Bird Flu in Scotland

Published: 15th July 2022

As you may have read in the press, there is a serious outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) in seabird colonies in Scotland and large numbers of birds have died. We have been asked by NatureScot to help in two ways:

1. by not handling dead or dying seabirds or allowing a dog to touch them.

2. by not disturbing seabird colonies.

Many are in locations where landing is not possible. However, the following are places where a landing might be made from a boat and you are asked not to do so this year:

• the Forth islands except for Inchcolm
• Mousa and Noss in Shetland
• Swona in the Pentland Firth
• the Treshnish islands in Argyll

The reason for avoiding sea bird colonies is that this reduces the risk of additional stress on already vulnerable birds. We like to take photographs of puffins but please do not try to do so this year. If a dog needs to go ashore at one of the islands then keep it on a leash.

NatureScot has issued guidance for site managers that includes fuller information for visitors. There is also more general advice.

2022 Regatta Details

Published: 18th May 2022

Details as supplied by RGYC and CCC:

Calendar and Handicaps

Published: 11th May 2022

Handicaps last republished: 29/04/22
Calendar last republished: 10/03/22

Handicaps and calendar data are maintained on the office system on a continuous basis.

Uploads to the website are made "as required" which for handicaps means weekly, or more frequently, during the spring and summer, and less frequently during the winter months.

Draft 11 of a "normal" 2022 calendar now uploaded. Club inputs welcome!

Most calendar updates are normally processed during the off-season, dependent on input from the clubs.

In the autumn the current season is rolled by 52 or 53 weeks and all dates in the upcoming season are marked as "Provisional" until confirmed by the clubs. (2019 to 2020 was a 52 week roll.)

Red Diesel - HMRC Note 554

Published: 24th May 2021

The March 2021 Budget announced that on-going use of Red Diesel for propulsion and "domestic" (heating) use would be allowed, with the principle of the 60/40 split continuing.

See this article in Yachting Monthly and this from the RYA.

HMRC Excise Note 554 now clarifies the treatment in N Ireland, and the implications for leisure vessels travelling between jurisdictions.

This brings to an end a tortured set of negotiations and discussions. Congratulations to all who campaigned so hard to reverse the earlier "decision".

Oban Community Harbour Development Association

Published: 21st January 2021

Further to the Community Harbour proposals reported on in February 2020, Oban Community Harbour Development Association (OCHDA) have been busy developing the proposal for a Trust Port at Oban.

A consultation on Harbour Limits has been completed and you can read of the conclusions.

Read the February 2020 Press Release via the link on the right. Read about the outcome of the consultation HERE. And for the latest OCHDA Newsletter HERE.

Island Moorings and Harbours

Published: 22nd July 2020

We are advised that - amongst others - the moorings in Arran, Cumbrae and Coll have been reinstated for use by visitors.

And Rothesay Harbour "traffic lights" have been upgraded - see the PDF on the right.

Plus: CMAL as operator of Tobermory Pier have re-issued the NTM prohibiting rafting alongside either the pier or the ferry:

ALL TO NOTE

Due to continuing issues with vessels rafting on the outside of the CalMac ferry while berthed on the Mishnish Pier, Tobermory Ferry Terminal, Isle of Mull, the standing NTM SN/07 has been attached as a reminder, particularly for commercial mariners and fishing boats, that unless specifically authorised by CalMac harbour staff this must cease.

Due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, as part of the CalMac control measures the ferry is sanitised by the crew when berthed at the conclusion of daily sailings. Any unauthorised persons clambering over the vessel thereafter could compromise this safety measure.

Rafting up at the Mishnish Ferry Pier in Tobermory

Published: 28th June 2019

CMAL, operators of the ferry pier at Tobermory, have issued new instructions for anyone considering rafting up alongside. There is now a requirement to contact CMAL by phone.

They have issued NTM 35/19 (see side panel), the key content of which reads

"Due to the risk of contact damage between vessels and the possibility of exceeding the safe working capacities of pier mooring equipment vessels are requested to obtain the permission and guidance of the facility operator, CalMac Ferries Ltd (tel.: 01688 327 089 select option 2) prior to berthing at this location."

Admiralty Small Craft Portfolios

Published: 25th June 2019

The UK Hydrographic Office is proposing to withdraw the supply and maintenance of ADMIRALTY Small Craft Folios. Too late for feedback!

