Recent History
Following the withdrawal of the Royal Navy from HMS Osprey in the 1990s, the site of the former naval base was sold by the Ministry of Defence to the South West Regional Development Agency who in turn granted leases over its western part to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (www.wpnsa.org.uk ) and the eastern part to Dean & Reddyhoff marinas (www.deanreddyhoff.co.uk) . During this time the Branch continued to operate with the existing moorings which lay broadly parallel to the foreshore and as serving naval personnel ceased working at HMS Osprey they were replaced by volunteers. The branch membership is made up of RNSA members and associates, with the committee largely made up of retired naval personnel or civilians. With the announcement of the 2012 Olympics, extensive works were undertaken at the site which included the provision of two slips to give “all-weather” launching capability, together with the relocation of the RNSA moorings which now comprise solely a new 51 capacity trot system lying about 300 m further to the west than before.
The Branch seeks to use the WPNSA building as its shore base, and its mooring members are also members of WPNSA, but we are subject to normal commercial drivers. The Branch does not operate a launch service, but members can store tenders on the WPNSA site.
RNSA Portland Branch is one of four sailing clubs making up the Yacht Clubs of Weymouth (www.ycw.org.uk )
Visiting Portland
The Branch welcomes visiting RNSA members and two moorings are permanently allocated for them, which can accommodate boats up to 14m long. A Visitor’s mooring is usually available. Advance booking with the Branch Mooring Officer is desirable. The charge made for the mooring is £10 per day or part thereof, cheques to be made payable to RNSA Portland Branch and sent to our treasurer, Alan Clifton, 4, Aldondale Gardens, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1QU.
Visitors can land at WPNSA, and use their facilities, but are required to register and pay a fee. It can be very busy both in the harbour and onshore when large events are on, so it may be worth checking their website prior to a visit.
There are 2 visitors’ moorings as shown on the RNSA website: RNSA Visitor Moorings in Portland Harbour. Advance booking with the Branch Mooring Officer is recommended to avoid disappointment. Both are fitted with chain strops and pickup buoys that need to be attached to the boat for insurance. The buoys have a largish eye at the top, which you will need to tie up to. Please bear in mind that Portland is exposed, particularly in a NE wind, so you need to be careful how you do this, particularly if you leave the boat unattended for any length of time. Permanent holders use chain, with a backup of either thick nylon rope or another chain.
Cruising
The Branch seeks to organise mainly local cruises, and joins the other clubs for longer passages. Members, however, cruise both far and wide, and with the Channel Islands and North Brittany normally a reach there and back, many include at least one visit per season.
Moorings
The 51 moorings comprise three size ranges based on boat length, ranging from 8 – 14m. There are currently vacancies in all sizes. They are available for use in the summer season only, from 1 April to 31 October. For details contact John Hasker, the Mooring Secretary.
Social
The Branch seeks to undertake regular social events throughout the year, both onshore with events such as a cocktail party and on the water with a pontoon party These may also involve local sailing clubs.
Branch Membership
The Branch welcomes all RNSA members as well as associates. A Branch/Social charge is made and involvement in activities and committee work is encouraged.