Several thousand visitors flocked to the South Coast on 20 June for this year's Poole Afloat. With over 30 exhibiting companies and 17 boats showcased on the water, there was plenty for visitors to enjoy in the glorious sunshine throughout the day.
The event, organised by BMF Wessex enticed nearly 400 people onto the water with a successful Try-a-Boat feature which included a range of craft for those wishing to dip their toe in.
Whilst visitors tried their luck on the water, The Harry Paye Charity Day was coming to life further along the quay. The Charity festival pays homage to Poole's very own town protector and Pirate, Harry Paye who protected the town from siege over 600 years ago.
Next year's event is set to take place on Saturday 19 June. For more information or to exhibit please contact Celia Sharpe at wessex@britishmarine.co.uk
The British Marine Federation, with support from the South West RDA, has appointed Adam Corney to the newly created position of South West Regional Manager.
This new role aims to strengthen collaboration between industry, regional marine clusters and the RDA to support business growth and success.
The position represents a partnership between the BMF, the trade association for the leisure and small commercial marine industry and the Government's regional development agency in the South West, whose interest in the sector is broader, ranging from shipbuilding and equipment to marine renewables. With grant funding provided by the South West RDA the BMF is able to make the first step in moving forward its strategic vision of appointing regional managers to improve service to members and industry representation at a local level.
Adam joins the BMF from his former position as Executive Director of Marine South West, which closed at the end of March 2009. In his new role, based at the South West RDA's offices in Plymouth, Adam will report to Howard Pridding, Executive Director at the BMF.
BMF Chief Executive, Rob Stevens comments: "We are immensely grateful to the South West RDA for providing support to enable us to progress our regional manager concept. They have continually demonstrated a commitment to the marine industry and their partnership with us shows their determination to build on the legacy of their investment in Marine South West over many years.
"We are delighted to welcome Adam on board. His previous experience and deep knowledge of the industry in the South West is an obvious advantage in helping us deliver on our objectives. We are very confident that Adam, as an integral member of our team, will be invaluable in working with all stakeholders to maximise the opportunities that are available to best support our member companies in the South West."
Graham Harrison, South West RDA's Director of International Business, says: "The marine industry is a vitally important sector of the South West economy. Our support for this initiative continues our investment in the industry and the business networks that support it. We are delighted to be partnering with the BMF which has a great reputation for professionally supporting and representing its industry."
A networking evening was hosted by BMF Wessex on Tuesday 16 June, with an impressive 64 members and guests in attendance. The event, which took place in Poole, began with Inspector Alan Ewart giving an account of some police initiatives in the region. Phil Austen-Smith then informed the delegation of a charity challenge of a re-enactment of a journey originally made by the Cockleshell Heroes.
After a buffet supper, pedalo races, organised by Peter Gordon, were enjoyed by all on the lake. Ten teams of two took part with ÔThe Coleman 2' team of Steve Handy and Darren Billington taking the title. Second place went to ÔWives R Us' team of Jenny Starkey and Katie Robinson. David and Ben from Practical Boat Owner magazine came in third place. A cup was presented to the winners who will be asked to defend their title next year!
Dorset Police is advising members of the marine community to make the security of their boats and equipment a priority - as people get back on the water this summer.
The Marine Section will be out on patrol on the waterways of Dorset throughout the season as boat owners take advantage of the good weather and lighter evenings and get back on the water.
Inspector Alan Ewart explained: "We tend to see a big surge in the number of boats out on the water at this time of year as the weather improves and the evenings become lighter and I want to make sure people aren't complacent when it comes to security".
"Thieves are attracted to all kinds of things on boats and it's important to take the security of your boat as seriously as you would the security of your own home.
"Boat owners should always make sure their craft and equipment is kept safe by taking simple steps such as using good quality locks, making sure you don't leave items unattended and making sure all un-used items, such as ropes, are kept out of sight.
Dorset Police has put together the following security checklist for boat owners:
THE LAW RELATING TO BROKERAGE AND BOAT RETAILERS - Southampton on 15 October 2009
"The Law Relating to Brokerage and Boat Retailers" has recently been updated, making it more user friendly and easier to follow. It covers aspects like the Law of Contract, The Law of Tort, Liabilities, Sale of Goods Act, Trade Descriptions, VAT, RCD and Title and Registration. The objective of the course is to increase Brokers' and Boat Retailers' knowledge of law and legislation relating to the sale and purchase of craft in the European Union, reducing disputes and rejection by purchasers of craft. The course is aimed at those who have responsibility for the legal issues surrounding brokerage and retail.
