Friday, 29 March 2024

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Sea Pictures from Dover.

Sailing Ships just off Dover: Europa above and De Gallant below...


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Post 501
  howard mcsweeney, Dover
very stark photograph of the rainbow paul, two answers to your question.

a) people were still indoors because of the storm.

b) parents, usually the mums, are at the end of their tether towards the end of any half term/easter/christmas break and just want to park their offspring at the school gates.

Saturday, 22 February 2014 - 21:56
 
Post 500
  PaulB, Dover
Thanks Mike. I didn't realise that re the Polarstream. I am not at all surprised that occasionally some of the stacked up containers take flight...this is the Star Service departing about 2 or 3 days ago and you can see she has a very full load onboard. Well stacked up for sure this time. Must be heck of a handful in very rough weather.

Saturday, 22 February 2014 - 08:04
 
Post 499
  Mike J., Dover
PaulB -

Superb photo of the JOLINE & the big boxboats !

The POLARSTREAM apparently had damage when she came in the other day, she had lost containers overboard in bad weather.
Some containers still on deck were damaged & the ship herself had received minor damage.

For photos Google ‘vessel tracker polarstream’ & follow the links.

She was luckier than the MAERSK SVENDBORG who lost 520 containers overboard in bad weather in the Bay of Biscay on 14th.February.


Friday, 21 February 2014 - 08:00
 
Post 498
  PaulB, Dover
A touch of the ould King Canute is needed these days..forever commanding the sea to go back, or in our case more particularly, commanding the beach to go back to the beach. Despite all the recent massed effort with assorted guys brushing and shingle shovelling, the big guns were needed yesterday and here we are...bring on the JCB...
While it all goes on.. there is of course business as usual..getting ready below for the arrival of the Spirit of France

Thanks Howard. Will hopefully have lots of topical shots to come with the cruise season not that far away. Yes indeed the Joline carries on.

Brief Note For All : If you have Windows 8 or 8.1 you can click on the open book icon at the bottom of the page in the address bar and the whole page takes on a different personality completely and goes into reader mode...moving from left to right. Looks very different..and very good too says he with all humility.
SmileySmiley

Friday, 21 February 2014 - 07:52
 
Post 497
  howard mcsweeney, dover
great photos paul, especially the one of the sun rising, such a pity that the "joline" continues to ply her unpleasant trade.

Wednesday, 19 February 2014 - 21:22
 
Post 496
  PaulB, Dover
As mentioned earlier the Joline paid us a visit this morning. This vessel as we know is involved in the trading of Live Animal Exports ..which horrifies many. The craft is a strange beast itself, hardly suitable for the task in hand. The visit this morning was quite brief...it has long since returned to Calais. Whether it carried a load this time around I know not. But here are a few pictures of the scene early this morning.
The Joline arriving in harbour, but look at those monsters out in the channel. Huge ships indeed. To the left you can just see Calais.
Picture left shows the Joline waiting offshore prior to entering harbour. In the foreground you can see the lifting cranes of the Polarstream. Picture right shows the busy channel at the same time with Calais playing the role of backdrop.

and from a day or two ago...nature exactly as is..
The Sun rising over the water.



Wednesday, 19 February 2014 - 18:49
 
Post 495
  JanT, Dover
So good to see the weather back to some sort of normality,and the pictures below show how calm the sea is now lets hope we have seen the worst of it.Smiley

But there has been some great pictures,and I see yesterday the guys were about shovelling all those pebbles back onto the beach.SmileySmiley

Wednesday, 19 February 2014 - 11:23
 
Post 494
  PaulB, Dover
There were two cargo ships offloading in the harbour yesterday. One was the Polarstream and the other one of the regular Star ships. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the Polarstream as didn't spot it arriving. I noticed it though in position next to the regular cargo terminal on the eastern arm. A bit out of camera range for yours truly. The Star Service slipped in beside it there about 4.30pm yesterday. I didn't get a picture of that one either as the light was so poor...but here's one I did earlier of The Star Service...
Dover struggles to cope with more than one cargo ship at once at the current time...so the vision to expand cargo activity could be very achievable and a great boost..the immediate obvious benefit being more jobs, apart from anything else. More ships, more jobs...Both ships yesterday appeared to be carrying full loads too. Trade is on the up!

