Chairman's Blog 6 Sep 2011

Following my meeting with Adam today, here are my notes on progress:

1. Pontoons:
   1. a. New man-made surface will not be installed immediately, it awaits £25k finances.
   2. b. Bolts and brackets are being repaired.
   3. c. Forth Belle will be moving back to its original mooring, not on pontoons.
   4. d. New edge lights are to be trialled on the new pontoons. Will then be used on new surface of current pontoons when resurfaced.
2. Fuel tank. A new tank will be purchased and installed on the pier complete with fuel polisher, electronic payment and capacity of 15k ltrs.
3. Heating. Heating in main block is proposed for replacement.
4. Waste. Bins have been moved to ensure only berth holders use for waste. Trade waste is being considered separately.
5. Parking. There is to be no parking on the pier as it impedes marina tasks. Signage and the barrier will control.
6. Safety. Gangway childproof netting has been progressed. (again).
7. Crane. Crane servicing of swivels and motors is being completed and crane will take 4.5 tons or 5 without spreaders.
8. Anodes. Anodes on pontoons have been replaced and the next task is to replace them on piles.
9. Boatsheds. Shed 4 doors are to be enlarged to improve access for larger boats and more space made available.
10. Vehicles. The yard tractor is to be replaced, as will the marina van, with more economical, serviceable and adaptable vehicles.
11. Shed 8. More spaces are to be made available and use will be on a first come-first served basis. Spaces will be reserved for short term use for repairs etc.
12. Boat spaces. The grassed area has been newly meshed and reseeded.
13. Main car park. As is obvious an area has been prepared for bridge anchor point maintenance. When complete (18 months) it will be returned to the marina with a fair surface.
14. The weather station project is continuing, albeit slowly.

Chairman's Blog 17 Aug 2011

The second meeting held on 16 Aug to discuss the Project to manage the marina after EL took place at PE. There was plenty of discussion around what it would mean, what it would entail, the territory, the financing and the difficulties that might face any team managing the marina. Several people are investigating those points and as one might expect much is not readily available for immediate consumption however, they shared what they had gathered. Furthermore the Council has yet to produce the document that defines what is required in the form of an invitation to bid. The crucial point there is that that information has to be made available by the Council in a suitable form for not only a community project (such as ours might be) but also for commercial companies who might be interested in taking on Port Edgar.

Brian Smellie and I are helping and have been very involved already and are making clear the views of BHA members when considering what is to be done (and charged).

The main concerns are what is entailed and how is it to be financed. As that information is not yet clear it is uncertain how this is to be completed and the shape of the management. I am sorry I cannot be more precise at this stage but as soon as we can I/we will let you know more.

How is this for an invitation though? We are planning a meeting in October, probably 7pm on the 10^th, in the Yacht Club to hear about progress on the Bridge Construction project and a second presentation on the Marina Management project. Hopefully that will help update you on where we are and what is going on.

Fair winds

Frank Pullen

Chairman's Blog - 13 June 2011

Following the Committee Meeting of last week I met Adam and here are the notes from that meeting:

• Membership Renewal. Adam has promised to insert the BHA renewal onto next year's form and has already drafted the amendment.
• Weather Station. Graeme Scott and myself met Adam last week and the project will go ahead and a feasibility report has been drawn up. Graeme will be meeting FPA to ensure that our plans will not interfere with the Radar etc., that they need for their operations.
• Pontoon maintenance. Boards are being replaced as and when discovered broken. Links and pile guides are being progressively replaced.
• New Crane. There will not be a new crane for some time.
• Dredging. There is not a great deal of good luck with Thumper. After less than 100 hrs. since the engine refurbishment the Port engine has blown a head gasket!
• Notice board. The BHA new notice board will be mounted on the Loop shed wall with a backing board, if necessary, imminently.
• Stud Bolts. These have been ground down.
• Boat Jumble. A third boat jumble is to be held on Sunday 26 February 2012.
• Marine Diesel prices. This subject has been checked and we are being sold diesel at the correct rate and taxation levels.
• Gangway. Welding netting on the gangway landings is now on the marina task sheet.

