Marina update 10.06.25
Implementation of a Marina Duty Manager (from current staff in position) is in works to allow more time for Jake to complete his other duties within the town council and delegate some responsibility to others.
MAINTENANCE
Minor duties being completed are:
- Building of a bin store.
- Refurbishment of life rings and the storage boxes.
- Reinstate pontoon C and reconnect power supply.
- Flags reinstated .
- All cleats re fastened and wooden boards placed under.
SAND & SILT MANAGEMENT
The dredging works have been completed last week of which I am very happy with and K.Coghlan have done a great job as ever. They are able to come back and clear some more if required FOC due to one dump truck breaking down.
I have also been in talks with a berth holder who has his own dredger and will be ensuring it is up together and then be able to assist us in keeping the channel clear and managing the silt/ sand that settles within the marina. I hope for the mid/ short term this is an acceptable means of management until a much bigger long term plan can be created.
Upon a meeting with IWC it was apparent that no monies would be available from them. They are supportive of any plan that we can put in place. I further meeting and talks needs to be held with both IWC and the EA to discuss this.
Thank you,
Marina update 25.03.25
An update for you all with regards to the plans and operations at Ryde Marina.
We are currently trying to collate all contracts for the new season starting on 01/04/25. Of which we only have about 60% so are chasing the remaining berth holders.
We have recruited another part time marina staff member in Frank O’Keeffe who was previously employed by us on a casual basis, so we are able to welcome him as a permanent member of the team.
All minor maintenance jobs are being completed by the staff on duty, including but no limited to;
- Relocation of the channel markers to reflect the changing channel.
- Refixing fibre-grid boards down after the installation of electric.
- Replacement of bolts joining two sections of pontoons together and the alignment.
- Repainting of upright piles.
- Powerwashing pontoons.
- Clearing and Powerwashing of slipway.
- Repair of damaged pontoons.
- Harbour arm maintenance (sink holes and weeding)
I know a number of you will be wondering about the state of the silting up within the marina. To address this we have cleared the entrance and approaching channel at the first availability within our dredging licence so as not to break and laws which was completed by the first week of February.
Both the entrance and any silt/sand that has built up between the “fisherman’s” pontoon and “A” pontoon will be cleared out the week commencing 28/04/25 which should then see us through the summer. Obviously if this needs revisiting then we will action as soon as possible as per our berthing conditions we hold you and ourselves too.
I envisage up to a 1M being removed in some areas to allow an even basin across the marina. A capital dredge of the whole marina will not be complete until the sand on the adjacent beach is lowered/ brough back to a state that is manageable. This is down to the IWC to complete and we are Ryde Town Council do not have the funds to complete a task that should be being paid for by the Isle of Wight Council. We do however wish to look to work with them, along with the Environment Agency as I believe they also have to answer questions with the sand causing issues on the road, drainage and flooding. This is something we are in talks with both about, but unable to give a timeframe on this unfortunately.
Thank you,
Ryde Marina Team
Marina update 05.09.24
Good afternoon,
here is the latest update to all berth holders and visitors on the recent jobs and future plans for the marina.
WE FINNALY HAVE ELECTRIC INSTALLED. For what seems like a lifetime of waiting we finally have all electric hook up points installed on all 3 pontoons. Making it available for both visitors and permanent berth holders. With this came the installation of a security gate at the entrance/exit to the pontoons, improving the security across the marina.
We have key fobs available at a charge of £5 each to allow entry to the pontoons and avoid having to remember the code (which will change in conjunction with the shower and toilet block code).
We have already been in contact with PCConsultants about now having WiFi installed across the Marina. Once I have further news about this i will of course keep you all updated.
There is a Marina Liaison group meeting scheduled for this month. once this is complete I shall pass on the minutes and any matters arising form this onto the berth holders.
Winter maintenance works will begin soon some of which include the replacing of finger pontoon boards that require attention, replacing broken pontoon floats, the fixing of the fibre grid boards, weeding, painting and general repairs.
Thom has left the team to complete his Yachtmasters with UKSA and wish him all the best with this and will be a big loss to us. We will be looking for a replacement in the new year to help cover the hours required here.
New chart depth datum for the marina and the channel week commencing 09/09/24 and will update the website accordingly. Please note that this is only a guide and is accurate at the time, date and weather conditions.
As always if you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to send us an e-mail, visit the office or give us a call.
Thank you
Ryde Marina team
Marina update 22.05.24
Good morning,
here is the latest update to all berth holders and visitors on the recent jobs and future plans for the marina.
In recent weeks we have completed the clearance of sand around the marina entrance. We have also put(what we hope is) the beginning of a solution from the entrance building up with sand. Only time will tell whether we were successful or not. This ensures safe navigation in and out of the marina for berth holders and visitors. We have also replaced the chains and sinkers for all our channel markers and put them in their former positions on Ryde Sands. Please be sure to stick to the channel to avoid shallow water around the marina.
