As a further extension to the Marina’s maintenance program we can announce that an order has been placed to purchase replacement electrical outlets for the whole marina. Some of the existing outlets have been around for over twenty years and are now becoming a little tired and less reliable. The program of replacement is scheduled to commence in the New Year. The aim is to have minimal interruption for the berth holders whilst the maximum number of boats are out of the water. They will all be ready by the time the season gets under way at Easter. They are to be supplied by a company called Maricer. The pods are robust,easy to use and easily servicable.

It was a cold start to the year but the rest of the season has seen some prolonged dry and warm periods making a good year for sailing. We have seen a large number of German, Dutch, Belgian and even some French boats visit the marina during their summer vacations. Fortunately in these economic turbulent times, our Marinas are debt free. This has enabled us to continue with our refurbishment programme (see below) and to keep next years rate increase well below current inflation levels. 2012

MOORING FEES

We are very much aware of the current economic climate and as such have limited our mooring fee increase from £311 to £320 per metre per annum (Inc VAT) for the 2012 season.

REFER A FRIEND INCENTIVE SCHEME

We have also started a refer a friend scheme – if you as a resident refer a new boat to the marina (hasn’t been an existing berth holder for the last twelve months) and they sign up and pay for a year’s annual mooring we will credit your account with £400.00. If you sell your vessel and persuade the new purchaser to become a new resident the same deal will also apply (see our website for details and T&C’s).

MARINA RYA PARTICIPATION PROGRAM

In conjunction with the RYA we ran a number of informal training sessions for the berth holders. Principally the training was focused on boat handling in the marina as well as learning some tricks of the trade for locking in and out. This program culminated in a late Autumn cruise in company to Woodbridge Tide Mill Yacht Harbour and a lovely three course dinner with Tom Cunliffe as speaker. All had a great time and this will be repeated next year – many thanks to John Pipe our Waterside Manager for donating his time and effort to this event.

IMPROVEMENTS

Dredging – This year saw Goodchild marine employed to remove 4,500 cubes of silt from the marina and used as beach replenishment on the foreshore. The average depth across the marina is now 3 meters. Ablution Block – the main ablution block will be closed for refurbishment from the 7th November to the 27th January 2012. All of the showers, toilets, hand basins, urinals and cubicles will be replaced with modern up to date equipment. The tiled flooring will be replaced with an easy clean Altro surface and the showers will have micro controls. The Butler sinks will be removed and placed outside at the back of the ablution block. New blade hand dryers and  lighting will be installed and with a fresh lick of paint it should look very good. Whilst this work is taking place there are alternative ablution facilities in the Shipwreck building. Lock Closure – This has been set for the 16th to 27th January 2012. Earlier than normal but we can blame that on Martin Kendall’s desire to hurl himself down a mountain strapped to some planks of wood! This year we will be replacing rams, hydraulic hoses and some of the floating fenders. Chandlery – This year has seen John Fish relinquish his duties of running the Chandlery. We have taken the decision to relocate the chandlery from its current position to the ex brokerage office (previously occupied by Foxes Yacht Sales). It’s less out on a limb and will be more accessible for berth holders. Current special offers include a selection of wet weather gear, shoes and other chandlery, details of these offers can be found on our website.

WEB SITE

This has had a major overhaul by Chris Woods of U2R design. Its now easier for our staff to use/update and will be our main tool for informing everyone about changes/improvements and future events happening at the marina. www.eastcoastmarinas.co.uk

THE SHIPWRECK

Ably run by Sarah and with the help of Gail and all her staff the Shipwreck has proved popular as ever. Fresh homemade food, local beers and ever changing specials have helped the Shipwreck achieve one of its best years yet.  Remember they also cater for private functions, weddings and conferences. The Christmas menus have already been printed and if you want to book call Sarah or Gail on 01473788865, or email Sarah@shotleymarina.co.uk or use the reservation form on the website www.shipwreckpub.co.uk

SHOTLEY MARINA SERVICES

Martin Kendall and his team have had another busy year. Our experienced shipwrights, engineers and GRP specialists are able to solve most problems. If you do require work on your boat then please speak to Guy or Martin as soon as possible – leaving it to just before launch date could result in delays. Don’t forget to return your layup forms which have already been posted to you or use the alternative form on the marina web site.

