Off Harbour Road
Lift Out day 2025
Weather is not permitting
Please note that due to the extreme weather predicted for this week we have decided to cancel Thursday’s lift out.
However, we have still kept Friday as an option and have requested WaveTrade investigate the potential for Saturday as well.
Obviously all planned lifts this Thursday will move to Friday.
Please note Friday’s lift out is also now cancelled.
Based on three weather forecasts, there is a high probability we will be out of limits for safe lifting; WaveTrade have a mean wind speed limit of 8m/s (15 knots). However, strong gusts significantly impact on the positioning of boats in close proximity.
Forward plan: WaveTrade have crane availability for next Monday 27th and Thursday 30th or Wednesday 5th and Friday 7th the following week.
Over the next few days I will look a potential lift out on these days based on weather and, as the week progresses, tides because high tide moves to late afternoon which again impacts on the lift sequence due to draft and daylight after 17:30
Please keep an eye on your emails.
To help answer any questions skippers might have, I have detailed a few Q&As below:
Q: Why cancel Thursdays lift now?
A: If we don’t give adequate notice to WaveTrade then and we were unable to carry out any lifting operations we would incur the full crane hire.
Q: How did you arrive at the decision to cancel Thursdays lift?
A: Looking at 3 separate weather forecasts and tracking the low pressure front clearly indicates weather would be out of limits, this is also backed up with discussions held with WaveTrade.
Q: What is out of limits?
A: We don’t have a fixed wind speed, several factors impact on this which includes direction, duration, gusts and outlook. Boats have a significant windage, gusts cause sudden movement which builds its kinetic energy, maneuvering a load into a tight space will become unmanageable and could result in injury to personnel or boats. Crane operator will have clear guidelines on what conditions are acceptable and predicted winds exceed this.
Q: What happens now?
A: The lifting committee will look at suitable days where we can get a ‘window’ to lift the boats; ideally this would be two consecutive days but might end up being split. Crane availability and tide heights need to be factored in as well as potential weather issues.
Q: What should skippers do?
A: Make sure their boats are safe, keep an eye on emails and be available when lifting is re-scheduled.
It’s unfortunate we have several fronts heading our way and as a result we will need to change our plans accordingly but as sailors I’m sure we all understand this.
We (the WSSC) will endeavour to ensure we lift all 34 boats out of the water in a timely and safe manner and hopefully have an enjoyable couple of days.
Regards,
Chris
