Tuesday 25 August 2009

A sight for Bank Holiday Monday

Clipper 09 - 10 Round The World Yacht Race: Departure of Yachts From Portsmouth 31 August 2009

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth that the ten Clipper Yachts participating in the Clipper “Round the World” (RTW) Yacht Race will depart from Portsmouth on Monday 31 August 2009 en-route to the Humber where the race will start on 13th September 2009. To mark the occasion, the Clipper Yachts will be escorted out of Portsmouth Harbour by a supporting Flotilla of yachts and other boats led by the 60 foot Clipper Yacht “SERICA”.
2. In order to provide a timely and safe departure of the Clipper Yachts and the escorting Flotilla, the following plan and closed harbour routine will be in force:1330-1400 Clipper Race Yachts depart from Royal Clarence Marina.1415-1430 Supporting Flotilla Boats form up on the south side of the entrance to Fareham Creek upstream from Shell Pier, co-ordinated by “SERICA” (call sign “Clipper Flotilla”). “SERICA” will co-ordinate all movements with “QHM” on VHF Ch 11; Flotilla Boats will be utilising VHF Ch 69 for all private traffic.1425-1530 Portsmouth Main Channel closed to inbound vessels. 1430-1440 Clipper Race Yachts form up on the north side of the entrance to Fareham Creek, N/NW from No 3 Buoy.1447 Clipper Race Yachts commence Formation Departure down Portsmouth Harbour1450 Supporting Flotilla departs holding position and follows in wake of Clipper Race Yachts, led by “SERICA”. 1500 Clipper Race Yachts pass through Harbour Entrance, followed by supporting Flotilla.
3. Once through the main entrance, the Clipper Race Yachts and Flotilla will pass close to the Southsea shore line. After passing Southsea Castle (approximately 1530) the Clipper Race Yachts will proceed independently to the Humber whilst the supporting flotilla will disperse and act independently.
4. All mariners are to keep a good lookout and remain well clear of the Clipper Yachts and their support craft during their transit and exit of the harbour.
5. Cancel this Local Notice To Mariners Tue 1st Sep 2009 (8 days)