STAFF CHANGES

This year has seen the departure of both John Fish (Chandlery) and Melvyn Fox (Lock Master). Melvyn has been at the marina since the day it opened and can still be seen sailing his beloved old gaffer “Ellen”. We wish them both the best for the years ahead. Colin Byford has replaced Melvyn as a duty lockmaster. Colin used to work for us many moons ago and then took a ten year sabbatical working as a Coxon on the  Harwich Harbour pilot launches. He brings with him a wealth of experience.

HEALTH & SAFETY

When you are working on a boat based ashore please ensure that all rubbish and old antifouling is removed at the end of each day. Please use plastic sheeting to protect the ground (gravel or block paving) and ensure that any ladders are correctly attached to the boat and safe to use. We would strongly recommend the use of masks when preparing for antifouling. Our terms and conditions do not allow subcontractors on site but in exceptional cases they will need to have received our prior written consent/approval and hold all the appropriate insurance certificates and risk assessments. A site access charge will apply to contractors working on the  marina site.

SHOTLEY POINT YACHT CLUB
Our Club is ideal for those who are new to boating or those new to the East Coast who wish to gain experience and extend their cruising horizons. Our cruising area extends from Lowestoft to Brighton and across to France,  Belgium and Holland. We have a full annual programme including training, cruising and social events. The club also has the use of a room provided by Shotley Marina for training and social events. SPYC has its own web-site  which can be found at www.shotleypyc.co.uk and also a club magazine, the ‘Crow’s Nest’, which is issued periodically. The present membership fee is only £55 for the first year (which includes a club burgee) and £40 per year thereafter. For further details contact the Membership Secretary: membership@shotleypyc.co.uk

BRITANNIA SAILING SCHOOL
This year we have worked with the Marina to provide many boating workshops to encourage more owners to get out on the water and enjoy their own boats. We know from the feedback that many new skills have been learned from our instructors particularly close quarter manoeuvring. Remember if you have specific requirements Britannia can develop a bespoke course to meet your individual needs. We also have a comprehensive range of yachts for charter and provide the full range of RYA courses. Tel: 01473 787019 enquiry@britanniasailingschool.co.uk

The work is scheduled to take a couple of months and therefore we will be reopening  by Christmas or soon thereafter. There are  alternate facilities available in the marina within the Shipwreck building.

On the weekend of the 1st and 2nd of October we held our Cruise in company to the Woodbridge Tidemill Yacht harbour. The weather could not have been better with the temperatures in the 20s making it feel like the last chance saloon with every man and his dog out on the water. Whilst there was not a lot of wind every one who had booked for the cruise made the effort to come along and take part. With the participation of boats from Woolverstone Marina we had just over thirty boats arrive at Woodbridge. Richard and Mike the ‘Pipe’ at the Tide Mill Yacht Harbour coped admirably berthing every single one of the boats with out incident.

The cruise was the culmination of a program of training that the marina had been running during the year with assistance from the RYA. The general idea has been to encourage boat owners and berth holders to use their boats as much as possible. Another aim of the scheme was to also encourage the social side of boating and being on the water. To this end on the Saturday evening a dinner was held for all the participants at the Woodbridge Cruising Club who did a magnificant job providing a three course meal. Tom Cunliffe was in attendance as after dinner speaker and as usual his mix of sage advise and wit was well received. Tom also participated during day using a rib to go from boat to boat giving advise and information to the cruise participants. The cruise was an undoubted success and with this in mind we fully intend to run a similar program next year.

This year our winter afloat price has been set at £95 per metre for five months berthing in our marina, or £20 per metre per month, (minimum stay two months). This includes VAT. We believe this offers excellent value for money, especially since the price has been held over unchanged from last year. By mooring your vessel at Shotley you can rest easy in the knowledge that your boat is safe in our sheltered marina. We have twenty four hour security and there is always some one at the marina keeping an eye on all the boats. Of course should you want any remedial or routine maintenance carried out we have extensive workshop facilities available. These are second to none on the East Coast and provide a very high quality of craftsmanship and knowledge. If you are interested in a winter berth then in the first instance call the office on 01473 788982 or post an enquiry via this website through the contacts page.