Yachting and Boating World forums: Boat to Milford & Castle Martin Range

With the run of NE or SE winds decided to move Dawn Star down to the Haven prior to my cruise to Ireland. Tuesday, forecast SE 4-5 perfect, left at HW Barry 0845 and had a good sail as far as Nash, when the wind started to fall light and go right round to E, ended up motoring arriving in Milford in time for the last lock.
Having rounded St Gowans the Castle Martin range called to tell me that they intended Tank Gunnery in 20 minutes time and on my present course and speed I would hold then up for a further 30 minutes and would I go S for 3 miles to clear the range. I then quoted the Range byelaw Nov 1986 which stated
that Quote " These byelaws shall not insofar as they relate to the sea area apply to:
a..any vessel,not being used for fishing in the sea area,passsing through the sea area in the ordinary course of navigation and remaining in the sea area no longer than is reasonably necessary to pass through the sea area
The Range officer who was fully aware of this section of bye law agreed. The outcome was..I agreed to increase my speed but maintain by present course, for which he thanked me.

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