See the press release link on the right.

"Yachting Life" Kept Afloat

Published: 4th June 2019

Well known Scottish sailing publication "Yachting Life" has been acquired by Dublin based Baily Publications Ltd who plan to produce the title as an online magazine.

EDITORIAL in the September/October edition of "Yachting Life" suggested there would be fundamental changes ahead for Scotland’s sailing magazine and these have now materialised with the acquisition of the title, website and social media accounts by Baily Publications Ltd, publishers of Irish based "Afloat Magazine", which is mainly an online magazine with daily email newsbites for sailing community subscribers.

It is planned to adopt a similar online presentation for "Yachting Life", catering for its regional interests.

"Welcome Anchorages" will remain exactly as before, with the 2020 edition created in East Kilbride and produced as a printed publication distributed before Easter to all the usual outlets around the Scottish and north of Ireland coasts, confirmed editor Alistair Vallance who, 42 years ago, founded "Yachting Life".

'There was no way we could continue to produce YL in its current printed format, however I am delighted that instead of sailing off into the sunset, "Yachting Life" is securely anchored, dressed overall and ready for hopefully another 42 years of reporting all aspects of sailing news in Scotland,' enthused Alistair.

Argyll Coast & Islands Hope Spot

Published: 20th May 2019

News from Cross Party Group on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism:

"The Coastal Communities Network member groups CAOLAS, CROMACH, Friends of the Sound of Jura and Save Seil Sound are really excited to inform you about the forthcoming announcement that an area of the Argyll Coast and Islands will officially become a Mission Blue Hope Spot on June 8th 2019. The first of its kind in Scotland and mainland UK.

"The area covering some 791 km2 has been nominated by the community groups as it represents one of the most biologically diverse environments in Scotland. The community groups hope to raise awareness about this remarkable resource. The recognition by Mission Blue is a cause for celebration and hope for the future sustainable management of the Argyll Coast and Islands."

Crinan Canal - Advance Booking of Transits

Published: 28th April 2019

Scottish Canals has announced a new regime requiring advance booking of Crinan Canal transits. 24hrs notice is to be given in order to best assured of transit in a day.

Details in the flyer ...

Email transit bookings can be made at transitcrinan@scottishcanals.co.uk

John Kent appointment as Community Marine Officer

Published: 6th December 2018

Bidwells on behalf of Crown Estate Scotland have announced that John Kent has been appointed as CMO for Scotland South West, succeeding Colin Brown.

John, based in Largs, will be responsible for the area extending from the English border to Ardlamont Point, Loch Fyne, including the islands of Bute, Arran, Great Cumbrae, Little Cumbrae, Holy Isle, and Inchmarnock.

The CYCA values its interaction with Bidwells, on behalf of CES, primarily via the Clyde Moorings Committe but directly, by exception, when the occasion demands. Recent previous incumbents have been PJ Korbel and Colin Brown, and we record our appreciation of their efforts. John will bring to this role his personal experience as a yachtsman on the Clyde and beyond.

The full Bidwells Press Release can be viewed via the link.

Clarification: Anchoring in CMAL Harbours

Published: 21st August 2018

CMAL have reissued their Standing Order regarding ferry access to specific island piers ... access here.



From RYA Scotland Cruising and General Purposes Committee - Friday 20th July 2018 - to all interested parties:

A recent report of an yacht owner being asked by Calmac to pay £12 to anchor at Scarinish, Gott Bay, Tiree, within 750m of the Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL)-owned ferry pier has caused concern. (The yacht owner declined to pay and moved to anchor further away.)

A member of RYA Scotland's Cruising and General Purposes Committee has followed this up by a FoI request to CMAL's Harbour Master at Port Glasgow, who has replied to report that this was an error by Calmac. He states:

"There are no charges within our Schedule of Harbour Charges for recreational craft anchoring within any CMAL jurisdiction and there are currently no prohibitions in place at any location for such vessels to do so. Anchorage charges can only be applied to ferries, commercial and cruise vessels."

CMAL do have a Harbour Empowerment Order for the bay, to 750m around the pier, as shown in the attached chart. Within this are 10 visitors moorings laid in 2017 by the Tiree community business, for which a charge of £12 per night is made, payable at MacLennan Motors office on the Pier Head (http://www.isleoftiree.com/gott-bay-moorings/). However, as made clear above, recreational craft can anchor at no cost anywhere within this limit, subject to the responsibility of not impairing access to the pier or the moorings.

