THE PREMIER EAST COAST MARINA
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