Save Haven, for Atlantic Crossers, W to E

[Aurai]

Strange times, as we all know, but maybe we the UK could be welcoming and offer a haven?

Who knows, how many, but let us suppose a whole bunch of boats seek to exit Hurricane Season, partly as they face no welcome if they move locally, and need to head home across the Atlantic. From whichever port or anchorage they have stayed in lately. Uncertainty about any welcome, when they get over here, adding to the challenge. Hence, my thought or suggestion for discussion. I know Falmouth pretty well and am thinking it could be a place to start.

Might we set up a haven, to welcome and quarantine any yachts, that want to make the crossing, somewhere. I know the Fal has various pontoon sections in sheltered waters. Setting up would take some initiative and contacts. At the same time it should not be too difficult and with a RiB or two you could service the boats with supplies, line up medical aid as needed and so on. The fact they have self-isolated for three weeks might be in their favour as well. The main part being the yachts would have a secure destination to head to.

Any thoughts and ideas appreciated, as I read about this in a Gruniad article.

Chas

 

[Tomaret]

Wouldn’t somewhere in the Azores make most sense as many east bound yachts won’t want to come as far north as the UK? Certainly local ports are open for international traffic - are Atlantic coast European ports actually refusing entry?

Otherwise, its not a big issue. If vessels have a tracker fitted and sail directly from the Caribbean to Falmouth, without stopping, then the 3 weeks it would take should, indeed, mean that they need only quarantine for the time it takes to get the results of a test. By mid June that might be overnight.

Are vessels arriving after a crossing facing difficulties? A crew mate from the C600 came home on Telefonica and it made the local news because they brought home a stranded sailor from the region as well. There are lots of yachts heading across at the moment. Presumably they have a plan. One I know of is confident that they will be allowed in to a specific West Country haven.

 

[jdc]

Do you really suppose that someone hasn't done this and organised it? Try the CA, or Trans-Ocean (German organisation) or even Noonsite. These organisation are of course collaborating and getting things sorted. You will be allowed into the UK, especially Falmouth. How do I know this? I wrote to the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners last week on this very subject.

 

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