See pdf chart of Gott Bay, showing harbour limit and moorings. Full details of the Harbour Order can be found via this link. In summary, the jurisdiction for Tiree Ferry Terminal, Scarinish Pier, Isle of Tiree is defined within ‘The Caledonian MacBrayne Limited (Gott Bay Pier) Harbour Revision Order 1990’ and is defined as:

‘Limits of harbour

7. The Company shall exercise jurisdiction as a harbour authority within the meaning of section 57 of the Harbours Act 1964, and the powers of the harbourmaster shall be exercisable within—

(a) the area lying below the level of high water and bounded by a line commencing at a point at NM 04194593 at the level of high water westwards of the existing pier and extending in an arc with a radius of 750 metres from the north eastern extremity of the pier head at a point at NM 04914570 and terminating southwards of the said pier at a point at NM 04734495 at the level of high water; and (b) the pier premises.’

RYA Scotland would like to hear from you if you have also experienced being charged (or being asked) in any CMAL port area in 2018. Please contact Pauline McGrow at pauline.mcgrow@ryascotland.org.uk with details.


Kind regards,
Fergus Duncanson
Chairman, RYA Scotland Cruising and General Purposes Committee

Ardrossan Harbour - Relocation of Lights

Published: 25th July 2018

PeelPorts NTM 66/18 gives details of the relocation of the traffic lights controlling access to Ardrossan Harbour - see PDF for details.

Oban Bay Consultation

Published: 28th June 2018

Please find a link below to an important survey regarding management of Oban Bay. CMAL are proposing a Harbour Revision Order which would give them control over the whole of the Bay and its approaches. This has potential impacts for all users of the Bay and views are being sought about possible alternative methods for managing the Bay as well as ‘protective provisions’ should the HRO go ahead.

The questionnaire can be accessed by clicking on this link or by going to the Oban Harbour website and accessing the link from the Oban Bay Management Group page, where all the questionnaire responses and feedback will be posted. http://www.obanharbour.scot/information/oban-bay-management-group/

See also the PDF for additional observations on this from RYA Scotland.

Static fishing gear markers

Published: 21st March 2018

The petition organised nationally by the Cruising Association has now closed. The objective was to encourage DEFRA to have a serious look at the hazard caused by static fishing gear which is laid in inappropriate places and/or is poorly marked with identification details.

This topic is a major recurring theme in feedback to the CYCA about problems in the Clyde Estuary and on the West Coast. The objective of at least 10,000 signatures was achieved. The Government's response is as follows:

The UK has clear rules in place regarding the marking of all fishing gear. Council Regulation (European Commission) No. 1224/2009 outlines the rules applicable to all fishing vessels using passive (static) gear to mark fishing gear so that it is clearly identifiable. Further to this, the detailed rules for implementing this regulation outline the requirements for marker buoys to ensure visibility.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) undertake the enforcement of this regulation within England’s Exclusive Economic Zone (0-200 nautical miles) and have the power to investigate and take action. The Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) have regional responsibilities within inshore waters (6 nautical miles). In instances where non-compliance is found, the master, owner or charterer of a fishing vessel may be fined or prosecuted for unmarked or poorly marked gear.

The government is looking at areas in which the enforcement of regulations can be enhanced. We have met with the Royal Yachting Association who have developed an online reporting form to allow fishers and boaters to identify any incident involving fishing gear. The collection of data from this process may help identify any potential solutions.

The RYA position on this, and Fishing Gear Incident Reporting Form can be reached here

Further information on the marking of gear can be found here

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Oban Bay - new "Code of Practice"

Published: 20th March 2017

The Oban Bay Management Group has revised the Code of Practice for users of Oban Bay. From 31 March 2017, amongst other guidance, small yachts in the North Channel are asked to use their auxiliary engines and to remain outside of the large vessel channel where practical. A new guide called 'Be Safe - Be Seen' has also been developed.

They are asking everyone to use the guide and Code to help the area remain safe and enjoyable for all.

Further details here.

