Lockdown delays yacht pond work
MAINTENANCE work to the model yacht pond has been put on hold due to lockdown.
Debris from the pipework and base of the pond is due to be removed, with concreting works carried out to reinforce the structure and avoid leaks.
Work began a month ago with the pond emptied of water as part of routine maintenance.
It is always scheduled for winter as it is the quietest sailing and model boating season, yet the second wave of Covid-19 created an unexpected hurdle.
‘Maintenance work started on the model yacht pond on 13 January to undertake routine checks and repairs since the previous repair work in 2019,’ said Martyn Stanfield, Ports head of technical & estate services.
Works are not considered essential.
‘Due to the current lockdown, which came into force on 23 January, work has had to cease until the restrictions are relaxed when Ports staff will resume the repair and maintenance work. This will ensure the facility can be made available for those wanting to learn sailing and boating, and for the continued use of model boats for the future.’
The pond on the Castle Emplacement was opened in 1887 with the current structure built in 1950.
