Dibden bay

The RYA did not object to the Dibden Bay scheme in principle. We do not deny ABP's right to grow their business. To do so would be to undermine our own twin doctrines that the seas should be free for all to use, and that the only requirement for safe navigation in congested waters is for all vessels to comply with the Col Regs.

Our withdrawal followed months of discussion with abp over our concerns on sailing on Sailing on Southampton Water. They eventually came through with satisfactory insurances, and it would have been wrong for us to have carried on our opposition.

Months before the Enquiry we agreed that the Cruising Association would handle the Thorn Channel issue, and we would lead on the Southampton Water issues. The CA was also in discussions with ABP. If they had received satisfactory assurances, no doubt they would have withdrawn too.

Also, the RYA was supported throughout by the Solent Cruising and Racing Association. They are an association of all the clubs in the Solent, and they endorse the action we took.

It is also worth noting that the BMF, who represent the yachting industry, actually put in a letter of support for the Dibden scheme long before the Enquiry.