Loss of "Clyde Challenger"

Published: 12th February 2017

From the "Clyde Challenger" Facebook page:

Ultimate Atlantic Shore Team Update 11 Feb 2017 18:15

Following assessment of the damage caused to Clyde Challenger during the evening of 9th February 2017 and transfer of all crew from the vessel it is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the Clipper 60 Ocean racing yacht Clyde Challenger (ex. Chrysolite Clipper) has been Scuttled with the assistance of the UK Navy. She went down at 45^ 13.42N 017^07.5W at approximately 17:30 UTC.

Many recovery options were investigated with the co-operation of the coastguard, salvage agents and insurers. Due to her current position, 7-10 day forecast, risk to other vessels and considering the damage sustained it was concluded that the only safe option was to ensure the vessel posed no further risk to person or marine traffic.

Commenting on the recent events owner Glenn Porter stated “Despite sustaining significant damage in the evening of Thursday 9th February Clyde Challenger continued to provide safe refuge for her crew until they could be transferred with minimal risk off the yacht by the UK Navy. It is sad to see the loss of Scotland’s Clipper 60, she will be sorely missed by many.”

Our immediate task now is to get the crew back home and provide all co-operation necessary to the authorities investigating the incident. The team at Clyde Challenger will also be working on options to move forward with our aim to “make the ocean racing experience available to all” and will keep our many followers and supporters updated through our social media channels.

Handicapping - non-standard spinnaker halyards

Published: 8th August 2016

With ever-larger spinnakers being purchased, some classes have adopted higher-than-standard spinnaker halyard exit points - e.g. masthead. An initial response was a one-off handicap adjustment for a specific boat. Given emergence of this practice in other classes, endorsed certificates have been issued to boats potentially affected.

These make clear that the "standard" (base) handicap is only valid when spinnakers are flown from the fractional halyard exit point. Owners wishing to use a masthead halyard must declare this to the Association and a revised certificate will be issued incorporating the relevant penalty.

The Handicap Committee recognises that this does nothing to control directly the size of spinnaker being used. Policing of the sizes of sails being used is, however, impractical and this is considered the most practicable solution for now.

Campbeltown Marina

Published: 26th June 2015

Campbeltown Marina Upgrade Complete

A major re-development project to expand the existing pontoon facilities at Campbeltown Harbour is now complete, resulting in a smart new marina for the town. The project has been funded by Argyll and Bute Council, together with contributions from Highlands & Islands Enterprise and other partners.

The brand new Campbeltown Marina now offers 54 berths on finger pontoons, main pontoons and breakwaters. It can accommodate boats of up to 33 metres with a draft of 3 metres. Each pontoon has hook-ups for water and electricity and ashore there is a brand new dedicated shower and toilet building. Access to the marina is available at all states of the tide.

Visitor and long term berths are available, with prices starting at £15 a night (up to 7m) for visitors, and annual berths costing from £130 per metre. Concessions are available for local residents wishing to berth their boat in the marina.

The marina is within a secure gated area, with 24 hour CCTV and access to the pontoons and shower block is via an alpha-numeric keypad. Free wifi is available in various locations close to the marina.

Fuel is available at the Old Quay and gas is available nearby. A well-stocked chandlery is situated in the town centre. There is recycling available on site. Various marine trades are available in Campbeltown, details on request from the Marina Manager.

Recently appointed Marina Manager, Calum Lawson commented: “I’m really looking forward to welcoming visitors to this fantastic new facility. Campbeltown is a perfect destination in a prime location for a quick stopover or longer stay and can provide everything a visitor could require. The Campbeltown and Kintyre summer programme is packed with events and festivals, so please contact me any time for local information and bookings.”

For those wishing to berth their boat at Campbeltown long term, there are excellent travel links to the area. Campbeltown Airport, with its scheduled flights to Glasgow, is a 10-minute taxi ride away. There is a car ferry link to Ardrossan and a passenger only fast ferry to Northern Ireland (Ballycastle) and Islay. Buses also run 4 times a day from Glasgow.

November 2013 Newsletter

Published: 7th November 2013

The November Newsletter can be accessed here.

The latest 2014 Calendar information is now fully accessible, and will be updated as soon as changes are notified by organising clubs.

Clubs and their members are reminded that the next CYCA Delegates Meeting will be in March 2014. The effectiveness of the Association's activities is reliant on the skills and commitment of those on the committee. New members are actively sought. There are normally no more than four meetings per year and so participation need not be burdensome.

