sent.

 

[Sans Bateau]

PS: Hi Stephen, do you remember the Joy from Holland? I’ll send you a PM.

Yes I do JJ, and I will be responding to your PM, good to hear from you!!

And just to explain to others, 'Joy' is the name of a boat, before you get any ideas!

 

[Sybarite]

Not much in the way of any local consultation as this is totally out of the blue and not exactly a popular proposal as it will set a precedent for other bays and anchorages within the islands. I am Not entirely sure how he will manage to fund the mooring gear and associated costs of laying and insurance. This is a free anchorage area and should stay that way, putting moorings there will reduce the available anchoring space and put yachts off or worse lull visiting yachts into thinking they are fairly safe.

I have tried checking the MMO site for details of the proposal and license application but there is nothing so have emailed them to see if there is any way of making a representation regarding this.

+1 We were warned by the HM about getting caught there if the wind turns SE. Otherwise it's where I prefer to anchor as it's more sheltered normally than the harbour which is open to the prevailing winds.

 

[charlie carss]

Proposed placement of moorings at Porthcressa

This is Charlie Carss, the person that has applied to put the moorings in the bay at Porthcressa. To give my response to some comments made on this website as some might find this helpful and informative. We have carefully positioned the moorings right at the back of the bay in order to still give the visiting yachtsmen a choice as to whether they would like to use a secure moorings for a small fee, or alternatively, still moor up, further in as they normally do, on anchor, for free of charge. If anyone would like to look at their admiralty chart number SC883, the placement of the moorings is proposed for the depth contour of 5 metres plus, going southwards. Furthermore, there will be sufficient spacing between the moorings to ensure that, whatever the size of the yacht, they will have sufficient room to moor upsafely, unimpeded by the surrounding yachts. Lastly, we are only proposing to place 20 moorings there, as opposed to the 44 visiting yacht moorings in the harbour (plus the other numberous moorings surrounding them, some 220 in total.) Lastly, in terms of consultation, all of the relevant bodies have been consulted and everyone is in favour of the scheme. The Planning Department say it is not a planning issue as it is below the low water mark. Other relevant bodies are the Duchy, MCA, Natural England, AONB, National Heritage and none of these bodies has any objection to the scheme. Please also note that the whole of the Porthcressa bay area is being re-generated which will involve doing up the public toilets and providing visiting yachtsman with washing and shower facilities and so this idea is in line with this scheme. We live in this bay ourselves and will go out to the visiting yachtsman twice a day and will provide them with information both about the bay and also ensure that if a strong southerly or south-easterly gale is forecast, they will be informed to move to a different location on the island such as the harbour to avoid the gale. If anyone has any other queries, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. My e mail address is candpcarss@tiscali.co.uk.

 

[Adonnante]

I have just received an email from Jeremy Evans of the MMO in response to an email I sent regarding the proposed Porthcressa moorings which I have copied below, it is in line with Mr Carss last contribution.

The reference to the 5m contour according to my available chart would give less than 80metres of space between the moorings and the one metre contour. Our draught of 1.0 metre plus say another one metre for clearance would presumably reduce this space to under 50m x 170m. On a 3:1 scope, assuming a 5m range I would need a 36m diameter circle; looks like room for 4x12m boats. Best get there early in the season before the French;-)

Peter.


Dear Peter,

Please find the applicants response to your objection.