A few days back we had this one below... the Pacific Reefer.
The flow goes on and on like never before, good news for Dover, but most people recognise now that more terminals are needed. Have just checked with our Channel Traffic link, see top of page Dover.uk.com, and both ships the Polarstream and the Star Service are still in harbour.. if anyone wants to see them in the flesh. Also alas heading towards harbour as I write is the unfortunate vision of the MV Joline...she of the live animal exports.


Wednesday, 19 February 2014 - 07:10
 
Post 493
  PaulB, Dover
I understand that yesterday was the second anniversary of the launch of the DFDs Dover to Calais run. We haven't had any official notification through but heard it through the grapevine as they say. Yours truly has travelled with DFDS to Dunkerque, not to Calais as yet, and it was all very enjoyable and very clean. I did the trip on the Delft Seaways....good luck to DFDS for a solid future on the run.
Smiley

I took the picture of the Dover Seaways above in the past 7 or 10 days. It looks great as you can see, all brand spankingly super clean and smart... all ready for the new season. Ed is on there I'm sure as we speak.
The picture below is a DFDS shot.. the ships always look good with the cliffs as backdrop.


Tuesday, 18 February 2014 - 07:03
 
Post 492
  PaulB, Dover
"They stretched in never ending line along the margin of the bay
Ten thousand saw I at a glance..." Smiley

But cheer up the worst of the weather and the worst of the traffic problems are now behind us...aren't they!?

Well done with those pics below Steve...always welcome.Smiley

Monday, 17 February 2014 - 08:44
 
Post 491
  howard mcsweeney, Dover
the photo from paul below would make a good promotional piece for dover.

calm before the storm indeed, these two from steve walker of wccp were taken during the storm at samphire hoe.




Sunday, 16 February 2014 - 17:55
 
Post 490
  PaulB, Dover
Everything seems to be operating normally again, there is no backlog of traffic as I write. Yesterday we had the storm and indeed the after effects of the storm to deal with ( see also the post below ), all this combined with the massed half-term getaway...so the immediate Queens Highway was in a state of near chaos. But all tranquil again - touch wood!
This is the scene looking west across the harbour before the worst of the storm broke on Friday night.


Sunday, 16 February 2014 - 07:05
 
Post 489
  PaulB, Dover
Traffic and Weather update through from the Port of Dover
______________________________________________

Please be advised that the Port of Dover remains open with delays to ferry crossings caused by the adverse weather conditions. The Port was closed last night due to high winds and concerns over customer and staff safety.

Phase one of Operation Stack is still in place due to bad weather and a build up of freight traffic queuing for the Port and the Channel Tunnel. For more information please visit www.kent.police.uk/news/latest_news/140215_stack.html.

The terminal continues to be busy and Port of Dover staff and ferry operators are working hard to keep the traffic moving and to get our customers on their way. The uplift of traffic is improving with multiple ferries being able to enter the Port with support from tugs. Ferry operators are also reporting space available on some crossings. A shuttle service is in place with passengers being embarked on the first available vessel.

We understand that a number of customers have been affected by the disruptions to ferry crossings and we do apologise for any inconvenience caused. We would also like to apologise to our community for the traffic disruptions in Kent due to queues caused by the adverse weather conditions.

We would like to thank everyone for patience and understanding that the safety and security of everyone is of the utmost importance. We will aim to provide the next update as soon as possible but please be advised that the adverse weather is due to continue until the late hours.

