Speed limit in Chi Harbour 8 knots for everyone?

ricky_s said:
I did read the latest LTNM

2/00 Chichester Harbour - Speed of Vessels
Attention is drawn to the speed limit of 8 knots which is in force for the whole of Chichester Harbour. <snip>
There is no mention of it applying to motor boats either!
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It's drawing your attention TO an existing byelaw - not setting a new one ...

Only boats under power have their speed controlled - which includes sailing yachts under engine.

Many dinghies race within the confines of the harbour and it would be impracticable for most of them to organise regular racing outside the harbour.
There would be little point in racing most dinghies if you were limited to 8 knots - even a 420 will exceed this speed in the right conditions.

In the last few years the speed of racing dinghies has dramatically increased and clubs have been advised to minimise the impact of these faster boats on the rest of the harbour users (including the slower racers) - this has included a direction to NOT race through anchorages (despite the flow advantages) and for fast asymetrics to give way to all other vessels (generally when flying their kite).
In the last few weeks there has been a summit forum for the clubs and interested parties to discuss the adverse affect of these faster asymetrics - I assume in an attempt to reverse the negative impact seen over the last couple of seasons - I wasn't in attendance so have yet to hear the outcome.

As always - it is the FEW who spoil it for the MANY - and in my experience most boaters in the harbour do navigate (whether cruising or racing) with due regard to their fellow users - be that at 4 knots, 8 knots or 24 knots ...
 
gjgm said:
I dont particularly disagree with you, but one might wonder if this is conducive to safe boating for all?
"crews have no readout of speeds; when blinded by spray and struggling to stay upright, let alone compete in a race".
In fact it sounds more like irrresponsibility to me.
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Hi, while at anchor at East Head the day after the annual kids out trip last year a racing dinghy hit our bow and anchor chain so hard it caused the anchor to lose grip untill the harbour masters rib pulled them off. I was amazed to be shouted at to"move your boat-we are are stuck underneath" The guy in charge was a real plonker, soon verified by the female with him who was embarassed by his attitude. Fortunatly no damage to our boat. The harbourmaster issued a severe *******ing at my request. The other option was more severe, a ban from the harbour and the sailing club. One hopes he learned not to race around moored boats when practicing for next years Olympics.
 
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rotrax said:
Hi, while at anchor at East Head the day after the annual kids out trip last year a racing dinghy hit our bow and anchor chain so hard it caused the anchor to lose grip untill the harbour masters rib pulled them off. I was amazed to be shouted at to"move your boat-we are are stuck underneath" The guy in charge was a real plonker, soon verified by the female with him who was embarassed by his attitude. Fortunatly no damage to our boat. The harbourmaster issued a severe *******ing at my request. The other option was more severe, a ban from the harbour and the sailing club. One hopes he learned not to race around moored boats when practicing for next years Olymics.
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The Chichester Harbour Federation have agreed to stop this sort of behaviour from this season. They obviously understand that this sort of thing is not going to be tolerated and want to self regulate before someone does it for them.

I've had a lot of stick on this thread but hopefully things will change for the better of ALL harbour users from now on.
 
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