BOATWATCH REPORT FOR 2020

2020 was ushered in by a succession of six named storms that made landfall in the UK.

The first took form as Atiyah on December 6, 2019, and was followed by Storm Brendan on January 11, 2020. Three others erupted in the following month as Ciara, Dennis and Jorge, which made landfall on February 5, 11 and 27 respectively.

This gave rise to a number of incidents for Boatwatch with watchers reporting, amongst other sightings, a sunken boat near Restronguet Point; tackle shearing, rendering craft becoming untethered and one such incident involved myself and a neighbour going across to Halwyn and securing a loose boat.

Regrettably, the C-19 pandemic manifested itself and England went into the first lockdown on 23 March which meant that all forms of water sports were not permitted. From 13 May it was permissible to get on the creek again and, as a consequence, new boats appeared. Regrettably I have been contacted on more than one occasion regarding loose craft which can only mean that unless there is a mischievous water nymph - moorings, lines and anchors are not being satisfactorily employed.

Truro harbour office, Martin Watson of Watson’s quay and Falmouth coastguard, upon being contacted about any incident, have been both hugely helpful and proactive.

I would strongly urge all individuals, who are amongst the boating fraternity, to join Restronguet Creek Society and Boatwatch and, to encourage nonmembers, on adjacent moorings, to register.

Knowledge is powerful and without it incidents cannot be resolved. Once a message is relayed concerning a boating issue, Boatwatch springs into action and a resolution achieved.

To reiterate, please, please urge everyone you know who sails and whose vessel is in our creek to take up Boatwatch membership.

Ali Rowe
07801 903 358