HOW TO SELL - A PRACTICAL STEP BY STEP GUIDE - Egham on 1 December 2009
Having "the edge" when it comes to selling your goods and services is essential for your business and especially important in today's difficult economic climate. The better you are at selling, the bigger the return and success for your company. An excellent course just before the London Boat Show 2010, it provides participants with the skills to communicate more effectively with customers, colleagues and staff. Skill development is through a series of practical exercises using the participant's real business situations. Learning is through 'doing' not lecturing. Exercises are coached intensively so that participants can see immediate change. Some exercises are videotaped with individual review.
The cost of both courses is £145.00 + VAT (£166.75) each. For further information or to book on any of these courses, please contact Liv Whetmore Training Administrator British Marine Federation t: 01784 223631 f: 01784 475852 http://www.britishmarine.co.uk/
Natural England has completed a desk-based audit of the existing satisfactory and legally secure paths along EnglandÕs Coastline as part of their responsibilities under the Marine & Coastal Access Bill. The Audit identifies, at a high level, the stretches of English coastline which can be walked before encountering a section with no legally secure path. This equates to 2/3 of the English coastline being accessible and 1/3 with no satisfactory or legally secure path. Although the high level map appears to demonstrate long stretches of accessible coastline, no one stretch reaches further than two miles before it becomes inaccessible or restricted. Looking at the map on their website they show Bournemouth and Poole as being inaccessible!! Local input to the designation of the final path will be crucial. BMF will ensure that our coastal members will be in the best position to act as this process occurs and will be active at a national level. For further support, and information on the Coastal Access Provision and the progress that BMF have made on the Marine & Coastal Access Bill, please visit www.britishmarine.co.uk/m&cabill or contact Brian Clark, Environment Executive on 01784 223644 To look at the map go to their website; http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/places/coastalaccess/englandscoastpath/nationalmappage.aspx
Mermaid Marine Engines Ltd, one of the leading UK manufacturers and suppliers of marine diesel engines, has announced the appointment of Mark Tilley as the companyÕs new Sales Manager.
Most recently Mark has been employed as Sales and Marketing Director at Hybrid Marine with responsibility for sales of their marine hybrid systems. Prior to his role with Hybrid Marine Mark was European Sales Manager at Luhrs Marine with responsibility for their Hunter / Legend range of sailboats across Europe.
"Mark comes to us with a wealth of marine industry experience that will prove invaluable to Mermaid in continuing to grow our market share in an increasingly competitive marketplace," says MD Cyril Snare. "Mark's role with Mermaid will see him developing partner relationships with leading commercial and leisure boat manufacturers both in the UK and further afield, as well as working hard to ensure that our existing customer base continues to receive the quality of service for which Mermaid is so respectedÓ
Founded in 1970, Mermaid has been successful in delivering a range of high quality diesel engines to the marine industry for many years. Today Mermaid offers a complete range of marine diesel engine packages, a portfolio that has recently been extended with Mermaids appointment as FPT (Fiat Power Train) suppliers. This exciting addition to the range allows Mermaid to offer a lightweight, fuel efficient and cost effective product range with powers up to 863hp.
A group of 6 local surfers raised money for charity by stand up paddle boarding 15 miles across the open sea from Boscombe Pier to Yarmouth on 16th August 2009.
George Sharpe, main organiser of the event said ÒAfter facing some high winds at Highcliffe, rolling swell at Barton, sneaking past Hurst Castle we made it in to Yarmouth in 4 hours 15 minutes (15 miles in total distance) with aching arms, blistered hands and big grins. Why did we do it? For two worthy charities Julias House and Cancer Research UK and we are hoping to raise lots of money to help them continue their excellent workÓ.
There will be a fundraising party on the evening of September 5th at Urban Reef on Boscombe seafront from 7 to 11pm. Admission is free, there will be live music and an auction of items donated by local companies such as Animal, Sorted Surf Shop, Bournemouth Surfing Centre and King of Watersports to name a few.... It promises to be a great night http://www.justgiving.com.15milepaddle OR http://www.justgiving.com/15milepaddleCancerResearch
For further information on the event please call George Sharpe on 07886 499544
Celia Sharpe has been running the Secretariat of Wessex British Marine Federation (BMF) for 17 years one of the longest serving within the BMF. Celia arranged a get together for her Chairmen, of which there have been 8 over the 17 years of her service. During the course of the evening Jon Eads (BMF President) was heard to comment that they had been invited over for dinner, however by the end of the evening they had become dinner as the local population of biting insects made their mark on everyone. All the Chairmen paid tribute to Celia, commenting that the strength of Wessex BMF is largely down to the continuity of the secretariat with Celia's hand on the helm" PETER GORDON
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