2. For those sailors with larger yachts, who are concerned about the placement of the moorings in terms of width, length or draft. I can assure you that the moorings will be carefully placed in order to allow sufficient room for larger yachts. They will also be in a much greater depth of water than afforded in the other areas where there are permanent moorings. In the location at Porthmellon , this gives them 7 metres above chart datum, whereas in the area where the visitor moorings are situated in St Mary’s harbour, they are only afforded a maximum of 2.7 metres above chart datum. So the visitor yacht moorings in the harbour are in considerably less water than there is where we propose to place the Porthcressa moorings. The same applies in St Martins and Tresco, where again at both locations, they are in less depth of water. There will also only be 20 permanent moorings to negotiate whereas in the harbour, those with larger yachts have to negotiate the area when there are a total of 200 yacht moorings in that area. We are also proposing that the moorings will be on individual sinkers, as those are in Tresco Channel rather on a chain grid system, as they are in the harbour, so we can better ensure that the spacing will be sufficient for larger, as well as the smaller yachts. As I have mentioned, anchored boats will not be “pushed further out into more exposed positions” because the permanent moorings are to be placed at the back of the bay, thereby giving ample room for those wishing to put down their own anchors, to moor up further in, where they do now. Their ability to continue to do this will not be obstructed. This yachtsman will still have the same choice ie. To anchor up by anchor and so can still take advantage of the amenities offered by St Mary’s. Furthermore, under the Porthcressa regeneration scheme, he will be able to enjoy the greater amenities of proper shower facilities.

While we feel this answers your comments, please respond with any further thoughts by January 4th.

Thanks,


Jeremy Evans MSc

Marine Consents Officer (West)

 

[Goldie]

Lastly, in terms of consultation, all of the relevant bodies have been consulted and everyone is in favour of the scheme. [/email].

Sorry Charlie, but it would appear that NOT everyone is in favour (and I'm afraid I'm one) or are yachtsmen not a relevant body? Slowly but surely, long established anchorages are being denied to those of us who prefer to anchor. I know you say that there will still be plenty of space, but for how long? It's not just a matter of the cost, there is the question of freedom of choice and that choice is increasingly being denied. There are other spots around the islands where we have anchored and are now full of moorings and to my mind, this is not an improvement. Seeing yachts at anchor represents the freedom of cruising whilst seeing yet another trot of mooring buoys is reminiscent of a nautical car park and the view that the sailing fraternity is the next best thing to a cash machine.

Sailing is not the preserve of the rich and many choose not to use facilities when they can keep the cost down, and many more of us prefer to trust our own tackle rather than a mooring of unknown pedigree and history. By all means provide (and charge for) shore facilities - people have the choice as to whether to use those - but the seabed is a common resource and we should all have the same rights to use it.

 

[Scillypete]

We have carefully positioned the moorings right at the back of the bay in order to still give the visiting yachtsmen a choice as to whether they would like to use a secure moorings for a small fee

is a vague description of where the moorings are actually going to be how about giving lat/long for each corner of the area you intend to cover with moorings?

or alternatively, still moor up, further in as they normally do, on anchor, for free of charge

will it still be possible for yachts not wishing to use a mooring to anchor between unused moorings?

visiting yacht moorings in the harbour (plus the other numberous moorings surrounding them, some 220 in total.)

the visitors yacht moorings in the harbour are not Surrounded, that is a misleading statement.

Lastly, in terms of consultation, all of the relevant bodies have been consulted and everyone is in favour of the scheme. The Planning Department say it is not a planning issue as it is below the low water mark. Other relevant bodies are the Duchy, MCA, Natural England, AONB, National Heritage and none of these bodies has any objection to the scheme.

but no public consultation, a recent poll on the local radio station (radio Scilly) was overwhelmingly against such a scheme.

Please also note that the whole of the Porthcressa bay area is being re-generated which will involve doing up the public toilets and providing visiting yachtsman with washing and shower facilities and so this idea is in line with this scheme.

Yes the area is part of a regeneration scheme, but the improvement in facilities was for the benefit of yachts that were going to anchor in porthcressa regardless of the mooring situation. The laying of moorings is nothing to do with the Porthcressa regeneration project, it is a completely private and separate business venture.


Further to all the above what undertakings are there for the removal of all the mooring gear, chains, sinkers etc, should the moorings prove to be financially unviable as a business venture, as their abandonment would cause many problems for yachts that wish to anchor there in the future.

