UPDATES FROM OUR COAST AND WATERWAYS 01


Un-loching potential Following support from organisations including RYA Scotland, work has started on a new watersports hub on Loch Ryan, Stranraer. With aims to regenerate the waterfront area and become a watersports destination, the centre will include changing and showering facilities, classrooms and public spaces. It’s expected to open in summer 2026.


02


Safer navigation The many hazards within Strangford Lough have been poorly marked or unmarked for some time. Now the aids to navigation in the north part of the Lough have been upgraded with lateral and cardinal buoys by Ards and North Down Council. Newry Mourne and Down Council hasn’t yet received funding to upgrade the south of the Lough.


station, thanks to volunteers and local fundraising. EMSMET, at the Emsworth end of the harbour, will give vital information to watersports users, such as real-time and historic localised wind speed and direction, air and sea temperature and important tidal surge data.


05


Isle protects eelgrass Newly discovered


eelgrass beds in Isle of Man waters have led to plans for a marine nature reserve off the east coast. There are currently six known eelgrass beds off the Isle of Man. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) asked for views on three suggested sites, with differing levels of impact 


03


Welsh Wetwheels Wetwheels Foundation has launched a campaign to set up a permanent powerboat and support team in Wales.  with a disability, yet accessible boating is limited. The charity hopes to raise £300,000. www.justgiving.com/campaign/ supportwetwheelscymru


04


In all weathers Chichester Harbour now


boasts a multi-sensor weather 06


Ramping up A wind farm off the


Sussex coast will have 90 more turbines added to its existing 116, following government go-ahead. The work at Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm is due to start in 2027 and take three years to be completed, with power being brought to land under Climping Beach, near Littlehampton. The turbines could make enough energy to power one million homes.


07


Caring for the coastline  defence plans for the Solent coastline, from Hurst Spit to Lymington in the New Forest, are now at the selection phase. Ideas include short-term maintenance of Hurst Spit and gradual raising of sea defences from Keyhaven to Lymington. Salt marsh habitats will also be enhanced and extended. The RYA continues to work with the project team, local clubs and training centres to support the area for years to come.


08


Plans under water Two aquaculture farms near Port Quin in Cornwall, with a combined area of one square kilometre, have had their marine licence applications rejected this year. The RYA’s strong objection, along with those of local pressure groups, has led to this positive result. We’ll watch to  made in the future.


rya.org.uk SUMMER 2025 19


Photo: Getty


Photos: Alamy x 2


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