Passengers are advised to check with their ferry operator for further updates. Please also visit our website (www.doverport.co.uk) or twitter account (@Port_of_Dover) for the latest information. Sea condition in the Channel are rough with West-Sou-Westerly moderate gale (force 7) and good visibility

* *

A sad tale there John about the passenger on the Marco Polo. Conditions were totally abysmal out there last night and it was a most unfortunate incident.
Good that you were able to show us a picture of the ship in question.



Saturday, 15 February 2014 - 19:06
 
Post 488
  John Mavin, Dover
Today's stormy conditions gives us a sad item of news involving an occasional visitor to Dover. The veteran cruise ship Marco Polo was hit by a freak wave in the south-western approaches of the Channel. A window was smashed and an 85 year old male and a woman in her seventies sustained injuries which required them being airlifted to hospital. Sadly the man later died.

A number of other passengers received minor injuries and are being treated on board.

As I write Marco Polo is just off the Cherbourg peninsular en-route to her home port at Tilbury where she is due to arrive in the early hours of Sunday.




Saturday, 15 February 2014 - 01:51
 
Post 487
  Andrew MacLean, Canterbury (jazzandy@btinternet.com)
Only six weeks to go until Dance to France on the MV Spirit of Britain with disco in the forward lounge. Saturday March 29th.
Book now - numbers are strictly limited!

Phone 01227 732414 for tickets



Friday, 14 February 2014 - 17:36
 
Post 486
  PaulB, Dover

PORT OF DOVER COMMUNITY REGATTA – BIGGER AND BETTER - the date for the Regatta is July 26, 2014.

Whilst we all wait for the winter wind and rain to pass, here’s some summer fun to look forward to. We said that the Port of Dover Community Regatta would return bigger and better and that is what we are going to deliver.

Facilitated by the Port of Dover with the support of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and the Dover Sea Sports Centre, the free event will return with all of the family fun of last year but with some notable additions such as a big vintage car rally and a cutting edge aerobatic display by the world renowned Blades.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover stated; "We’re delighted to support the Regatta, making the most of our beautiful harbour and providing a great event for the community to enjoy, whilst supporting a local charity. The event couldn’t take place without the dedication of our enthusiastic partners and the support of the community. After a successful launch last year, we look forward to staging a bigger, more vibrant event this year to provide a fantastic festival of family fun on land and sea at the Port of Dover."

Back by popular demand will be the ‘Dover Port Dash’ tournament, sponsored by the Port of Dover, which will see teams race across the harbour in ‘Thames Cutters’ pitting their wits against the waves and challenging their fitness in a bid to raise money for local charity, the Cinque Port Pirates. The charity’s aim is to ensure sailing is accessible to all, no matter of ability, cultural, social-economic, racial or religious background they come from, by offering every child low-cost membership and weekly sailing lessons, giving them the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and experience a wide variety of sea-based activities in a safe environment.

Mr Waggott added; "We are delighted to sponsor the Dover Port Dash for such a worthy beneficiary."

There are places for 14 adult mixed teams and, for the first time, 14 mixed junior (ages 10-16 years) crews. Teams will comprise six rowers plus a cox. Entry will be free to the junior teams. So the call is well and truly out to all aspiring Dashers, to get their teams together, get practicing and get set to join in all the fun!

Also on the water will be paddlesports, sailing tasters, pedalos and more, organised by Dover Sea Sports Centre. On land there will be demonstrations by Kent Fire and Rescue Service and a range of blue light services as well as community agencies organised by the Dover District Community Safety Partnership as well as a host of stalls offering entertainment and local produce.