Nominations should be supported by one or more Constituent Clubs, and should be sent to the CYCA Office by mid-February.

VHF Channel Blocked?

Published: 11th July 2013

The problem experienced in 2012 and earlier in 2013 with two foul-mothed "pals" blocking Ch72 for protracted periods appears to have been resolved. The assistance of OfCom Scotland in addressing this is appreciated.

CalMac access to island piers.

Published: 29th April 2013

The CMAL Notice to Mariners can be accessed here, and gives full details of the piers affected. With the increased size of the vessels now operating these services, it is possible that some revisions may be required regarding existing authorised anchorage and/or moorings areas.

Until such time as this has been fully assessed and remedial action taken, skippers should be aware of the potential problems. All normal common sense precautions should be taken, including weather and weather forecast monitoring, and a proper watch maintained on VHF whilst on board.

Coastguard Search and Rescue reorganisation

Published: 16th January 2013

Clyde Coastguard (MRCC Clyde) closed on 18th December 2012. Search and Rescue coordination responsibility for Clyde, Campbeltown and Islay lifeboats transferred to Belfast Coastguard and for Oban and Tobermory lifeboats to Stornoway Coastguard.

The contact phone numbers are - Belfast Coastguard 02891-463933 and Stornoway Coastguard 01851-702013. Calls via the 999 service will be routed accordingly.

Time-expired pyrotechnics

Published: 12th December 2012

The latest guidance from MCA is 'Leisure sailors who need to dispose of time expired pyrotechnics should phone Belfast Coastguard on 02891 463933 or Stornoway Coastguard on 01851 702013 for advice on their closest drop off point.'

This updates the earlier guidance, which was:

From 1 April 2010 HM Coastguard will only accept out of date pyrotechnics at 18 designated sites across the UK from members of the public only. In order to use the service the public will need to contact one of the sites to make an appointment to drop items off. Information and contact details will be published formally in due course, however a press notice was issued on 21 December 2009 detailing the changes and the locations of the sites. A copy of the press notice can be found at this link.

The service at these sites will continue to remain free of charge.

The changes to the service have been necessitated following the changes of regulations for the storage of explosives on our sites which have required the MCA to instal completely new compliant storage facilities at each of these designated sites. Due to the requirements of meeting these regulations it has not been possible for MCA to make available additional facilities. It should be noted that the MCA has no obligation to provide disposal facilities and the service provided should not be viewed as the primary route of disposal within the UK. It should only be used if all other avenues of disposal have been exhausted. The government ultimately believes that the responsibility for the disposal of out of date flares should rest with the manufacturers and distributers of these items and should not be a burden on the public purse.

There will be no facility at MRCC Clyde (which is located at Greenock) because the current land owner, the MoD, will not give us permission to store either in date or out of date pyrotechnics on this site. The site has not accepted out of date flares since 2007.

The nearest designated site to Greenock will be Girvan; facilities will also be available at MRCC Forth and Cruden Bay.

It is intended that the current facilities will be systematically withdrawn over the next couple months as the new system is introduced which will be fully operational by 1 April 2010.

Yet more serious damage at the Burnt Isles

Published: 16th August 2012

Following a spate of groundings, including serious damage to a number of boats, the Kyles of Bute were re-surveyed on the instruction of Clydeport and a revised Admiralty Chart (1906) was published in 2003.

The CYCA produced guidance notes in its 2004 Yearbook, and these have remained on the website since then.

Given yet more damage to yachts in recent weeks, an additional link to the CYCA guidance notes is provided here.

In particular, skippers' attention is drawn to the Woodfarm Bay Rock - pass "close BUT NOT TOO CLOSE" to the green buoy marking this rock.

If you draw 2m or more, and it is anywhere near Low Water, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

Is YOUR Lifejacket Safe?

Published: 27th June 2012

This is a statement from Peter Howland who managed the inspections:

"The jackets that give me the most concern are those that, in my opinion, could not have worked. These include those with a missing or fired gas cylinder, as well as those with very loose cylinders that would allow gas to escape rather than inflate a lifejacket. Also in this category are those automatic jackets where the firing capsule is either missing or fired.

"Another category are those jackets that in my opinion probably would not have worked or remained inflated. These include jackets with loose cylinders (that will quickly become very loose) and badly corroded cylinders that will wear a hole in the bladder.

