£5000 Fine for Boater - 'Stealing The Wind'

[Alan de Enfield]

May be of interest to the 'Rag & Stick' merchants amongst us.

Following the expiry of a European Union derogation on interference with offshore wind installations, sailors can now be prosecuted for inflicting commercial losses on energy companies for the disruption of the airflow over turbines.

The yachtsman, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was sailing upwind of an East Coast wind farm whilst crossing the Thames estuary when he was intercepted by the wind farm patrol vessel and served with a notice of damages.

 

According to the new rules, sailing yachts of between seven and 18 metres (23-59ft), making way under sail within two miles of a wind farm on its windward side, can be fined up to £5,000. Sailing vessels over 18 metres, which will includes larger yachts and sail training vessels, could be fined as much as £8,500. All yachts will be required to either sail around a wind farm on its leeward side, or to lower sails and proceed under engine until clear of the of the wind farm’s 2-mile ‘no sail’ zone.

A spokesperson for the Offshore Energy Association said, ‘We are very pleased with the change to regulations concerning sailing vessels announced today. We have been campaigning to stop sailors inflicting significant commercial damages on our members’ wind farm operations for some time now. Whilst we realise boats have a right to navigate safely within UK waters, they cannot do so with disregard to their impact on others’ commercial activities.’

Read more at http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/news/sailor-prosecuted-for-wind-farm-sabotage-30393#SV6SvD08feTcI7r7.99

[Robbo]

Look at the date

[Alan de Enfield]

4 minutes ago, Robbo said:

Look at the date

Damm you !!!!

Spoilsport.

[Robbo]

1 minute ago, Alan de Enfield said:

Damm you !!!!

Spoilsport.

T’was obvious!

[Dharl]

6 minutes ago, Robbo said:

Look at the date

oh that was close.....was slightly concerned as the "daily drive" has a slightly larger wind shadow than a 35ft yacht.....  

[b0atman]

..- keep away