Karen Amber, Commodore of the Cinque Ports Pirates, said: " 'Sailing isn't just my hobby mum, its my passion!' Jarrod, age 12. This comment is just one of the reasons we are so delighted and grateful to the Port of Dover Community Regatta for choosing the Cinque Ports Pirates Sailing Club as the beneficiary of this year's event. Sailing is traditionally an elitist sport but we believe ALL children should have the opportunity to learn to sail and sail regularly. The money raised from this event will help us get more of Dover's children on the water; sailing for fun, friendship and fitness on one of the countries most fantastic expanses of water - Dover Harbour. "

Nadeem Aziz, Chairman of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and Chief Executive of Dover District Council said: "We are looking forward to another successful event on Dover Seafront. Incorporating the Community Safety Day within the Port Regatta is a great way to create a fun day out for the whole family, and to show the community how the partnership continues to work to keep our district a safe place to live, work and visit."
Further event details are to be announced in due course but in the meantime please register your interest in taking part in the Dover Port Dash by emailing Alyson Hudson at PODCommunityRegatta.co.uk
Ends

* *
The Regatta was huge fun last year. It was great to see it revive..there were literally thousands and thousands of smiling faces on the day enjoying the event and enjoying the cracking sunshine too. Lots of people worked very hard and one person in particular did a fine job...not here with us in Dover any longer though.

Smiley


Friday, 14 February 2014 - 07:07
 
Post 485
  PaulB, Dover
Five day half term breaks in Belgium from just £52 per person
MyFerryLink offers great value fares and a fun holiday idea for all the family..


Dover-Calais ferry operator, MyFerryLink has come up with a fantastic family holiday idea for this half term that certainly won’t break the bank. Families taking advantage of last minute deals from Belgium based Sun Parks holiday villages can get away from 17-21 February this half term from just £52 per person (based on a family of four), including four nights’ self-catering accommodation and return ferry crossings with MyFerryLink!

Sun Parks holiday villages offer all-weather holidays in Belgium with comfortable self-catering villas and a wide range of on-site facilities and activities, perfectly suited to a family break. Situated in the Kempen region of Flanders, just under three hours’ drive from Calais, the Kempense Meren holiday park is surrounded by idyllic natural beauty. Indoor facilities include the Aquafun subtropical swimming pool with wavepool, slides, whirlpool, sauna, solarium, jacuzzi and Aqua Café. Families can also enjoy badminton, bowling, table tennis and other sports, not to mention the Kids World indoor play centre. There are also plenty of places to visit on a day out, including the Plopsa indoor amusement park and the Olmense Zoo with its huge 2,000m2 tropical hall where exotic animals rule. And, talking of animals, pets are welcome at Sun Parks too.

Last minute offers, for 17 February arrivals, from the Kempense Meren holiday park include four nights in a self-catering villa for four with two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and living room with TV for just €159 (£131). Dover-Calais ferry crossings for a car and up to 9 passengers with MyFerryLink start from just £37 each way for the same period, meaning a family of four can get away for five days from just £51.25 per person!

For more information or to book, visit www.sunparks.com and www.myferrylink.com or call 0844 2482 100


Thursday, 13 February 2014 - 14:36
 
Post 484
  PaulB, Dover
Great to see the info on the Lizrix and the French Cutter lads..and great pictures too. And a big well done too to Brian for getting those storm pix just outside the western arm. Brian and the camera are newly acquainted and his pictures below show exactly what it was like yesterday.
Smiley
Yes Jan always good to get the information coming in from both DHB and the ferry operators..all of them are adding to the mix and very welcome they are.
Have more news and general information in the pipeline as I write.
What awful weather.. it was horrendous here yesterday. Hurricane force winds in some areas. Off the south coast of Ireland a 110mph wind was recorded. A heck of a gale...You wouldn't get me out on the Princess Maud in that one.
Smiley Smiley

Thursday, 13 February 2014 - 07:46
 
Post 483
  JanT, Dover
Not sure about any of you guys but I am sure fed up with this weather,Smileyhad enough of this wind and rain.Smiley

But well done guys you have been busy with those camera's,to get some great pictures for the sea news page.Smiley

And its always good to get up to date info from DHB especially at the moment.Smiley

Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - 16:52
 
Post 482
  brian, dover.
western arm howard westrn arm.Smiley

Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - 15:46
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