"Other issues that cause concern are those jackets that are subject to manufacturers' recalls, are in poor condition or showing signs of wear or have out of date firing capsules.

"All the above faults are those that would be picked up by a service agent at the jacket's annual or two year service, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and warranty. This advice is usually printed on the information label or on the inside of the jacket.

"I would strongly advise that all lifejackets should be regularly checked by the owners for the above points and inflated with a small pump and left overnight to verify gas retention.

"All this advice can be found on the RNLI website here as well as in the RNLI's interactive Complete Guide to Sea Safety, available at most chandleries or by contacting RNLI on 0800 3280600 or from any of the RNLI's local Sea Safety teams.

"I would urge yachtsmen to read this advice as it may well ensure the efficiency of your lifejacket and prolong the life of the jacket and the wearer."

New Edition - Clydeport Marine Leisure Guide

Published: 27th June 2012

You can download the new Marine Leisure Guide using the link opposite.

130% Overlap Requirement Removed

Published: 2nd January 2012

The Association is introducing a significant change, becoming effective for the 2012 season: the long-standing criteria associated with the Furling Headsail Allowance are being amended to remove the requirement for an overlap of 130% or more.

Overlap is traditionally measured using the ratio of LP (luff perpendicular, clew to luff) to J (stem to mast). For furling headsails, where this ratio is greater than 1.3 an allowance of 0.25 minutes per hour has been available. Additionally, since December 2009, it has been possible to claim for additional allowance related to Furling Drum Height (tack point height “up the forestay”) based on a sliding scale related to the percentage reduction in effective forestay length.

The Handicap Committee has become increasingly aware of a trend in yacht design which has led to masts being positioned further forward. Associated with this, headsails have typically reduced in size, and with that the overlap ratios have also been reduced. This has resulted in an increasing number of cruiser classes becoming ineligible for any allowance, despite being equipped with furling headsails.

In parallel, the 130% criterion has disallowed the use of smaller headsails that would frequently be more appropriate for owners wishing (or requiring) to sail short-handed.

Debate within the Association has been lengthy. It has long been recognised that the 130% requirement (still used in determining IRC handicaps) was intended to compensate for the considerable inefficiencies associated with furling a large-overlap sail. It can be argued that, without this requirement, boats will use sails which do not need to be furled – and will therefore receive an allowance to compensate for no real problem.

The counter-arguments proved to be more persuasive:

• It will still be a requirement that THE SAME FURLING SAIL must (other than a storm jib) be the ONLY headsail used in any event or series
• The smaller furling headsails used by today’s designs with forward-positioned masts are still significant design compromises, and an allowance is appropriate versus anyone using a non-furling headsail
• Anything which reduces the deterrents to participation in events must be a positive step
• Any perceived abuse of this change can be addressed via the normal handicap revision process
• Limitations will be applied whereby self-tacking jibs and foresails which are furled only for “storage” whilst going downwind will not be eligible.

Owners who have been unable to claim an allowance due to the 130% limitation can now apply for a revised handicap. For all applications made via email before 31st March 2012, a revised handicap certificate will be issued free.

For all other applications, including new requests for Dual Certificates, an admin fee of £5 will be payable.

Any questions on this change should be addressed to the CYCA Office (phone 01436-821234)
or email us.

CYCA Newsletter Nov 2011

Published: 20th November 2011

This newsletter provides an update on various items of relevance to constituent clubs, and in particular gives details of buoyage changes made - or about to be made - by Clydeport.

Keelboat Racing Meetings

Published: 8th November 2011

Turnouts have been disappointing in 2011, following a pattern of gradual decline in recent years. This is in spite of a reduced number of regattas in the calendar in comparison with 15-20 years ago.

It is recognised that this is a situation which is not unique to the Clyde, but it remains a serious concern. The meeting was convened to pull together interested parties for an open "no holds barred" discussion on what actions might be taken to reverse the trend.

Copies of the reports based on the 2008 Survey can also be accessed here via the links.

The Association has consolidated the significant amount of feedback from the meeting. A follow up meeting was held on 7th November, but limited support means that progress on action items will be slow.

Bio-diesel for Boats

Published: 29th September 2011

The problems with bio-diesel in marine engines

The key elements to the smooth running of any marine engine on bio-diesel are the volume of diesel used and good housekeeping on the part of the owner.

