Old boats removed from marinas help create 40 free berths
UNSEAWORTHY and unused vessels have been removed to create 40 free berths in Guernsey’s marinas.
The aim was to maximise the space available for active local boat owners and those waiting for moorings.
Assistant harbourmaster Kieran Higgs said that each case of removal was handled sensitively because, even where a vessel appeared to have been abandoned, the owners’ circumstances could differ greatly.
‘We are usually aware when a boat has not left its mooring for some time, and if that does happen we will contact the owner to try and establish what their future plans are,’ he said.
‘There can be lots of reasons why they may not have been out to see recently. For example, they may be experiencing a period of ill health, either for them or a family member, or their financial circumstances have temporarily curtailed their use. It is possible they have been unable to enjoy their boat as much as they would like, but do not feel ready to give up boating altogether, and it may be one of the things they are most looking forward to getting back to.’
There are 1,400 berths in three marinas in Guernsey – Albert, QEII and St Sampson’s.
There are also more than 200 moorings in St Peter Port Harbour.
Owners are asked to remove their boats if they do not adhere to the terms and conditions attached to their moorings, which include keeping the vessel in a seaworthy condition, retaining a working engine for motorised boats, and carrying appropriate navigation and safety equipment, such as life jackets and flares.
Boat owners must also hold valid insurance.
‘We have quite a mix of boats in the marina, including a lot of older ones in various condition,’ said Mr Higgs.
‘Some perhaps look a little tired, but they are still perfectly seaworthy and will see a lot of use during the season.’
Fewer than 200 islanders are on the waiting list for a berth in a marina. The States’ Trading Supervisory Board, which is responsible for the ports, has been trying to manage space efficiently to accommodate as many vessels as possible.
When a mooring is cancelled, it can be transferred to another boatowner or, where possible, reconfigured to increase the number of larger berths, which are currently in short supply.
