Jeramy Grammer, vice chairman of THC, explained the
reasoning behind the new website and safety information.
He said: “Almanacs can sometimes be misleading. Sailors who have followed
almanacs to the letter have gone aground in the past.
“Teignmouth is a challenging port to enter and leave. The new website has
a lot of safety information on it and navigation guidance for entry and access
to the harbour, including the navigation marks.
“The site also contains details of moorings, facilities in Teignmouth and
any help available. It’s aimed at visiting sailors, for people cruising
along the South West coast.
“We’d like to encourage more sailors to come here. It’s a great
port for sailing schools to come to so their clients can test their yachtmaster
skills.
“Anyone coming into Teignmouth has got to get the tides right. They can
put their tidal planning into practice.”
The website provides details of any commercial shipping which is due into the
port, as THC has found the public love to know the names of the ships which
are coming and going and when they are expected in.
Jeremy said: “It’s a new image for the harbour. Teignmouth Harbour
Commission as a body is keen to look after users and visitors to the harbour.
“Teignmouth has so much to offer people; the town is very friendly and
has all the facilities needed.
“The South Coast is a great place to sail and Teignmouth is conveniently
located along the coast for sailors to call into.”
He added: “I’m hoping this new development will encourage recreational
mariners especially, to enjoy the delights of our estuary while at the same
time we’re hoping to provide a focal point for Teignmouth, information,
news and help to promote the town.”
Also among the new features on the site are the minutes of all the consultative
bodies and organisations involved in the running of the River Teign, a link
to Plymouth University’s coast-view project and other useful links such
as weather sites, the Teignmouth Harbour Emergency Plan and Oil Pollution Plan.
Graham Bond, clerk to the commission, added: “I hope it will make it
more user-friendly for visitors and locals alike.
“The website gives a far greater visibility to what goes on in the harbour,
it’s not just for guidance.”
Other developments provided by THC in order to increase safety for visiting
yachtsmen include a new dome on the Point Lighthouse.
The lighthouse was constructed during the 1880s of granite with a wood, steel
and zinc dome. The dome had fallen into disrepair and has been replaced with
a new one following the same dimensions and style as the original but instead,
made of fibreglass.
Graham said: “It’s indistinguishable from the original. We’ve
reflected the historic status of the lighthouse.
“The light remained on while the work, which took around four months, was
being carried out.”
And as part of its bid to increase visitor numbers, THC has installed a new
visitor’s pontoon, so now visitors have an alongside space to moor up
against, rather than being forced to pick up a buoy, adding to the user friendliness
of the port.
Ends
For further information, or to write a feature on Teignmouth, please
contact THC on 01626 772376
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