There will be a new face around the Marina this year. We have recruited a new member of staff called Sam who is new to the boating and the marine industry so will be learning his trade with the guidance of the current staff so please welcome him when you see him.
Our new gate has arrived and been installed which will have a 4 digit code to enter. Berth holders will also have the option of buying a key fob for £5 to gain access, this gate will come into use at the same time as the power on the pontoons.
Our new flags are now being flown along the marina wall and will stay here until September (subject to good weather)
All cables and works being carried out by our electrician are being completed and were working towards the initial date given to us by SSE of “the end of May” Unfortunately the date we have been given for the electricity from SSE is July 17th, To say we are unhappy about this change is an understatement. We have done everything in our power to get the electricity on for berth holders but ongoing issues with SSE and overall delays in their works it has been difficult, we apologise for the inconvenience that this has caused and thankyou for your patience.
The large steel boat “CHOUETTE” that crashed into the side of the pier back in July 23 that subsequently became detained by the MCA in Ryde marina should be leaving the marina on 28th May (Solent conditions permitting).
We will be completing new chart depth datum for the marina and the channel tomorrow (23/05/24) and will update the website accordingly. Please note that this is only a guide and is accurate at the time, date and weather conditions.
As always if you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to send us an e-mail, visit the office or give us a call.
Thank you
Ryde Marina team
Marina update 04.03.24
Hi everyone,
We at Ryde Marina have faced challenges and successes during the last year and wish to update you all on them as we now look ahead to the 2024/25 season.
Staffing:
We still currently have our 3 contracted members of staff Jake, Thom and Mike all working throughout the year. We have 2 other staff members in Frank and John who assist during the busier summer months.
This year will see a number of RTC staff assisting with the office work allowing our marina trained staff more capacity to be on the pontoons and carrying out practical work.
The beachfront staff will also be returning to assist during the busier months and running the beachfront operations with management from the marina team.
Health and Safety:
All Marina staff have completed their Marina operative course through our membership with the BMF (British Marine Federation).
This included completing the following courses;
First aid at work
Fire marshall
Customer service
All staff members are now trained to RYA level 3 powerboat to assist in continued training, development and experience.
Jake will also be completing an internationally recognised course in May with the BMF(intermediate Marina Manager) again to further the expertise of our staff.
The entrance to the Marina has silted up yet again and this is again in hand and K. Coghlan will begin clearing this on 01/02/24 for a minimum of 10 tides. A long term solution to this issues is being worked on by a team at Portsmouth University and AtkinsRealis who are creating models to demonstrate what form of groin may be a solution to this problem.
Security
The staff at the marina have built a strong relationship with both Hampshire constabulary and the marine unit. They are always on hand to assist the team with any issues that may arise and working closely with them to improve their presence in and around the marina.
April 2024 will see the installation of a key coded gate to the pontoons to help improve the security of the Marina. This has already been commissioned and the deposit paid so is in the process of being constructed.
Other areas
The installation of the electric hook ups have been a frustration for both you as berth holders and us as staff. We as staff have completed all areas that we are able to do, installing the electric units, running and cutting all the cables under the pontoons.
The hold up is with IWC not issuing a licence to run the power from Eastern gardens to the pontoons. This has been chased by staff constantly. We are pushing for this to be put through asap as it has been going on for an unfathomable amount of time.
The completion of the Shower and toilet facilities last year was a much needed improvement and feel they have been welcomed by all. This area will be maintained by in house cleaners and any maintenance issues can be rectified by Marina staff.
Both an accessibility ramp to the office has been completed with hand rail to assist with access to all.
A bin compound has been constructed to try and improve the look of the marina area and make it a cleaner looking space.
Completion of all main pontoon walkways has been successful and ensured that it is hardwearing and safer to walk on during the cold winter months.
All finger pontoons have been inspected and any rotting or damaged boards have been replaced to ensure safety.
Once the electric is installed then free WiFi will then be available to all berth holders for use whilst at the marina along with the installation of a further webcam showing the entrance of the marina.
A new marina work boat was purchased after the sale of the original boat which will assist in the moving of vessels and works in and around the marina. Which has proven invaluable to staff and berth holders who required assistance.
I appreciate that some of you may have been frustrated to say the least with a number of aspects over the last year but please be aware all of us at Ryde Marina wish to see this place we all enjoy flourish. Each team members works tirelessly to ensure that berth holders/ visitors and the area of Ryde can benefit from this marina. There have been (what I believe to be) significant improvements made by us compared the previous owners to make this marina a useable and attractive place to moor and visit. We are not quite there yet but we are still working towards that end goal.
I believe we have already provided a number of improvements in the 2 short years since taking ownership as mentioned above. We as marina staff are always happy to speak with anyone wishing to do so, and will always help out where possible.
Thank you for your support and custom and look forward to seeing and speaking to you all again soon.
Thank you,
Jake Babington
(Marina Manager)