Licences and security numbers: Several members had not received licences nor the revised gate codes. This will be investigated.

The Eastern toilet block. EL/Council maintenance team will be progressed. In the meantime a new sign will be placed on the doors.

Jim Reid's note was discussed and the following is the outcome:

• Pressure washing of pontoons. Walkways will be done but fingers will not as the spray dirties boat topsides.
• Crane. The crane will not now be purchased.
• Tyre Barrier. The problem is well known however, it is not expected to be worked on in the current climate.
• Dredging. See above.
• Safety when craning. Masts are to be fully prepared for stepping or otherwise; staff may request that the owner takes the fore stay when dismasting to prevent damage. The staff will do all work necessary under suspended loads.
• Maintenance of pontoons. See above.
• Security. Leaving gates open will be investigated.
• Eastern Car Park Surface. The car park surface has been levelled but is unlikely to be resurfaced. However, to the west of the dinghy park an area will be “grass creted” to provide parking spaces where there is currently grass.
• Western Toilet Block. See above.
• Toilet and changing room privacy . Separate changing areas and supervision of young marina users was discussed and will be taken up by the School and marina management.
• Rates booklet. The booklet was published later than expected but is freely available now.

Frank Pullen

Chairman's Blog - 8 June 2011

At the committee meeting on Monday 6th June we put together a decision on the stance that we think the BHA should take following the departure of Edinburgh Leisure in 2014. In essence we would like to see the continuance of the marina and so we favour a joint effort with whomsoever will get together with us to offer a “community” effort to generate new management . We are sure that you will agree with that decision. Should you have any comment upon that please email us.

The following day several BHA members were at the PEYC meeting. Following an introduction by Terry Kirchin, Commodore PEYC, presentations were made by four speakers: Keith Giblett, Chair of S.Queensferry Community Council; Martin Latimer who managed the startup of marinas; me talking about Blyth and the Royal Nurthumberland Yacht Club's efforts; and finally Norman Hill, Client Manager of First Ports.

These gave some ideas of the potential of the marina, which we all endorse, and the availability of funds and the ways that can be used to startup the management of the marina.

Initially PEYC are to put together a project team. It is to be composed of a number of volunteers of whom two will be Brian Smellie and me. As things progress we will keep you apprised. In addition I will pass on the formal notes that will interest you.

What is clear is that the effort will be very much a joint one and communication will be important. I will be more frequent with Blogs on this in addition to normal BHA matters.

Chairman's Blog - May 2011

PONTOONS

You may have heard or seen Jim Watson's problems with the separation of the flotation block from his pontoon in the nasty weather of the last week. That resulted in the pontoon sinking and the block threatening his hull.

Please examine your pontoon. If you have suspicions about its integrity inform the marina office as soon as you can. The matter is being taken up with the management.

EL DEVELOPMENTS

At yesterday's meeting EL informed us (BHA, PEYC, Local businesses and councillors) that they expect to withdraw from managing the marina in 2013/2014. Stephanie Anne Harris Head of Sport and Physical activity was present. As this was such news, it was decided that a discussion was needed to compile the optioins and, if necessary, an action plan.

I will update you as soon as I have news or to draw your attention to meetings taking place.

In order that we may speak with a louder voice than so far has been possible, we would like you to encourage as many as possible to join the BHA. The greater the representation the more seriously we will be taken by those who should listen.

Chairman's Blog – Feb 2011

I was asked to point out to Marina Management that there are a number of tasks that have not been completed despite our prodding. The result of that discussion with Adam, and Sec in attendance, is as follows:

1. Notice Board. If we buy a suitable board the marina will contribute £100.

2. Toilets at Eastern end of the site: The roof leaks and water flows through the electrics. Water and power switched off and EL Maintenance are costing roof repair. They will be hastened for early conclusion.

3. Pontoon Maintenance. £10,000 of boards are used each year. Currently a new fibreglass mesh is being considered by the Marina to cover the main walkway (but are not committed to it yet).

