Important update announced 14th May 2020

For recreational users

• The slipways will be opened from 18th May for launching. In order to maintain social distancing, only one boat/trailer will be allowed on the slipway at any one time. When launching you must maintain social distancing.
• The Harbour team will be available to launch vessels from the boatyard subject to booking in advance. Vessel owners will be asked to board their vessels once it is launched alongside the eastend pontoon. It will be the owner’s responsibility to take and secure the vessel to their mooring. The Harbour team will not be available to take vessels to the moorings.
• The facilities barge will remain closed until further notice.
• Pontoon access will be made available on a limited basis only.
• Access to the Town Quay pontoon will be given by the Harbour staff who will control the entrance to ensure social distancing can be maintained. Instructions to those who have a pontoon berth will be given separately.
• Access to Tug boat yard pontoon will be strictly for the vessels that have a permanent berth there. For those berth holders they must ensure social distancing is maintained at all times when access the pontoon.
• Visiting vessels can enter the Harbour Limits although they cannot stay overnight (as per second home/caravan park guidance).
• Further guidance on how to participate safely for water-based activities has been provided;
• We recommend only participating in water based activities as an individual or household group. A pair of two people from different households who are socially distancing is acceptable if you can maintain social distancing (i.e. you should keep 2 metres apart). For example, it would not be possible to form a ‘double’ canoe or kayak or rowing boat with someone from outside your household because it would be impossible when doing so to follow social distancing guidelines.
• You are allowed to sit on your boat with someone from your household only, subject to being careful and staying away from other users and boats in line with social distancing guidelines.
• Using recreational boats with someone from a different household is only possible on larger vessels. We recommend that you avoid sharing a boat with a person from a different household. If you do share a boat with someone outside of your household, you should continue to stay at least two metres apart – and it should only be with one other person. Cleaning protocols should be put in place to limit coronavirus transmission on boats. It is advised that touch points (e.g. handrails) should be particular areas of focus for increased cleaning. Frequent cleaning of boats, using your usual cleaning products, is advised. As is removing waste and belongings from boats when finishing a day-trip. On small private boats it would not be possible to be in the same boat with someone from outside of your household because it would be impossible when doing so to follow social distancing guidelines.

Robert Smith MBE
Harbour Master