Power boat speed warning after sailor swept overboard

MOTOR boat users are being urged to consider others after a sailor was swept overboard on the Lymington River by wash from a passing craft.

Harbour master Ryan Willegers recently issued a notice to mariners asking power boat owners to be mindful of their speeds and the impact that wash can have on other river

users and those out in the Solent.

He said: “Although I have don’t have powers to enforce speed limits outside the river channels I thought it was worthwhile to remind people of the need to be courteous and considerate to other sailors.

“The notice came about after a recent meeting with the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, when it was brought to my attention that there had been a number of incidents of motorboats speeding past dinghy sailors out in the Solent.”

Mr Willegers said in one incident a man went overboard as a direct result of wash created by a passing craft.

He added: “Wash can have a very big effect on little boats in the river and the same goes for when they are out in the Solent.

“It is often children and teenagers that are sailing these dinghies so it is especially important to be mindful of their safety.

“While creating excessive wash within harbour limits is a breach of the General Directions 2014 and may result in prosecution, the same hazards apply outside of harbour waters.

“All boat owners are asked to exercise good seamanship by keeping a lookout and moderating speed and wash where small boats are likely to be impacted.”