 

[G12]

Sorry Charlie, but it would appear that NOT everyone is in favour (and I'm afraid I'm one) or are yachtsmen not a relevant body? Slowly but surely, long established anchorages are being denied to those of us who prefer to anchor. I know you say that there will still be plenty of space, but for how long? It's not just a matter of the cost, there is the question of freedom of choice and that choice is increasingly being denied. There are other spots around the islands where we have anchored and are now full of moorings and to my mind, this is not an improvement. Seeing yachts at anchor represents the freedom of cruising whilst seeing yet another trot of mooring buoys is reminiscent of a nautical car park and the view that the sailing fraternity is the next best thing to a cash machine.

Sailing is not the preserve of the rich and many choose not to use facilities when they can keep the cost down, and many more of us prefer to trust our own tackle rather than a mooring of unknown pedigree and history. By all means provide (and charge for) shore facilities - people have the choice as to whether to use those - but the seabed is a common resource and we should all have the same rights to use it.

I totally agree with this, very well put.

I was mugged of £9 for half a day's mooring on St Mary's just for wanting to fill my water tank this year (12 gallons). No mention of this before I'd stepped ashore. I hadn't even picked up the hose before the guy wanted his money. I know they have bills to pay and water is a little scarce but I felt totally ripped off this time. The "you've got a boat, you can afford it" attitude really annoys me. It seems to me that adding more moorings would just add another wallet lightening station for boat owners on the opposite side of the island.
I'm from Penzance so I'm all to familiar with the wheezes to rip off tourists in the summer!

 

[longjohnsilver]

I have just received an email from Jeremy Evans of the MMO in response to an email I sent regarding the proposed Porthcressa moorings which I have copied below, it is in line with Mr Carss last contribution.

The reference to the 5m contour according to my available chart would give less than 80metres of space between the moorings and the one metre contour. Our draught of 1.0 metre plus say another one metre for clearance would presumably reduce this space to under 50m x 170m. On a 3:1 scope, assuming a 5m range I would need a 36m diameter circle; looks like room for 4x12m boats. Best get there early in the season before the French;-)

Peter.


Dear Peter,

Please find the applicants response to your objection.

2. For those sailors with larger yachts, who are concerned about the placement of the moorings in terms of width, length or draft. I can assure you that the moorings will be carefully placed in order to allow sufficient room for larger yachts. They will also be in a much greater depth of water than afforded in the other areas where there are permanent moorings. In the location at Porthmellon , this gives them 7 metres above chart datum, whereas in the area where the visitor moorings are situated in St Mary’s harbour, they are only afforded a maximum of 2.7 metres above chart datum. So the visitor yacht moorings in the harbour are in considerably less water than there is where we propose to place the Porthcressa moorings. The same applies in St Martins and Tresco, where again at both locations, they are in less depth of water. There will also only be 20 permanent moorings to negotiate whereas in the harbour, those with larger yachts have to negotiate the area when there are a total of 200 yacht moorings in that area. We are also proposing that the moorings will be on individual sinkers, as those are in Tresco Channel rather on a chain grid system, as they are in the harbour, so we can better ensure that the spacing will be sufficient for larger, as well as the smaller yachts. As I have mentioned, anchored boats will not be “pushed further out into more exposed positions” because the permanent moorings are to be placed at the back of the bay, thereby giving ample room for those wishing to put down their own anchors, to moor up further in, where they do now. Their ability to continue to do this will not be obstructed. This yachtsman will still have the same choice ie. To anchor up by anchor and so can still take advantage of the amenities offered by St Mary’s. Furthermore, under the Porthcressa regeneration scheme, he will be able to enjoy the greater amenities of proper shower facilities.

While we feel this answers your comments, please respond with any further thoughts by January 4th.

Thanks,


Jeremy Evans MSc

Marine Consents Officer (West)

I too had exactly the same reply today. Shower facilities ashore are of no interest to me, we have those on board. Is there nowhere to have shower at present?