Boats such as motor boats with recently-built engines and which use a large volume of diesel and turn it over regularly should be less affected if they have bio-diesel in their tanks and engines – however, they will need to change diesel filters etc at very frequent (possibly inconvenient) intervals – see later.

The problems lie with older engines and those boats, particularly sailing yachts, who use very little diesel over the course of a year.

See the associated article.

Marine Activities Licensing for clubs

Published: 26th July 2011

There is a new form for renewal of section 34 consents for moorings, which should now be used (list all moorings but submit as a single application).

However, dredging by any means including water injection, agitation, or ploughing will now need to be licensed.

Existing CPA or FEPA licences will continue to be valid till their expiry date, after which the new Marine Licence will be needed. Note also that all Marine Licence applications must be advertised in a publication local to the proposed works area (Yachting Life does not count!).

The Licensing Operations Team of Marine Scotland (MS-LOT) are very much feeling their way into uncharted waters with these changes, which are transitional as discussions on activities that can be exempted or registered rather than licensed are still on-going. RYA Scotland tried hard to get all maintenance dredging exempted but was unsuccessful in this. It still hopes to gain some exemptions.

The MS-LOT web pages have not yet been fully updated. The team have been very helpful and have kept RYAS fully informed of what is going on but they are constrained by the legislation. Please contact them directly if you are in any doubt as to what you need to do. It would be helpful if you could report your experience with the new system to consultations@ryascotland.org.uk so that they can identify any problems that need to be addressed.

New ISAF RRS Q&A booklet available

Published: 27th April 2011

A comprehensive PDF is available from ISAF providing clarification of many of the finer points on the Racing Rules of Sailing.

Follow this link to download. (Note that the PDF is over 2MB in size.)

Advertising Code - regulations changed.

Published: 6th March 2011

ISAF via RRS and RYA via a Guidance Document have now set the default assumption to "advertising is allowed". The CYCA, as owner of the CYCA Handicapping System, is therefore no longer required to declare a position.

The ISAF/RRS position therefore prevails, and the CYCA guidance on this topic is withdrawn.

Race Management Guidelines

Published: 22nd February 2011

The CYCA meets with other estuary users in a number of forums, many focused on ensuring compliance with the Port Safety Code introduced after the "Sea Empress" and "Marchioness" accidents.

The Race Management Guidelines reflect agreed operational practice which is designed to avoid incidents between organised sailing events and commercial or naval shipping.

Particular note should be taken of the need for prior contact with Clydeport Estuary Control and the QHM Office at Faslane; and for laid regatta marks to be outside Shipping Channels and avoiding the need for racing yachts or dinghies to "bunch" at marks which may be close to a channel.

TCFs Revert to 4 decimal places

Published: 10th November 2010

The Association has decided to revert to 4 Decimal places for the Time Correction Factor (TCF) which is derived from the Clyde Handicap assigned in minutes per hour by the Handicap Committee. A handicap of n min/hr converts to a TCF of (60 - n)/60, and the TCF is used to multiply a boat's elapsed time for a race into the corrected time from which finishing position are determined.

When TCFs were reduced from 4 to 3 decimal places in 2003, most handicaps were assigned to the nearest 0.25 min/hr, and - although it was recognised that there would be winners and losers to the tune of a few seconds in an average race - it was felt that 3 decimal places adequately reflected the precision of the process. Since that time, boat designs have progressively introduced variants which have required subtle distinctions to be made. Recent efforts to recognise Furling Drum Height impacts on headsail efficiency have also seen small to medium handicap allowance increments awarded. Rounding to 3 decimal places risks losing the intended differentiations, hence the decision to revert to 4 decimal places.

Major results services such as the Eastmore/Raynet support for Scottish Series and Kip Regatta, and HAL's Racing Results (HRR) which is used by a growing number of clubs, will cope with this change for the 2011 season. In both cases, minutes per hour will be entered as per the boat's Handicap Certificate. Where clubs are using another handicap calculation tool, perhaps spreadsheet-based, appropriate changes should be made. The TCF/mph conversion table on this website has been updated and can be used to find the correct TCF. Any club requiring advice should contact the office.

All new certificates issued by the Association will show 4 decimal places, and any owner wishing a replacement certificate can obtain one at no cost by contacting the office.