4. Drying out berth. A shopping list is being costed and will be added to staff task list. Pointed out that it should be finished to coincide with craning-in to enable anti-fouling of stand pad marks. Marina advise that this cannot happen until post April since their budget will not allow.

5. Stud bolts and child wires are being tasked this week. We reminded Adam that this is to be completed before season starts.

We discussed the silting that appears to be inevitable from bridge construction. When the contractor is appointed in April 2011 EL will pursue the contractor to clear up what sediment they disturb and are also to look at providing extensions to breakwaters following hydrographic study.

Chris Tonks (City of Edinbugh Council) is carrying out a condition survey in preparation for site leasing developments.

The Sailing School is to be separated as a standalone cost centre to enable effective analysis of income and expenditure. In addition a separate sailing school for windsurfing and kayak-ing is to be set up at Portobello, under the aegis of PE sailing school.

Bosun's Locker is to hire Shed 3 to enable expansion of their business.

Mast de-stepping is to be charged at £60, £80, £100 dependent upon size. There will be no constraint so if it takes more than 20 minutes there will be no additional charge. We were assured that prices are competitive with those charged on the West Coast. Crane-age charges are not yet calculated but charges for the new crane, now due in June, will be adjusted to align with experience and the reduced staff requirement. (The pier-head crane is currently unserviceable but is being repaired in time for craning in bookings.)

Chairman's Blog: 27 January 2011

Hope everyone had a good season of merriment after which comes a time of lists of tasks and purchases to get our boats ready for the next season on the water. I have caught up with the Marina Management with the following brief on progress so far:

1. Diesel: Following the EU directive on new diesel with biofuel there may have to be some changes. The Marina is investigating supplies with a view to making a definitive statement of the fuel they will sell. It would pay all boat owners to check on what fuel they use and the directive to ensure that damage doesn't follow engine use. It is always a sensible precaution to use a biocide in diesel tanks over winter anyway. More news to follow.

2. Membership renewal: There is insufficent space on the application form for our membership prompt. A letter will be sent with invoices (as last year).

3. Weather station: Progress has slowed and PEYC has been prompted. We and the marina are still willing to fund the project this year (2011).

4. Drying out Berth: No movement on this front yet but we have urged that this be done before boats are launched for next season so that painting of pad marks can take place.

5. Pontoons: The new pontoons are installed. Water and electricity are being connected up. Water pipes are being repaired following the freeze(s).

6. Gangways: Marina has been requested to fix “childwires” at the landings on the gangways.

7. Crane: Crane delivery is being postponed, more news later.

8. Dredging: Dredging will take place now that Thumper is fully serviceable (contaminated engine oil has caused a delay). Around D and between A and B are first on the list.

9. Notice Board: Marina has promised assistance with providing a new notice board.

10. Stud bolts: No progress and awaits manpower.

11. AGM: Marina management have been invited to give a briefing at the AGM.

12. Port Edgar initiative: There has not yet been any change since last September. However a meeting is to be arranged where all interested parties will be invited to outline their plans to enable a development plan to be drawn up.

13. BHA Jumble Sale: 27 Feb is the date and the sailing school shed has been booked. Marina will provide tables, chairs and large signs for the sale and the Bar!

14. Next Committee Meeting: Lecture room has been booked for 7 Feb meeting.

15. Bridge contracts/negotiations: The successful contractor is expected to be announced in April. More news later.

16. Shed Door sizes: Enlarging shed doors to accommodate larger boats will form part of any development plan. More news later.

17. Applications for berths have been sent out. Berthing fees have been increased 3%. Cranage fees have altered too. Fees will change on 1 Apr so early launches will attract current fees.

18. Free coaching: The marina will offer free mooring training to those allocated berths on the new pontoons.

19. Recycling: A new terminal for bins will be prepared and notified with suitable signage. All boat owners will be urged to use them responsibly.

Happy New Year all!!!

Frank Pullen


Chairman, BHA