|
Date for your diary: Annual Public Meeting
|
|
|
Our Annual Public Meeting takes place on 25th May this year and I would like to invite all our newsletter subscribers, harbour users and local stakeholders to come along. The agenda for the evening and other information can be found in our article below.
We continue to work hard progressing negotiations with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and their development partners VQEL to finalise the Harbour Infrastructure Funding Agreement (HIFA). The objective now is for Commissioners to consider the HIFA at our May Board meeting and, subject to a successful conclusion on the funding agreement, it is hoped to carry out phases 2 and 3 of the harbour infrastructure (Shrape extension and Eastern Channel), plus the HCA marina dredge, later in 2017.
Following the departure of Rod Hodgson from CHC last December, I am delighted to announce the recent promotion of Assistant Harbour Master Jon Kidd to the position of Deputy Harbour Master.
In addition, I am pleased to say that a new Assistant Harbour Master, Ed Walker has been appointed and will join the CHC team in mid-May. Watch out for more on our new AHM in a forthcoming newsletter this summer.
Captain Stuart McIntosh -
Cowes Harbour Master
|
|
|
New Commissioners join Cowes Harbour Board
|
|
Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) has confirmed two new appointments to the Board of Cowes Harbour Commissioners, Nick Elderfield and Ra Hennessy, and the re-appointment of Andrew Cooper as a Commissioner.
Following an openly advertised recruitment programme that resulted in 11 strong applications, a short-list of candidates were assessed with the aim of maintaining a balance of Board membership in terms of skills, experience, local knowledge, specialties and demographic. As a result, Islanders Nick Elderfield and Ra Hennessy have been appointed as Commissioners to the Cowes Harbour Board for a term of three years effective from 1st May 2017. In compliance with CHC’s governance process for reselection for a second term, it was also agreed that Andrew Cooper be reconfirmed to be appointed for a second term.
Read the full press release on the CHC website
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notice of Annual Public Meeting
|
|
Cowes Harbour Commission is inviting all harbour users and stakeholders to attend its Annual Public meeting on Thursday, 25th May 2017, which will take place at the Island Sailing Club in Cowes starting at 1900. The meeting is an opportunity for the Commission to report on its work over the past year and answer questions from attendees.
|
|
|
|
|
New Cowes Chain Ferry instatement
|
|
River closure and draught restrictions: The new Cowes ‘Floating Bridge’ will be instated on Wednesday, 3rd May 2017. All mariners are advised to take note that the Chain Ferry crossing area will be closed to all traffic whilst this process takes place. A Harbour Patrol Officer will be on the water in the vicinity of the Chain Ferry to monitor and advise river users. See Local Notice to Mariners No 06(T) of 2017 for full details.
The launch service for passengers will remain in operation during the planned instatement and LNTM 62(T) of 2016 is still in force. A further Notice to Mariners will be issued prior to the Chain Ferry returning to a regular service.
Floating Bridge to start service mid-May:
The Isle of Wight Council has reported that the new Floating Bridge will commence service by mid-May, once all relevant tests, commissioning and staff training has been completed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amendments to Cowes Harbour General Directions
|
|
The Cowes Harbour General Directions are local rules and harbour legislation that cover safety of navigation and other harbour management issues. CHC reviews the General Directions annually, most recently in December 2016, to see if any changes are required.
Based on stakeholder feedback and to further improve safety, CHC has proposed a number of amendments and additions, which were presented to the Advisory Committee (CHAC) at their April 2017 meeting for stakeholder consultation. Following discussion, the CHAC confirmed their support for the proposed changes. CHC has also notified designated consultees the Chamber of Shipping and the RYA, as is required for the introduction of any new General Direction.
|
|
|
|
|
Application to revise Victoria Quay marina works and dredge licence
|
|
A works and dredge licence application has been submitted, on behalf of VQEL (Victoria Quay Estates Ltd), in respect of the next phase of the consented Outer Harbour Project. This application covers the dredging and consequentially the construction of the Victoria Quay marina at East Cowes. The application and supporting documentation have been placed on the CHC website as part of the public consultation process.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ORP Blyskawica 75th anniversary
|
|
The 75th anniversary of the defence of Cowes and East Cowes by the Polish Destroyer ORP Blyskawica will be commemorated through a series of events from 4th to 7th May 2017.
The
Society’s aim is to pay due homage to the officers and crew of
ORP Blyskawica
who bravely defended the towns of Cowes and East Cowes during the Luftwaffe air raids over the night of 4th-5th May 1942, and to those 70 residents who tragically perished during this blitz.
|
|
|
|
|
BMF Isle of Wight 'On the Water'
|
|
British Marine Isle of Wight is hosting an ‘On the Water’ day on Saturday, 6th May 2017 at Cowes Yacht Haven, from 1000 to 1600. There will be demonstrations throughout the day (weather permitting), a showcase of Island boat builders, and opportunities to learn about the maritime industry on the Island, including job opportunities in the marine sector. Find out more at
bmfiw.org
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CHC team take part in 2017 Randonnee: An 11-strong team of CHC staff present and past took part in the Isle of Wight Randonnee on Bank Holiday Sunday, 30th April, completing the clockwise 100km round the Island cycle route in five hours and 45 minutes. The unpredictable weather and occasional rain failed to dampen spirits and a great day was had by all.
See the full story online, including a few verses from our in-house poet!
|
|
|
Solent Forum’s 25th Anniversary:
The Solent Forum are running a one day conference, ‘Solent Matters’, to provide organisations with interests in the Solent with an overview of the issues in this complex coastal and estuarine area, and the planning and management currently on-going and required for the future. The conference on 10th May 2017 marks the Solent Forum’s 25th Anniversary. To find out more and to book, visit the
Solent Forum’s website
.
|
|
|
|
|
Keep up-to-date with Cowes Harbour News -
Subscribe to our Newsletter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
