The RYA Eastern Region have held discussions with the DTI and the following is a summary of their discussion:
Radar & VHF
There is a real concern that these will be affected by the wind farms. The Ministry of Defence has already banned them from flightpaths near RAF Stations and commercial shipping has experienced problems near the Hoyle wind farms.
Magnetic Anomalies
It has been revealed that the wind farms will be generating direct current (DC) and this will be sent ashore via underwater power cables. Concern has been expressed that this could effect magnetic compasses etc.
Exclusion Zones
They are not proposing exclusion zones around the area of the wind farms and sailors will be allowed to sail within the zones. Essex sailors are particularly concerned that they wished to continue to use the Foulgers Gat which is right through the middle of the London array.
Marking of Wind farms & Generators
There is no proposal to mark the zones, however, individual towers will be marked as follows:
Blade Height
Gunfleet will be 20m but all future constructions will have an air draft of 22m above MHWS. Members of Southend Paragliding club have expressed their concerns!.
Monitoring
All towers will be equipped with CCTV cameras monitored from a base on shore.
Port of London Authority
They are concerned about keeping the commercial shipping channels clear as yachts could be end up being forced in to them.
RYA's Position
The RYA have stated that they are not prepared to campaign on the loss of sailing or visual amenities due to the construction of wind farms.
